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#2 Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving are average defenders at best
The Brooklyn Nets have made efforts to drastically improve their defense with the introduction of Paul Millsap and the re-acquisition of LeMarcus Aldridge. However, their big three could prove to be their defensive liabilities.
Most of the Brooklyn Nets' offseason moves meant to add more defensive-minded players and scoring options. But these players will more often than not come off the bench. That means that the Nets could still look to outscore the opposition rather than making stops.
A good defense is a must-have for a championship-contending team. Going by that logic, the Brooklyn Nets are a long way from winning the championship despite their offensive firepower because of their underwhelming defense. They finished last season ranked 23rd in defensive rating.
Since the 2010 season, only the 2018 Golden State Warriors have won the championship while having a defensive rating ranked outside the top ten. They finished 11th with 107.6 behind the Detroit Pistons' 107.3.
If the Brooklyn Nets fac -off against an equally effective offensive team that has a superior defense, their victory is not guaranteed, especially in a seven-game series.
#3 The Brooklyn Nets' superstars are injury-prone
One major concern for the Brooklyn Nets is their superstars staying healthy. The big three played less than ten games together last season due to injuries.
Durant missed the entire 2019-20 season due to injury, and featured in only 35 games for the Brooklyn Nets last season. While Irving stayed healthy, he was not the most reliable, as he took several breaks for personal reasons.
Harden proved to be the healthiest among the bunch, but missed 23 games due to a hamstring strain. He re-aggravated his hamstring in Game 1 of the semi-finals. and wasn't of much help when he returned in Game 5.
Another area of concern is the return of Aldridge. He retired in April 2021 after experiencing an irregular heartbeat following a series of games he played for the Nets. However, he has returned to the Nets after he was passed and confirmed fit to play by doctors.
Taking all these factors into consideration, the Nets might have a tough time in the new season. Given the integral role each of these players mentioned plays for the Nets, missing anyone for an extended period could hurt their chances of lifting the championship.
