'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The 2020-21 NBA season did not go according to plans for the Brooklyn Nets, but it provided an insight into how lethal the team could be. A second-round exit in the 2021 playoffs ended their season despite Kevin Durant's solo attempt to pull off the impossible.
A misfiring Joe Harris, absent Kyrie Irving and an injured James Harden are factors that played a significant role in the Brooklyn Nets' loss in the semi-finals. But the Milwaukee Bucks deserve all the praise for their intense defense, especially with PJ Tucker pestering Kevin Durant.
To remedy their lapses from last season, the Brooklyn Nets approached the offseason with a laser-like focus. They acquired players that would improve the team. Paul Millsap was brought in for his defensive versatility, while Patty Mills should provide the much-needed scoring off the Nets' bench.
Overall, the Brooklyn Nets look like the strongest team heading into the 2021-22 NBA season, and could win their first championship in franchise history. Nevertheless, they will have an 82-game regular season to contend with before heading into the playoffs.
On that note, here are three weaknesses of the Brooklyn Nets that could be exploited by teams in the upcoming season.
#1 The Brooklyn Nets could lose a member of their Big Three for home games
Local laws in New York have stated that any athlete who refuses to take the COVID-19 vaccine will not be allowed to feature in any home games. With that rule in place, Kyrie Irving could miss all Brooklyn Nets' games at the Barclays Center in the 2021-22 season if he maintains his stance on not receiving his shots.
Given how polarizing a figure Irving is, it is possible that the All-Star could hold out for longer, and perhaps the entire season. Reports suggest that the Brooklyn Nets are preparing for the prospect of playing without him in home games. But at this point, Irving's reasons for holding out and how the Nets will handle the situation remain unclear.
Many believe Kevin Durant and James Harden are formidable enough to lead the Brooklyn Nets to a successful season. As true as that might be, Irving's presence would undoubtedly all but guarantee their status as top contenders for the championship.
Also Read: Who is Kyrie Irving’s Fiancée, Marlene Wilkerson?
#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.
Guess the Lakers players!
