Pressure on Durant, Harden & Nets as Season Begins Tonight
The Brooklyn Nets already knew that there would be a target on their backs weeks ago. Even though they head to Milwaukee tonight to play the defending champion Bucks, many…
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 18: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the preseason game between the Nets and the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on December 18, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Brooklyn Nets already knew that there would be a target on their backs weeks ago.
Even though they head to Milwaukee tonight to play the defending champion Bucks, many have the Nets pegged as the favorite in the Eastern Conference, yet again this year.
Fox Sports has the Nets as the odds on favorite to win it all.
It's nothing new for this version of the Nets.
Ever since General Manager Sean Marks brought in Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving (more on him in a moment), and traded for James Harden, the expectations are championship or bust.
Last season, the Nets fell to the Bucks in six games in the Eastern Conference semi's, falling way short of their lofty expectations.
Last season the prevailing issue was the lack of continuity on the court between the Nets trio of stars. Together, Durant, Harden and Irving played only eight games at the same time last year.
That leads us to the latest drama point: Kyrie Irving.
Irving has refused to get vaccinated, and due to New York state rules, he cannot play or participate in team activities until he gets the jab.
As a way to mitigate distraction, and not allow a part time player onto the court, the Nets decided that Irving will not be part of the team until he changes his mind.
A potential extension between Irving and the Nets is off the table for now.
Even if Irving stays away from the Nets the entire season, his presence, or lack thereof will hover over this team no matter what.
Irving is a difference maker on the court. He draws double-teams away from Durant, and is an excellent shooter, hitting around 40 percent from around the arc.
He will be missed.
This doesn't mean the Nets can't win without him.
They surely can.
With two All-Stars in Durant and Harden, combined with a former All-Star in Blake Griffin coming off the bench, and veterans like Paul Millsap, Patty Mills and Joe Harris in the rotation, there is no reason to believe the Nets can't win 50-plus games this season.
The question will be, as this season progresses, does Irving return and when? And, can Durant and Harden remain healthy for a full 82-game season?
We'll find out beginning tonight.
Nets @ Milwaukee 7:30 p.m. . TV: TNT
