USA Today via Reuters
Oct 25, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) swats the ball away from Washington Wizards center Daniel Gafford (21) in front of Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 25, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) swats the ball away from Washington Wizards center Daniel Gafford (21) in front of Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Brooklyn Nets began this season as the favorite to win it all from the Eastern Conference. Since then, they have faced several issues that have arguably stopped them from reaching their full potential. The key problem has undoubtedly been the Kyrie Irving saga. However, their fans have found another potential weak link in the offensive line of the Brooklyn Nets super team this season. And that is none other than the former MVP, James Harden.
Last season, James Harden transitioned to the role of the playmaker of the team. One of the main reasons he left Houston was because he could not handle scoring 30 points a game to keep the offense running.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 27, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) controls the ball against Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry (7) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Therefore, once he joined the Brooklyn Nets, in agreement with Kyrie Irving, he became the main point guard on the floor. While Kyrie Irving shifted to the shooting guard.
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Coming into this season, this role change combined with NBA’s latest ‘Non-Basketball Moves’ rule change is not making Brooklyn fans extremely happy. Since this role change combined with the new rule means lesser points for Harden, he has come under a lot of scrutiny from the Nets fans.
Fans criticize James Harden for not performing up to expectations
I think it’s time we have an honest conversation about James Harden
— Guru (@DrGuru_) October 28, 2021
James Harden after the rule change. pic.twitter.com/BoOkFIThXj
— cevalo do Curry (@Currypretty30) October 28, 2021
He’s eating too much unfortunately
— 𝙒𝙤𝙠 (4-0) (@goatedwok) October 28, 2021
Some of those 100% should have been called fouls. But we are only a few games into season. I think he just needs a little while to get going. He does need to condition a bit seems like he is not completely in shape yet. I think he will do well soon though.
— HOLY SCHMITZ (@schmitz444) October 28, 2021
His game was based on getting foul calls. Take that away, what does he have? Begs the question, was he really an MVP?
— Kat B (@katzhavfun) October 28, 2021
at nothing
— YoungBoy From State Farm (@6ringballer) October 28, 2021
The problem is that his fg % has never been great so…
— priscilla (@muassi92) October 28, 2021
When you get as many FTs as him that masks his inefficiencies because shots you would miss are ruled off because he's so great at manipulating the refs
— Jimmy Butler Stan (@AcunaPlusButler) October 28, 2021
James Harden after the rule change: pic.twitter.com/hYGfNayf40
— Trey3Heat (@HeatTrey3) October 28, 2021
between Giannis winning a ring and his struggles with the new rule… seems like his words are haunting him now
— Tootie the God 🧉 (@CallMeTheGod1) October 28, 2021
As an honest Nets fan I can honestly say that it’s time we just let James Harden go, he is completely washed and we’re going to lose to the Warriors in 4
— Deren Ney (@DerenNey) October 28, 2021
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What does this mean for the Brooklyn Nets?
Kevin Durant is currently carrying the Brooklyn Nets’ offense while Harden is arguably playing like a role player. So it is natural that Brooklyn fans are fuming over Harden’s role in the franchise. For now, Harden does not need to be worried about his position on the starting lineup.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 14, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) controls the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
However, if he slowly develops into a public enemy in Brooklyn, will his days there be limited? Will the Brooklyn Nets trade the veteran superstar before he becomes washed out? We’ll have to wait to find out.
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