NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
It’s over. There will be no championship parade down Atlantic Ave as the Brooklyn Nets failed to even reach the Eastern Conference Finals. While the talent was not a factor with three present All-Stars, it was injuries, chemistry, and a first-year coach that failed the team.
To sum up the Nets season, all you can do is ask what if?
What If They Were Healthy Against The Milwaukee Bucks?
To begin the year, the Nets were at a disadvantage with the loss of Spencer Dinwiddie. There was a time last season when Dinwiddie was considered an All-Star. But the loss of him as a starter or a Sixth Man was a factor that no one spoke about.
Then you take into account the sudden retirement of LaMarcus Aldrige. While not the player he used to be, Aldridge did play his role on the Nets to a tee. Before he retired, Aldridge averaged 12.8 points and 4.8 rebounds.
Then the major inquires of Kyrie Irving and James Harden. Kyrie played just four games against the Bucks and his absence was felt. In his presence, young Bruce Brown had to fill his shoes and it’s hard trying to be Irving when you have no playoff experience.
As for Harden, he gave his all. He was just not the player he used to be and that sore hamstring did slow him down. Yes, his presence was welcomed but his production was nowhere near the Nets needed it to be.
What If Steve Nash Thought Defensively?
Kevin Durant and his offensive cast were enough against the Bucks but where was DeAndre Jordan? Small-ball got the Nets to the second round but the defense would have won that series. Why didn’t Nash plug Jordan in the lineup?
Jordan can protect the rim but for some reason, Nash kept him glued to the bench. Jeff Green and Blake Griffin did their best but were useless against Giannis and Brook Lopez. Jordan is not the same force he was while with Los Angeles Clippers but he would have kept Lopez off the boards and clogged the paint with his size and length.
It was a great season for the Brooklyn Nets but it didn’t end the way it was supposed to. The team was loaded but it takes more than talent to win in this league.
