What to expect from the Nets next Season

The offseason was full of surprises and hot takes from the start. Within an hour free agency’s inception, the Brooklyn Nets made off like bandits. Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and DeAndre Jordan all committed to Brooklyn, creating a power swing in the Eastern Conference. Now, with a healthy roster, the Nets have one of the best chances of winning a championship. However, with Durant out for the season, the team is far from healthy. The question facing Brooklyn is whether or not this team is still a threat without him?

The Returning Cast

Last season, the Nets were one of the League’s most pleasant surprises. Led by D’Angelo Russell, the team grasped the sixth seed to break into the playoffs. Inevitably, Brooklyn took an early exit at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers. However, that short lived playoff run allowed the team to showcase their young talent.  The good news is that most of those players will be on the roster at the start of next season.

Jarrett Allen, Joe Harris, and Chris LeVert will all be playing a big role in the Nets plans going forward. Not to mention, the team will be deepened thanks to the contributions of Spencer Dinwiddie, Taurean Prince, Wilson Chandler, and Rodions Kurucs. This means that when the team takes the court in October, it’ll be able to run a full rotation with plenty of bench help. All of that will only compliment Irving and Jordan when they join Brooklyn’s ranks next season.

Brooklyn’s Finest

Even with Durant sidelined, the Nets still have plenty of star power. Kyrie Irving will be at the helm of the offense leading the charge. Known as one of the most deadly shooters and ball handlers in the game, Irving is not afraid of the big moments. His scoring prowess gives the Nets a leg up and gives the team another real threat from deep.  On top of that, he will have a veteran big man to run the pick and role with in the form of Jordan.

The addition of Jordan gives the Nets one of the most formidable front courts in the East. His ability to run the pick and role will create opportunities for the Nets to be  a threat in the paint. Additionally, having Jordan around gives Brooklyn an advantage on the defensive end as well as on the boards. Thus, with the addition of the two big names, the Nets won’t have problems staying afloat. Yet, are they a championship team?

Can the Nets win next year?

The Nets will certainly make some noise, but that doesn’t mean they will be raising a new banner at the end of next season. Thanks to the latest power dispersion, the league has been evened to its core. For the first time in half a decade, teams not named the Golden State Warriors can seriously compete for a championship. Even in their own conference, the Nets will have to contend with the likes of the Milwaukee Bucks, the 76ers, and the Boston Celtics. Looming out west stand a multitude of threats including the Los Angeles Clippers, Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and Houston Rockets. Now of course, once Durant returns, all of those threats become less daunting. However, at the moment they make success seem conceivable, but distant. Thus, while it is likely that the Nets can contend, a championship next season is as likely as anything else in this league.

In Conclusion

It would be ridiculous to say that the Nets don’t have a prayer next season. However, competing without a healthy Durant does lessen the team’s chances of seriously contending for a championship. Even with a deep roster and the combined skill of Irving and Jordan, the team may be a step removed from some of the more pronounced juggernauts. However, given that this is the NBA we’re talking about, anything can happen.