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The the Brooklyn Nets Turn sounds like a pretty decent soap opera title, and with the uncertainty of superstar Kyrie Irving, we haven't witnessed the latest Brooklyn Nets drama. It's akin to what's going on with the Philadelphia 76ers and Ben Simmons, yet their Atlantic Division rival is the least of their problems. The Brooklyn Nets have to regroup and someone has to step up; more than one player has to step up. Brooklyn Nets' GM, Sean Marks, has stated that Kyrie Irving will sit out until fully vaccinated, and the favorites in the Eastern Conference are now observed with question marks boiling to the surface. Which of Steve Nash's players will step up and help take the Brooklyn Nets to the NBA pinnacle?
#5 LaMarcus Aldridge
LaMarcus Aldridge was a ringer with an almost impossible to block mid-range jumper in the lane or around the foul line. The 15 year power forward out of the University of Texas averaged 13.5 points in 26 games last season with the Brooklyn Nets before abruptly retiring in April because of a heart condition. It's a heart condition Aldridge has dealt with for the duration of his NBA career, yet last season, Aldridge felt his condition was more serious and hung them up. Now that he's back in the Brooklyn Nets' fold, the six-time NBA All-Star and five-time All-NBA veteran will look to play out the string and also win what he never has: an NBA championship.
#4 Nicolas Claxton, the Brooklyn Nets wildcard
Nicolas Claxton hasn't averaged in double digits in anything yet in his NBA career. For the Brooklyn Nets, the 6'11" center is in a great position to stamp his name on the NBA by contributing mightily to the Brooklyn Nets' success this season. It's obvious that Claxton will have to help anchor the defense when he's in the game, and where the improvement should be focalized is on the offensive end. Every young player is asked to be more consistent as they develop, and the fire that Claxton exudes will be a big part of how he matures. That fire incentivizes it, and Nicolas Claxton is now a bigger chess piece than perceived before the Kyrie Irving news. His minutes will increase, and it will be interesting to see if Nicolas Claxton can handle the whole weight.
#3 The Brooklyn Nets "vet", Blake Griffin
The Brooklyn Nets reserve forward Blake Griffin was once in the conversation as one of the best dunkers ever in the NBA. Knee injuries, wear and tear have worn him into a bench player. The Los Angeles Clippers' first pick in the 2009 NBA Draft out of the University of Oklahoma is a dangerous player on the Brooklyn Nets' roster. As he proved in the playoffs last season, Blake Griffin is capable of turning it on and being a key element in the Brooklyn Nets ascension. He scored 11 points off the bench for the Brooklyn Nets in 2021. In 11 seasons, Griffin has averaged 21 points and nine rebounds, and the six-time all-star and five-time All-NBA player now has winning an NBA championship as a goal. Griffin's minutes will increase enough to where he's still effective, yet will have one less superstar to depend on, so it will be up to Blake to step up just enough to contribute in a real way.
#2 Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is, as a matter of fact, an athlete as you'll see in sports. His brain is wired differently. He's very practical, and most of his responses will not be what are expected. He doesn't sugarcoat, and in the absence of Kyrie Irving, NBA fans might see the best Kevin Durant this season. Durant will also do a little bit more facilitating and obviously more playmaking with Kyrie out. In this regard, I wouldn't call it stepping up because Kevin Durant surely wants to do more and be bigger in every game to compete and win. Basketball is a game that he loves. He lives and breathes it to every cliche and more. Imagine the season highs Kevin Durant will amass this year. The fire in his Great White Shark eyes will burn the opposition into submission. NBA fans understand Kevin Durant is as reliable a player as there is, and for the Brooklyn Nets this season, he will be relied upon. The 27 points and seven boards of last season are consistent with Durant's career averages, so don't be surprised if Kevin Durant puts of a 30 spot for the season.
#1 James Harden
James Harden is the Brooklyn Nets catalyst. Whether he puts up 40 points or hands out16 assists, James Harden's responsibility for the Brooklyn Nets is a full one. He and Kevin Durant will share in the scoring duties, and James Harden will be asked to control the pace and also get up the shots needed for the Brooklyn Nets to outscore whoever is on the schedule. The Brooklyn Nets will be favored in most games this season, and it's the versatility of James Harden that is on the clock if the Brooklyn Nets are to complete their mission and win the NBA championship. Many are expecting at least an NBA Finals visit, and the crazy numbers James Harden has put up the last few years will be needed if that is to happen.
Guess the Lakers players!
