German brother couple in the NBA: vaccination escalation “overshadows” the super team

German brother couple in the NBA
Vaccination escalation “overshadows” the super team

The NBA is starting its anniversary season with seven German basketball players, two of whom are even brothers. But the headlines are others, above all a super team in Los Angeles and an unvaccinated superstar in New York City. Everything you need to know about the start of the best league in the world.

The high-gloss basketball league NBA would have gladly done without this controversial debate. Before the anniversary season, Adam Silver’s bosses would have preferred headlines about superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and his targeted defense of the title with the Milwaukee Bucks or the next step by LeBron James with the LA Lakers on the way to the history book. Instead, one topic was recently in focus: Kyrie Irving and his corona vaccination.

Before the 75th season, in which seven Germans around Dennis Schröder and the two Wagner brothers Franz and Moritz will also be active, star player Irving polarizes so much that other aspects will fizzle out. The 29-year-old builder has so far waived a vaccination against the corona virus and is therefore initially no longer considered by title candidate Brooklyn Nets. “Given the evolving situation and after careful consideration, we have decided that Kyrie Irving will not play or train with the team,” said manager Sean Marks.

This applies until Irving meets the requirements to be “a full participant” again. The city of New York City requires indoor athletes to provide proof of vaccination – Irving has not yet been able to and does not want to provide this. According to the rules currently in force, he would miss all 41 home games even without the team surrender. “Don’t think I’ll retire. Don’t think I’ll give up this game for a compulsory vaccination,” said Irving shortly before the start of the season.

Two Berlin brothers in magical jerseys

This is not just about a prominent individual case, but about sums of millions and the competitiveness of a serious title contender. Irving’s team-mate Kevin Durant said: “I definitely want Kyrie with me. I wish none of this happened, but that’s where we are.” A similar debate about Andrew Wiggins at the Golden State Warriors has already been settled. According to coach Steve Kerr, Wiggins has now had himself vaccinated, otherwise he would have been threatened with a scenario similar to Irving under the applicable rules in San Francisco.

The NBA has set the four top favorites for the first day of the match. Defending champion Milwaukee Bucks at Antetokounmpo receives Tuesday night Wednesday (1.30 a.m. / DAZN) the nets around Durant, who will then get along without his congenial partner Irving. In the second game, the Los Angeles Lakers and superstar James meet the Warriors with Stephen Curry (4 a.m. / DAZN). “King” James, now 36, wants to win his fifth NBA title and collect further arguments in the debate as to whether he or Michael Jordan is the best basketball player in history.

With the Germans, many eyes will be on Schröder, who has moved from James’ Lakers to the Boston Celtics. The development player left a lot of money in contract poker in the summer by turning down a multi-million dollar offer and later signed for significantly less money. “I am 28 years old and will play in the NBA for a long time. Money is not everything,” said Schröder, who is likely to play a bigger role in Boston than he did at the Lakers last time.

The focus will also be on the duo Franz and Moritz Wagner, who play together for the Orlando Magic. “I and my brother have a very, very close relationship,” said Moritz Wagner about the two talents from Berlin. Newcomer Franz was drafted this summer and said of his motto: “I’m going to work my ass in Orlando to become the best basketball player I can be.” In addition to Schröder and the two Wagners, Maximilian Kleber (Dallas Mavericks), Daniel Theis (Houston Rockets), Isaac Bonga (Toronto Raptors) and Isaiah Hartenstein (Los Angeles Clippers) will also be active in the season before the European Championship.

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