The Brooklyn Nets may be looking forward to a new NBA season with optimism, but it has come at a big cost for the franchise. Their superstars Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Ben Simmons have all been involved in long, drawn-out sagas in the recent past, and things are looking a bit shaky with the Nets.
Kevin Durant famously asked for a trade away from the organization, and even before then, their season in 2021-22 was derailed due to some major drama. Kyrie Irving has been at the center of a COVID-19-related controversy, something that he revealed has cost him upwards of $100 million by way of not being able to agree to a contract extension.
Ben Simmons’ departure from Philadelphia was quite dramatic as well, with the Australian leaving after sitting out the entire season. A disgruntled James Harden left Brooklyn in the middle of the season in the trade that brought Simmons over, something that caused further disruption for the team. And it had an impact on the role players around those stars as well.
Bruce Brown Is Happy To Be Away From The Drama Of The Brooklyn Nets
One of the bright sparks for the Nets last season was none other than Bruce Brown Jr., who stepped up with some big performances amid all the turmoil. Brown had 26 points in the playoffs during a game against the Boston Celtics, which was ultimately a futile effort since the Nets got swept. And eventually, he ended up signing with the Denver Nuggets during the offseason.
Brown was asked about his new team and being away from the Nets, and he had a very simple answer to it.
Bruce Brown on playing for the drama-less #Nuggets vs. the Nets: “I love that.”
— Mike Singer (@msinger) September 26, 2022
“Bruce Brown on playing for the drama-less Nuggets vs. the Nets: ‘I love that.’”
He elaborated on his take as well in answer to another question, using a term that isn’t very flattering for the Nets when asked about his time in New York.
Bruce Brown: "New York was kind of crazy. I'm happy to be here."
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) September 26, 2022
“New York was kind of crazy. I’m happy to be here.”
The Nets have a lot to figure out if they’re considering a serious challenge for the NBA title next season. All the talent in the world doesn’t mean anything if a team cannot come together during the season. Brown has also arguably moved to a franchise that is the polar opposite. The Nuggets have as normal a culture as anywhere in the NBA. Still, this is a bit of a bold statement for Brown to make, and one that his former teammates might just notice.
