For the first time since the beginning of the season, Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving spoke to reporters on Wednesday.

Irving, who is unvaccinated, passed the league's health and safety protocols and was asked to rejoin the team as a part-time player.

Initially, when Irving declined to take the COVID-19 vaccine, he was deemed ineligible to play at home games by the Nets organization, Heavy reports. The seven-time All-Star was also prohibited from participating in team practices until he was eligible to be a full participant, ESPN reports.

"I understood their decision, and I respected it. … I knew the consequences. I wasn't prepared for them. I really had to sit back and think and try to not become too emotionally attached to what they were deciding to do. I had to sit down and really evaluate things and see it from their perspective, meaning the organization and my teammates," the 2016 NBA champion told Heavy.

Throughout the current NBA season, a record 541 players took part in at least a game because of the spread of the coronavirus throughout the league.

Irving said he's grateful to be able to return.

"Not going to lie, it's been relatively tough to watch from the sideline, with everything going on in the world. I know everybody's feeling it, so, just praying for everybody to be healthy during these times. But if I get the opportunity to get on the court and play with some of my teammates, and even if it's just on the road for away games, I'm just grateful for that opportunity," Irving said, The Spun reports.

While benched, Irving remained in shape and was prepared when the Nets requested for his return.

"I said, 'Absolutely.' This has always been where I want to be. I've wanted to be playing with the team in whatever capacity I can do that," he explained, according to NBC Sports.