The Brooklyn Nets’ formation of a Super Team featuring Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving between 2020 and 2022 marked an ambitious attempt to dominate the NBA landscape.
The team’s construction was a culmination of strategic trades, free agency acquisitions, and the pursuit of a championship surrounding a trio of all-stars.
During the 2020- 21 NBA season, the Brooklyn Nets made a bold move by acquiring two of the league’s biggest stars: Durant and Harden.
The addition of these superstars, combined with the presence of Irving, formed a formidable trio that many believed would bring a championship to the franchise.
The trio was undoubtedly the most talented collection of players to ever wear Brooklyn jerseys.
Durant, a two-time NBA champion and four-time NBA scoring champion, was arguably the most dominant player of his generation.
His ability to score from anywhere on the court, combined with his versatility and defensive capabilities, made him a nightmare for opponents to guard.
To complement Durant was Harden, the 2018 NBA scoring champion, who brought his signature aggressive offense to Brooklyn, where he averaged 24.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 10.9 assists per game during the 2020-2021 season.
His ability to draw contact and create scoring opportunities was unmatched, and his playmaking skills allowed him to be a true leader on the court.
Lastly, Irving, the 2016 NBA champion and 2012 NBA Rookie of the Year, brought his unique set of skills to the table, including his clutch shooting, playmaking, and defensive capabilities.
His arrival in Brooklyn was seen as a major coup for the franchise, as he provided a much-needed spark on both ends of the floor.
Brooklyn’s inaugural season with their new superstars was met with high expectations, and the team responded with a 43-19 record and the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
However, the team was ultimately derailed by injuries and internal conflicts, losing to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals
The following season, the Nets suffered a devastating loss of Durant, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Without their leader, the team struggled to find consistency, and Harden and Irving were forced to carry the load.
Despite their on-paper talent, Brooklyn was unable to gel as a cohesive unit. The team struggled with chemistry issues, particularly between Harden and Irving, who reportedly clashed with each other over playing style and shot selection.
The tension between the two stars was evident, as they often failed to communicate on the court and struggled to find a rhythm with one another.
Additionally, the team’s defense suffered greatly, as the trio was unable to defend together effectively. The team’s inability to stop opponents’ best players was a major factor in their downfall.
The final nail in the coffin came in the 2021-2022 season, when Harden was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, ending the Super Team era in Brooklyn.
Irving’s departure from the team was a result of his unvaccinated Covid-19 status and conflicting political views which led to the team’s subsequent decision to not sign him for the 2022-2023 season.
Durant’s injury had already changed the dynamics of the team, and the loss of Harden and Irving made it clear that the Super Team was no more.
In conclusion, the Super Team Brooklyn Nets of 2020-2022 was a team for the ages, featuring some of the most talented players in the league.
However, the team’s failure to gel and their inability to overcome internal conflicts and injuries ultimately led to their downfall.
The legacy of the Super Team remains a fascinating footnote in the history of the Brooklyn Nets, a team that could have potentially been a championship contender but ultimately fell short of expectations.
