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In a blockbuster fashion, Brooklyn Nets announced on Thursday that they have hired Steve Nash as their new head coach. This news has caught the fans around the world by surprise as Nash has no prior experience in coaching an NBA team.
Steve Nash, a two-time NBA MVP, retired from basketball in 2015. It'll be interesting to see how Nash mentors superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving joined the Brooklyn nets during the 2019 NBA free agency. With two All-Stars joining an already talented Brooklyn roster, this naturally makes them a strong contender for the NBA championship from the next season.
With the addition of Steve Nash, here's a look at why Brooklyn Nets are among the favorites to win the NBA championship next season.
#1 Kevin Durant is back
Let's be honest - whatever team Kevin Durant plays for naturally becomes a championship a contender. With the ability to score from anywhere on the court, Kevin is arguably the best offensive talent of this generation.
But things changed dramatically for KD when he went down with an Achilles injury during the 2018-19 NBA finals. Having not played a single game during the entire 2019-20 NBA season, he is expected to make his NBA return for the next season.
If this 6'10" sniper manages to find a way to play like his older self, he's bound to dominate the league and be a contender for MVP.
#2 Brooklyn Nets' new coach Steve Nash is a basketball genius
During his illustrious 19-year career as a player, Steve was known for his exceptional passing abilities and high basketball IQ. In fact, he is considered one of the best playmakers in NBA history.
Even though he's new to a coaching role, there are reasons to believe he'll be great at it. After his retirement, the Suns legend took on the role of 'Player Development Consultant' for the Golden State Warriors. It was during this time he worked with Kevin Durant and developed a close relationship with him.
Having already managed multiple superstars during his tenure with the Warriors, Steve Nash is expected to do a good job with Durant, Kyrie, and the rest of the Brooklyn Nets.
Also read: "It's ridiculous" - Western Conference coach blasts Brooklyn Nets for hiring Steve Nash
#3 Lack of quality opponents in the Eastern Conference
The top seed from the Eastern Conference this season was the Milwaukee Bucks. But at the half way point in the playoffs, there are already serious concerns about the Bucks' chance in making a deep playoff run. Giannis Antetokounmpo and the crew are currently in danger of being knocked out by the Miami Heat.
Though the Miami Heat play solid basketball, they don't have a top-tier scorer who they can rely on every time. Even though Boston, Toronto, and Philidelphia can play inspired basketball, they just lack the star power to take on the likes of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
It's mostly the teams in the West that are loaded with dynamic duos. So the Brooklyn Nets' path to NBA finals will be easier as compared to their Western Conference counterparts.
#4 Kyrie Irving has a lot to prove to critics
Even if Kevin Durant is seen as the best player on this team, Kyrie Irving will be the heart of the Brooklyn Nets. It was Kyrie who convinced Durant to sign for the Nets. Kyrie was brought up in New Jersey and playing for Brooklyn will be like playing for his home team.
After a disastrous pitstop at Boston, serious questions are being raised about the point guard's leadership skills and his locker room behavior. If the Brooklyn Nets don't perform well next year, it will be Kyrie who gets most of the blame. Expect Kyrie Irving to come out with all guns blazing to prove the detractors wrong next season.
#5 LeVert, Dinwiddie, and rest of the Brooklyn Nets supporting cast
Though Brooklyn Nets run ended early in the 2020 NBA bubble, there was one performance that stood out the most: Caris LeVert. The youngster had two 35+ points games in the playoffs and almost single-handedly knocked out the Portland Trail Blazers in the seeding games. He will be the guy to watch out for next season alongside KD and Kyrie.
Nets also have skilled veterans like Spencer Dinwiddie, DeAndre Jordan, and Joe Harris who can put in valuable minutes when needed. This talented ensemble, along with the star power of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, will have the ability to pose a threat to any team in the league next season.
Guess the Lakers players!
