Fan Overreaction: Brooklyn Nets Preseason Thoughts
There’s nothing like seeing the real thing. Segments where “experts” discuss what the Nets could look like or short videos of players from practice only go so far. As Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving made their debut together on Sunday night in Brooklyn, the possibilities of what this tandem could do together became more than a what-if. It’s the preseason, Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook were both inactive, and the two Brooklyn superstars were at seemingly full health (which will be a part of the conversation all year); despite these obvious disclaimers, the first game back for the dynamic duo had a different feel to any other game that has been played in Barclays Center before.
A few items of note stand out from the limited action on the floor. First, it’s clear that Durant and Irving’s relationship off the court translates to their ability to understand each other on the court. There will be bumps along the way, but the mutual respect they have for one another will benefit their dynamic on the hardwood in determining questions like: “Who is taking the shot at the end of the game;” “who is the offense running through tonight;” and many more that will be asked.
Second, the role players that surround Durant and Irving will be getting a ton of open looks and one-on-one opportunities due to the attention paid towards the superstars. Ryan Ruocco and Sarah Kustok did a great job emphasizing this point throughout the broadcast. When Joe Harris or Landry Shamet, two of the more respected three point shooters in the league, were left wide open for shots or when Spencer Dinwiddie was able to have a clear lane to the basket with an inferior defender on him, the dynamic was very clear how much easier it will be for the supporting cast. Those players, along with Caris LeVert (who didn’t suit up for the first preseason game) will not have the same quantity of opportunities to make plays and score as they are used to, but the quality of those opportunities will be superior to any other team that they’ve been part of before.
The last and most important item is that the team was playing with the same joy and excitement as the fans have for this era of Brooklyn Nets basketball. It was clear to see how happy Durant and Irving were to be able to realize a dream of playing basketball together. For them individually as well, Durant took a big first step in the mental hurdle of playing in a game and getting back to normal where the conversation won’t be entirely about his Achilles. Irving with all that is going on off the floor, was able to lock in on what he has stated his goal to be: to focus on what happens on the court and be a leader for a winning team.
There is no doubt that the circus will arrive throughout this season in Brooklyn. With the vibe curator, Steve Nash, at the helm and his calvary of coaches, the injury concerns that will surely linger, and the general dynamic of a team with new pieces gelling into place, there will be a lot of headlines from this team led by Durant and Irving. But the first night in Brooklyn unquestionably meant more than a typical preseason game and gave the fans a reason to believe in the potential of how fun this team and this season can be.