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via Getty

via Getty

Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant are among the top-most weapons in the NBA. They are decorated players who can easily carry a team to victory on their backs. Not only do their offensive bags run deep, but they can switch to the next gear in crunch-time situations. Despite their prowess, the duo has a contradictory story with their time together in the Brooklyn Nets. What the Nets projected to bring a championship brought lots of heated stories and drama to the team’s locker room and the front office. Despite the breaking news of their union in 2019, the duo only played 74 games together.

The Nets also featured James Harden, who was known as a great team leader due to his time with Houston. Despite that, it was evident that the Nets’ superstars are riddled with disagreements. With the faces of the team failing to synergize, the roster was imminent to feel the waves of backlash. Hence, in their 4 seasons with the team, the offensive duo played less than a season (82 games) together, while their trio with James only played 16.

A former teammate reflects on the power balance

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Bruce Brown turned out to be an important asset for the star-bedded Brooklyn Nets. He transcended from not playing the entire pre-season for the Nets to regular starting spots. But before finding his operational role in the squad, the 26-year-old champion was forced to question his presence on the team.

In an interview on the Tidal League podcast, Brown recalled when he first found himself with the Nets. He said, “For me, first getting there, I was like – Why am I here?” Bruce says that he couldn’t see himself fitting with the team initially due to the sound depth in the Nets’ bench.

Bruce initially found himself puzzled, but he quickly transformed into an important asset within the Nets’ rotation. His versatility and consistency made him a standout player amidst the problems regarding their star players.

In the absence of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving‘s top form, Brown stepped up multiple times, showcasing his adaptability by playing out of position for a flawed Nets squad.

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Bruce Brown recently won an NBA championship alongside Nikola Jokic. Brown played a significant role in Denver’s playoffs run. Bruce chose to side with the Denver Nuggets because of his increased role in their roster. Having played with Durant, Irving and Nikola, Brown shared his first-hand insight on balling alongside the superstars.

Brown compares Kevin Durant and Irving to Nikola Jokic

While Brown recognizes the offensive threat composed in Kyrie and Kevin Durant, he sees The Joker to be a better team player. He said, “K and Ky can shoot over 2 people and score. Nikola is not going to do that. He gonna pass it and believe that you gonna make that shot every single time.” He added, ?There?s multiple times this year I?ve taken game-winning shots off his pass, and he?s supposed to shoot it.?

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Brown’s contributions were pivotal to the Nuggets’ success, as his relentless energy, unwavering hustle and formidable defense off the bench proved instrumental. Notably, the unheralded shooting guard delivered numerous clutch shots throughout their championship journey. Some of these crucial baskets owed their existence to the incredible playmaking abilities of Nikola Jokic.

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Brown now suits up to play for the Indiana Pacers. With his passionate urge to constantly develop and his fresh experience of what it takes to win a championship, can he elevate the Pacers in the upcoming season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!