"You don't even have them as a title contender?... Oh, you're going to regret that, brother" - NBA analyst counters former player's thought over Nets as a noncontender for title

Are the Brooklyn Nets ready to play to the potential? Are all the off-the-cout issues patched up? Or will another implosion occur? Regardless, they'll enter this season just as polarizing as always.

On ESPN's "First Take," former NBA veteran and current analyst JJ Redick still has plenty of doubts about Brooklyn.

"So far, I have been provided with zero evidence that I should take the Nets seriously as a title contender."

But Stephen A. Smith rebuttled that notion. He's buying into the idea that this team can be one of the top seeds in the Eastern Conference.

"You don't even have them as a title contender?! The 4th or 5th [seed]? Oh, you're going to regret that, brother," Smith said.

The Nets came into last season with one of the NBA's most talented rosters, seemingly destined for the NBA Finals. But off-the-court drama combined with Kevin Durant's untimely knee injury to unravel the season.

The drama continued over the summer.

Point guard Kyrie Irving, who found himself in and out of the lineup after refusing the COVID-19 vaccination, didn't get a long-term extension. And, in fact, there was speculation that he'd be traded.

Durant, meanwhile, requested a trade before agreeing to return to the team in August.

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Nets' Big Three to prove their worth this season

Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons

There's going to be plenty of attention on the Brooklyn Nets this season. Brooklyn had an offseason that can be described by many as a circus. It was assumed at one point that both Durant and Irving would be on their way out for the upcoming year.

They say that winning can solve everything. That's just what the Nets are hoping will happen. Brooklyn is also eager to get an extended look at Ben Simmons, who missed the entire previous season. Simmons was acquired by the organization in the James Harden trade and should give the team a reinvented Big Three.

With Durant and Irving back in the mix on a full-time basis, Brooklyn will have a dangerous roster.

This team can be impressive, especially when their key players are healthy and playing over the course of a year. The problem has been just that, as Kevin Durant has found himself dealing with injuries as well.

Time will tell if Brooklyn can come together and put the past in the past. If that can happen, the Eastern Conference will have to deal with a force.