There wasn’t a public service announcement warning us of the emotional roller coaster we’re about to experience with the Brooklyn Nets.
A first-time coach, along with the on-court debut — and return of one of the game’s elite basketball players –, should’ve been enough of a full plate to work with.
However, at the time of this post, just 15 games into a truncated 2020-21 NBA season, the Nets are taking their fans on a ride they’ll never forget.
Steve Nash called it a “unique opportunity” when he was announced as the team’s new head coach, back in September. I can only wonder how many times since then he has gone home at night, taken a deep breath, and asked himself “what have I gotten myself into?”
The return of Kevin Durant to the basketball court, along with a healthy Kyrie Irving, marked the Nets as championship contenders. Durant is averaging 30.6 points per game this season, along with 7.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists. He’s arguably the early frontrunner for the MVP and Comeback Player of the Year awards.
Irving’s seven-game absence from the team, however, dominated much of the water cooler talk. At least, until news broke of the James Harden trade.
The Nets now have Durant, Irving, and Harden — on the same team. I mean, are you kidding me?
Here we have Nash, he’s finding his way as a first-time head coach. There’s Durant, the basketball savant, returning to the court and looking as if he hasn’t missed a step. Then there’s Irving, he says he’s back and ready to play ball, but for how long? It’s a reasonable question.
And if Harden’s first two games with Brooklyn were just him getting his legs under him, the rest of the Eastern Conference can only shake their heads at what’s ahead.
Durant, Irving, and Harden – all on the same page? On offense, who’s stopping them? If they’re all on the same page.
If, for the Nets, is the keyword.
There’s plenty of season left to play. Let’s see where this roller coaster takes us.
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