The 2021 offseason gave us an arms race between two of the NBA’s most lucrative franchises.
The Brooklyn Nets, who already had Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and James Harden, were able to add some pieces to fit alongside their core, with signings that brought in Patty Mills and NBA veteran LaMarcus Aldridge.
In the west, the Lakers really shook things up in the summer by adding Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, and others alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
At a glance, the Purple and Gold are poised to give Brooklyn (considered the favorites in the eyes of many) a run for their money.
when asked about all the activity by the opposition this offseason, Nets star James Harden made sure to let the world know that his squad isn’t worried about what other teams have been doing.
“I think we’re very confident and we’re great. Like we’re talented enough.
We have a very vet group that’s been there before we have some young guys that are going to be done in a fire with us. But it’s not about anybody else but us. Like if we take care of our business and approach the game and approach each day like we know we are going to, we’re not worried about anybody else.”
(start at 8:25)
The comment certainly reeks of confidence, but James Harden has every reason to be.
Over the past few years, the Beard has been an unstoppable force in this league, making 9 All-Star appearances and winning an MVP in 2018 while averaging 30.4 points per game.
In Brooklyn, he’ll be playing with guys at his level for the first time since his days in OKC. With Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Blake Griffin, and more, the Nets will be an absolute powerhouse this upcoming season and nobody, not even the Lakers, will have an easy time getting in their way.
