The playoffs are finally here, and for the Brooklyn Nets, that means the real season starts now: Its officially championship or bust time.
The Nets have already accomplished so much in five years transforming from an utterly irrelevant franchise into the most hated, star-studded team in the entire NBA. But their turnaround wont be complete without a title parade down Flatbush Ave. The pressure is on Brooklyns Big Three James Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to make that happen, to avoid the all-time criticism and ridicule that assuredly will come with an early ouster.
Brooklyn owner Joe Tsai is set to pay around $200 million in salary ($166 million) and luxury taxes (projected to be in the $30 million range) on this seasons roster. Harden ($41.3 million), Durant ($40.1 million) and Irving ($33.5 million) combine to make nearly $115 million as a trio in 2020-21. Thats not the type of money you spend to finish in second place.
On Sunday night, the Nets beat the Cleveland Cavaliers to secure the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, and a first-round series against either Irvings former team the Boston Celtics or Durant and Hardens former teammate Russell Westbrook. The projected path to 16 wins later figures to go through Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, and then, perhaps, LeBron James. Basically: It wont be easy.
Harden, Durant and Irving have played just eight games together due to injuries and health and safety protocols. On Saturday afternoon, Brooklyn was outscored 31-26 in 16 minutes with its Big Three on the court, registering eight assists and seven turnovers over that span. Its a small sample-size, sure. Its just that theres not that much sample to go by in the first place. At least the Nets will be able to get some more valuable practice time and film sessions as the play-in tournament takes place this week.
Future Hall of Famers Harden, Durant and Irving were all brilliant during the regular season. Durant returned to his superstar form after missing all of the 2019-20 campaign due to an Achilles rupture. Irving posted the first 50/40/90 season of his career. Harden changed the team dynamic with his talent, vocal leadership and sacrifice, posting a franchise-record tying 12 triple-doubles; Brooklyn went 29-7 with The Beard in the lineup after its Jan. 14 trade to acquire him. As long as all of them can stay healthy and that might be in the biggest if of all the Nets will be dangerous. Joe Harris, by the way, also led the league in 3-point percentage. Good luck to opposing defenses on that front.
Still, Brooklyn isnt invincible. Steve Nash has never coached in the playoffs before. The Nets dont have a ton of size at least if they want to stay away from the DeAndre Jordan experience as much as possible, anyway and their defense has often left a lot to be desired. Brooklyns hope is that its Big Threes all-world skill and postseason experience can overcome those weaknesses. After all, most teams would sign up for Brooklyns problems.
The regular season featured its share of trials and tribulations. Spencer Dinwiddie was lost to a partial ACL tear. Irving was absent for two weeks due to personal reasons that saga featuring plenty of bad optics and an organization upset with its franchise combo guard. Harden called out Jordan over the big mans poor performances on multiple occasions. The Nets struggled mightily against weaker opponents. Durant and Harden both missed significant time due to hamstring injuries. And LaMarcus Aldridge had to abruptly retire due to a heart condition.
But despite utilizing 38 different starting lineups, Brooklyn managed to go 48-24 and post the most efficient offensive rating (117.3 points per 100 possessions) in NBA history. The team played its best against the leagues best especially on the West Coast.
Sean Marks and his front office with the help of Star Player Empowerment and recruitment deserve credit for augmenting the Big Three with a quality supporting cast. Blake Griffin has turned into a star role player after being snagged on the buyout market. Jeff Green has been a steal at the veterans minimum. The Bruce Brown-Landry Shamet trade worked wonders. Nicolas Claxton displays lottery talent for a second-rounder. And Euroleague journeyman Mike James can play.
Also, credit to Nash, Mike DAntoni and the rest of the coaching staff for making it all work on the court.
The only goal from here on out is a ring. Yes, Harden, Durant and Irving need to be locked up long-term. Theres no doubt about that. But for now, its about basketball, about getting Harden, Griffin, Nash and DAntoni their first NBA titles. Anything less should be considered a failure.
