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The Brooklyn Nets are considered by many as the heavy favorites to win the 2021-22 NBA championship. With the Big 3 of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden, the Nets could potentially be a historic offense that would lay to waste the rest of the league. Despite Irving’s possible unavailability due to health and safety protocols imposed by New York City, the team is still the odds-on bet to win it all this coming season.
With training camp open and the preseason just around the bend, the Brooklyn Nets are going to be incorporating new players and monitoring others who have just recovered from recent injuries. The 82-game season can grind to pieces the title aspirations of any team. Brooklyn will need the full roster to survive a grueling regular season and then hopefully let things go from there with a healthy lineup for the postseason.
Training camp and pre-season could help Brooklyn Nets fans get a clear picture of the status and potential of some of the players on the roster.
Brooklyn Nets players who could significantly contribute to the team's title hopes
#5 Nicolas Claxton, the unexpected force in the middle
Nicolas Claxton could emerge as the X-Factor of the Brooklyn Nets. Aldridge, Griffin and Millsap are skilled and talented. However, they are no longer spring chickens and have had serious injuries in the past. Claxton, who averaged 6.6 PPG and 5.2 RPG last season, could man the middle provided that he adds more bulk and muscle to his frame. A stronger and bigger Claxton in training camp could portend exciting times for Nets fans.
As it stands, the frontcourt depth is great for the Brooklyn Nets. But as a long and grinding season could mess up the best-laid plans, Nicolas Claxton could suddenly find himself the X-Factor of the Nets’ interior force.
#4 Cam Thomas’ development
One of the best scorers of the last NBA draft was picked by the Nets 27th overall. The scoring prowess was evident in the Summer League where he normed 24 PPG. What was most impressive about his performance was how clutch he was in close games. Although it was just the Summer League, it is very clear that the Brooklyn Nets have yet another scorer who can light it up fast.
Cam Thomas might not see much action this season if things go to plan. However, Kyrie Irving’s situation and potential injuries to ball handlers could open up opportunities for him. It would be interesting to see how Thomas handles point guard duties in training camp and pre-season as Harden and Irving are slowly brought into game shape.
#3 Can FIBA Patty show up for the Brooklyn Nets?
The Brooklyn Nets offense could scorch the NBA and the history books if FIBA Patty shows up. With KD, Irving and Harden occupying the defense, Patty Mills could run around screens or pick his spots to put more pressure on the defense. The potential of Mills roving around the perimeter while the Big 3 do their thing is a nightmare to defend.
In a season of uncertainty, Patty Mills could be counted more by a Brooklyn Nets team that could miss Kyrie Irving in some games. Mills brings playmaking, shooting and leadership that are always coveted by the coaching staff. How he adapts to Steve Nash’s system will significantly help Brooklyn’s title quest. Training camp and pre-season will showcase a preview of how Mills looks as part of the Nets.
#2 Aldridge’s health
LaMarcus Aldridge, after starting at center for the Brooklyn Nets, chose to retire early in the season last year due to an irregular heartbeat. He came out of retirement and re-signed for the Nets this year after being medically cleared to play again. Aldridge’s fitness will be an underrated component for Brooklyn this season. At his best, he is a tough cover in both the post and mid-range. He could efficiently punish a scrambling defense that would have the Nets’ Big 3 as the focal point of the attention.
Brooklyn’s frontcourt isn’t young anymore. Minus DeAndre Jordan, the team will have to rely on the trio of Aldridge, Blake Griffin and Paul Millsap to do the dirty interior work. All three of them have had significant injuries and could not be relied on to play more than 70 games in a season. Aldridge is important because he was effective and a seamless fit with the Brooklyn Nets in the minutes he was on the floor. After such a lengthy time off basketball activities, how LMA runs the floor, plays the post and mid-range could be an indicator of what to expect for the rest of the season.
#1 Harden’s recovery and availability
James Harden is entering his 13th year when the 2021-22 NBA season opens. He has averaged 34.4 MPG in his career in the regular season and 35.4 MPG in the playoffs. Harden has been one of the most durable players in the league since he was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder. But he is 32 years old with tons of basketball battles on his resume.
James Harden is a ball-dominant player with a high usage rate. Luka Doncic has a Usage Percentage of 34.4 in 199 games. Harden, on the other hand, is hitting 32.5 but at a whopping 719 games. There is a significant thread in the tires and could potentially be an issue for the Brooklyn Nets this season. Last season’s hamstring injury is a nagging one. He has had DNPs in the past because of this recurring hamstring trouble.
It's very likely James Harden will not go full throttle in training camp or even in the pre-season, but it’s worth noting how he moves and how much effort he puts into his play after recovery. With Irving possibly missing games because of non-vaccination, the Nets might be forced to extend Harden’s minutes. Monitoring James Harden will be worth the time for Brooklyn Nets fans.
