In recent weeks, the subject of unvaccinated players has been a major topic of conversation around the NBA. This is especially true for teams that could face the Toronto Raptors in the NBA Playoffs.
Currently, you must be fully vaccinated to enter Canada. This has put the eligibility of a handful of players in doubt for the postseason. Among those players are Matisse Thybulle of the Philadelphia 76ers (who was recently ineligible for a game in Toronto) and Jaylen Brown and Al Horford of the Boston Celtics.
Horford had previously said “I’ll be ready to play everywhere” when asked about the subject last week. After saying he understand the concern over his eligibility to play in Canada, Horford confirmed he’d be able to play road games against the Raptors.
“It’s something I haven’t wanted to discuss,” Horford said. “I think with the Celtics, we made it clear we’re not going to discuss those things, and it’s a health matter, and we all respect everybody’s individual perspectives. That’s why I’m not going to get into it and talk about it. But I’m ready to go.”
Brown recently said “I’m excited to play anywhere” in the postseason when he was asked about his eligibility to play in Toronto. Brown also said speaking about vaccination is a privacy issue. Brown said his role as a Vice President of the NBA Players Association keeps him from commenting on vaccination statuses, for himself and anyone else.