Entire Knicks roster, staff is vaccinated against COVID-19, says GM Scott Perry
In another sign the Knicks have their act together under this new regime, the entire roster is fully vaccinated heading into training camp next week, according to GM Scott Perry.
“This was all internally driven, and lot of credit goes to our players, our medical staff — this is something that we’ve been on top of really the entire year,” Perry said.
It’s a contrast to the Brooklyn Nets, who couldn’t claim 100% vaccination this week and risk losing players for home games without compliance. Kyrie Irving is one of the unvaccinated Nets, according to Fox Sports.
Beyond the community health benefits, vaccination is significant to the local teams because New York City has mandated it to enter the arenas. In other words, Irving couldn’t play or practice at home unless he received the shot or a religion/health exception.
Nets GM Sean Marks said he believes his players will be vaccinated by the start of the season, which begins Oct. 19 (although they host two preseason games starting Oct. 8). The Nets are conducting training camp in San Diego.
The Knicks successfully navigated last season without a shutdown and only a few COVID-19 cases, specifically to Derrick Rose and Alec Burks. They’ve been a model franchise in dealing with COVID-19.
Along with the players, the entire staff is vaccinated, according to Perry.
“They took this thing very seriously and took the responsibility to get that done,” the GM said. “So, we’re very proud of that fact, and we’re gonna move forward.”
