Brooklyn Nets: A Season of High Hopes and Disappointment
As the 2021-22 NBA season kicked off, the Brooklyn Nets were universally regarded as the team to beat, boasting superstars Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden alongside a strong supporting roster. Expectations were sky-high, with the Nets positioned as the clear favorites to dominate the Eastern Conference. However, the season concluded in disarray. By playoff time, Harden had been traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, leaving the Nets with a 44-38 record, which put them in seventh place in the conference. They faced a swift exit, swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round.
Reflections from Durant and Irving
Recently, both Durant and Irving have revisited the tumultuous period in Brooklyn during public discussions. Their reflections began on the “Mind the Game” podcast featuring LeBron James and coach Steve Nash. Durant expressed regret over not fully utilizing Nash’s potential, citing numerous challenges that impacted the coaching dynamic. He noted,
“I feel like we were locked in together, but it was strange; we were committed, yet it felt like others weren’t.”
Durant reminisced fondly about his time in Brooklyn despite these obstacles.
Irving, on his Twitch stream, shared insights about his relationship with the franchise, revealing a sense of alienation during his time with the Nets. He lamented the lack of connection with the organization and former coach Kenny Atkinson, stating,
“They wanted KD more than they wanted me.”
Moreover, he expressed surprise at Harden’s departure and the subsequent acquisition of Ben Simmons, whose ongoing back issues complicated the team’s trajectory.
Moving Forward
Despite the challenges and the media scrutiny surrounding Harden during his exit, Irving clarified that he holds no grudges against any of his former teammates, including Durant and Nash. He asserted,
“Me and KD are not beefing. I appreciate the engagement, and I want to tell KD that I love him.”
Reflecting on their shared goals, Irving acknowledged the difficulties they faced, but also emphasized the unique bond forged through their pursuit of a championship together.
“I’ve played with many great players, but sharing the court with KD was something extraordinary,”
Irving acknowledged, attributing personal and collective growth to those experiences.
In light of the past disappointments, the Nets are in the early stages of rebuilding their roster and organizational foundation, a challenging endeavor given the weight of their previous era’s failures. However, the journey towards restoration will undoubtedly require patience and strategic planning as they aim to rise from the setbacks of their recent history.
