The Nets may never get a better chance to win a title - especially with the team across the pond in such a weakened state.Ĭhampionship players are hard to come by. The Los Angeles Lakers, a team built around Anthony Davis, 34-year-old LeBron James, and Kyle freaking Kuzma, are the title favorite next season. With the Warriors dynasty in question, the league is more open than it’s been in decades. Dirk’s championship season is one of the more overlooked feats in recent NBA history he single-handily won a title without the use of overwhelming athleticism.Įxcept instead of playing next to Jason Terry, Durant would have a still-in-his-prime 27-year-old Kyrie Irving as his co-star. Perhaps he can pull a 2011 Dirk Nowitzki and decimate opposing players by simply shooting over them. In an ideal world, it all comes together for Durant during the 2021 postseason. If Durant is able to return for 2020-2021 and take the regular season to fully acclimate himself to his surgically repaired body, banking on an all-time great may benefit the Nets at the perfect time. Moreover, he’s an NBA icon who’s attractive to other players and stars. Durant’s leg isn’t getting freaking amputated 80% of KD is still a damn good player. Based on what we’ve seen from guys like Rudy Gay (who put up his most efficient season to date last year albeit on lower volume) and Wesley Matthews (still trucking along as a solid 3-and-D wing with a repaired Achilles), there should be plenty of hope regarding KD’s production. The general consensus is that Durant will be 80%-to-90% of his old self upon returning. The injury will certainly sap some of his greatness, but KD has more ground to lose than the average player. This isn’t 34-year-old Kobe Bryant we’re talking about. Durant was well on his way to becoming a top-10 player of all-time before going down with the worst injury in sports. His propensity upon returning will be the true litmus test for evaluating the severity of this injury. You could make the case that he’s the greatest player in NBA history to tear his Achilles. For a handful of players, the setback was ultimately career-ending.ĭurant stands out from the pack. Tim Cato and Mike Prada of SB Nation did a fantastic deep dive of the 13 players who have suffered the injury. The history of the Achilles rupture is pretty dark. I still think he’s going to be able to be an elite player but he may not be at that level that he was.” Kevin Durant’s wingspan is ridiculous, his height is ridiculous for his position. “A guy can still be a phenomenal player because he understands the game so well. However, it’s worth noting that Baravarian commented on Durant’s superhuman gifts, stating that his build and style of play could certainly mediate the problems found after most Achilles injuries. When discussing Durant’s status upon returning, Baravarian hypothesized “You can get back to an elite level but normally you’re a half-step slower, maybe slightly less able to jump to the same level you were and you’re a little bit less explosive.” Babak Baravarian, Durant may never be the same player. According to the foot and ankle specialist Dr. Obviously, given the severity of his recent Achilles tear, this is eyebrow-raising stuff. Now, based on a handful of reports, multiple teams (including the Nets) are more than happy to provide Durant with max money. Per Adrian Wojnarowski, Durant elected to turn down his $31.5 million player option in search of a max deal. We will delve into Irving in a bit, but let’s first take a look at Durant’s standing.
Elise Amendola/AP The Nets sign Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving Let’s outline Brooklyn’s three winning scenarios. However, even if the idealistic Durant-Irving union isn’t in the cards for Marks, Brooklyn will still be in excellent shape going forward. His good friend Kevin Durant may be joining him to form the greatest 1-2 punch in franchise history. Kyrie Irving is more Brooklyn-crazed than a group of hipsters hunting for retro clothes.
Once rumored as a hopeful destination for second-tier free agents, the Nets are now leading the race for the big dogs.
He’s singing along ever so quietly, “win, win, win, win, win, f- everything else, win, win, win, win!” Billy King‘s unsurmountable mountain has been climbed.
Jay Rock’s “ WIN” is blaring through Marks’ Bluetooth speakers. They are officially the team to beat in New York. The date is July 7 and the Brooklyn Nets have locked themselves into a promising future. Picture this: Sean Marks, lounging in his office, feet on his desk, enjoying the moment. No matter how you spin it, the Brooklyn Nets will make good with what they do this offseason and be contenders in 2019.