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#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.
