Kyrie Irving’s return to Brooklyn with the Dallas Mavericks stirred reflections on his time with the Nets, prompting him to explore three intriguing ‘what-if’ scenarios regarding his tenure with the team.
“Things could have changed and we look back at the past and you have 20-20 vision, this could have gone right or this would have happened. If I didn’t get injured versus the Bucks do I still ask for a trade, or KD’s foot wasn’t on the 3-point line are we talking about a different legacy here if James doesn’t ask for a trade?”
“All the would’ve, could’ve, should’ve, hopefully after this night we can just put that to rest and just move forward and I can look forward to the rest of my career and just handling it in Dallas and going after my second championship.”
Kyrie Irving: “If I didn’t get injured versus the Bucks, do I still ask for a trade? If KD’s foot wasn’t on the 3-point line, are we talking about a different legacy here? If James (Harden) doesn’t ask for a trade? All of the woulda, coulda, shoulda.” pic.twitter.com/AYeWf2YTTl
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) February 7, 2024
Firstly, Irving pondered whether his decision to request a trade would have remained the same had he not suffered an injury during the playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks. This injury significantly impacted his playing time and could have influenced his perspective on his future with the Nets.
Secondly, Irving speculated on how different the narrative might be if Kevin Durant’s iconic shot against the Bucks in the playoffs had been a three-pointer instead of a two-pointer due to his foot placement. The outcome of that game could have altered the trajectory of the Nets’ postseason run and potentially reshaped the legacy of their star players.
Lastly, Irving questioned the potential outcome if James Harden had not requested a trade from the Nets. Harden’s departure was another significant event that reshaped the team’s dynamics and altered their future plans. Considering these ‘what-if’ scenarios, Irving emphasized the importance of moving forward and focusing on his career with the Mavericks.
Throughout his reflections, Irving expressed a sense of closure regarding his time in Brooklyn, acknowledging both the achievements and setbacks he experienced during his tenure with the Nets. Despite the challenges and controversies, Irving maintained gratitude for the opportunity to play for his hometown team and emphasized the personal growth he gained from the experience.
As he continues his career with the Mavericks, Irving aims to leave the turbulent times in Brooklyn behind and focus on his future in Dallas. His return to Brooklyn served as a reminder of the past, but Irving is determined to look forward and make the most of his opportunities with his new team.
What If Kyrie Irving Didn’t Get Injured With The Nets?
If Kyrie Irving hadn’t suffered that pivotal injury during the 2021 NBA Playoffs with the Brooklyn Nets, the course of NBA history might have been drastically altered. At the time of his injury, the Nets were leading 2-1 in their second-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks and were displaying a dominant performance.
Irving’s absence shifted the momentum of the series, placing an immense burden on Kevin Durant to carry the team’s offensive load. Despite Durant’s heroic efforts, including several unforgettable performances, the Nets ultimately succumbed to the Bucks in a heartbreaking Game 7 loss in overtime.
Had Irving remained healthy, the Nets likely would have maintained their dominance over the Bucks and advanced further in the playoffs. With Irving’s scoring prowess and playmaking abilities alongside Durant and James Harden, the Nets had the potential to claim the championship that year.
A title for the Nets in 2021 could have cemented their status as a powerhouse in the league and solidified the bond between their star trio. Instead, Irving’s injury forced the Nets to confront what could have been, leaving fans and analysts alike to ponder the tantalizing ‘what-if’ scenarios.
Furthermore, a championship victory may have influenced Irving’s decision-making regarding his future with the team. The success and camaraderie of a championship season could have swayed Irving to remain with the Nets, prolonging the era of the Big Three in Brooklyn.
Ultimately, Irving’s injury not only altered the outcome of the 2021 playoffs but also had significant implications for the Nets’ future trajectory. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the profound impact that individual injuries can have on a team’s fortunes.
What If Kevin Durant’s Foot Wasn’t On The Line And Nets Went To The Finals?
If Kevin Durant’s foot hadn’t been on the line in Game 7 against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Brooklyn Nets might have advanced to the NBA Finals, altering the course of their postseason journey. In that crucial moment, Durant’s apparent game-winning shot was ruled a two-pointer instead of a three-pointer, forcing the game into overtime, where the Nets ultimately fell short.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHxa-wDP6n0
Had Durant’s shot counted as a three-pointer, the Nets would have secured a dramatic victory over the Bucks and advanced to the Finals. However, their journey wouldn’t have been without challenges. The Nets would have faced the formidable Phoenix Suns, led by Chris Paul and Devin Booker, in the championship series.
Despite the Suns’ strength, the Nets would have posed a significant threat even with the absence of Kyrie Irving due to injury and James Harden playing through pain. Durant’s scoring prowess and ability to elevate his game in clutch situations would have given the Nets a fighting chance against the Suns.
Even if the Nets had ultimately fallen short in the Finals, reaching the championship series would have been a significant achievement. The experience of competing on the biggest stage of the NBA playoffs could have strengthened the bond between Durant, Irving, and Harden, solidifying their commitment to the team’s long-term success.
Furthermore, a Finals appearance would have provided validation for the Nets’ ambitious roster construction and signaled their emergence as a powerhouse in the Eastern Conference. The disappointment of a potential loss in the Finals would have been tempered by the satisfaction of knowing they had come tantalizingly close to achieving their ultimate goal.
In the end, the ‘what-if’ scenario of Durant’s foot not being on the line highlights the fine margins that can determine success or failure in the NBA playoffs, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the game.
What If James Harden Never Requested A Trade?
If James Harden had never requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets, the dynamics of the team would have been significantly different, particularly in terms of on-court chemistry and roster balance. With both Harden and Kyrie Irving on the roster, the Nets would have featured two primary ball handlers, which could have presented challenges in terms of finding a cohesive playing style and distributing responsibilities.
During Harden’s tenure with the Nets, there were moments where his partnership with Irving and Kevin Durant showed glimpses of offensive brilliance, showcasing their ability to share playmaking duties and create scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates. However, integrating two high-usage guards like Harden and Irving into the same lineup would have required adjustments and compromises from both players in terms of shot selection and decision-making.
In terms of the team’s performance, the Nets’ record at the time of Harden’s trade request was 29-26, a reflection of their struggles to find consistency amid injuries and lineup disruptions. With Harden in the lineup, the Nets might have been better equipped to navigate through adversity, potentially improving their playoff positioning and performance.
For example, in the first round of the playoffs, the Nets were swept by the Boston Celtics. With Harden’s playmaking ability and scoring prowess, they might have been able to mount a more competitive challenge against the Celtics, potentially avoiding a sweep and advancing further in the postseason.
However, it’s worth noting that the competition in the Eastern Conference was fierce, with several teams boasting formidable rosters and strong performances throughout the season. While Harden’s presence could have bolstered the Nets’ chances, the road to the NBA Finals would have remained a challenging one, with other teams also vying for supremacy in the East.
Ultimately, the ‘what-if’ scenario of Harden not requesting a trade underscores the unpredictable nature of the NBA and the multitude of factors that can influence a team’s success or failure in any given season.
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