Since the arrival of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant and 2019, the Brooklyn Nets haven’t had a whole lot to show for their star-studded roster.
Somehow, even with some of the best players in the world, obstacles kept holding them back, and everything came to a head when James Harden gave up and forced himself out after less than a full season with the squad.
Still, even after all the drama and chaos that has surrounded the franchise, NBA legend Vince Carter isn’t ready to give up on them just yet. In the aftermath of their blowout loss to the Celtics, VC explained why they are still a threat to win it all.
(via Get Up)
“This is a team that I think can make a run,” said Carter. “I think they are very talented and they hit their stride when they were healthy. I still say, KD’s not the question, it’s Ben Simmons who is the x-factor. What Ben Simmons will you get? Will you get the aggressive Ben Simmons, going downhill and putting pressure on the defense, making someone guard him whether he’s attacking the rim and then finding guys. They are very capable. They were hitting their stride before KD went down. The machine was well oiled…”
.@mrvincecarter15 could see the Nets making a run for an NBA title 👀 pic.twitter.com/HxfNJXA6GD
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) February 2, 2023
Even with all their flaws and shortcomings, the Nets cannot be counted out for one simple reason: they have Kevin Durant. As one of the best players in the world, his return (which should be around the All-Star break) should be enough to launch the Nets back into a positive stride.
Is Kevin Durant The Best Player In The NBA When Healthy?
While Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid may be neck-and-neck in the MVP race, Durant’s value and importance to the Nets have been on full display since they’ve been without him.
When he returns, it will be hard not to include him in conversations as the best in the world.
“To me, when healthy, it’s Kevin Durant,” said Stephen A. Smith on the Nets star. “He’s averaging nearly 30 on nearly 56% shooting, over 37% from three-point range, the brother’s spectacular. Can’t ignore Giannis, can’t ignore Jokic… I look at Luka, guys like that. But for me, I’m going to always say when healthy, it’s KD. He’s the most unstoppable force in basketball.”
The Nets are still 4th in the East after last night’s beatdown, so there’s still hope for them to finish within the top four before it’s all said and done.
The playoffs will be an interesting moment for this team as we find out if the Nets can put it together when it matters the most.
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