‘Serious Problem’: Former NBA All-Star Claims the Brooklyn Nets Are Contenders Even Without Kyrie Irving

The Brooklyn Nets surely have a monstrous roster, but they have demons pulling them back. Last year, they had their big three taking turns with injuries and that cost them dearly. And this year, the path to glory is not one hundred percent clear. 

For one, they have Kyrie Irving in trouble with an off-court controversy surrounding him. Then, the talks of trading Ky are still in the air. So just in case the Nets fans don’t get to see much of this superstar, what are their odds of winning?

Mark Jackson sees no problem without Kyrie Irving

In a recent interview, former Knicks point guard Mark Jackson gave his opinion on the Brooklyn Nets’ odds to lift the NBA title. He first stated that the duo of Kevin Durant and James Harden would suffice.

The 56-YO confidently expressed, “Yes. I mean there are those two other dudes… some serious problem that they create on every night basis. So they have the ability, every single time down the floor to get a quality look. They’re efficient basketball players. Whatever two you wanna leave me with, they absolutely have the ability… to have two best players in any series…” 

This can be true given that this duo almost eliminated the Bucks in Round 2 of the playoffs 2021. If not for The Beard’s hamstring issue and limited gameplay, the Bucks had very slim chances to force a Game 7, let alone win it with that small margin. 

Read more – Brooklyn Nets GM Quashes Kyrie Irving Trade Rumors as Renewal Seems Imminent

What will the Brooklyn Nets lose if Ky is absent?

In 2020-21 season, the Nets went 12-6 without Kyrie Irving in the playing roster. In those games, they averaged an impressive 38.4% from behind the arc and converted 80% FTs. This meant winning 66.67% games in the absence of Kyrie and that’s not too bad, given they even played a few games with two of the big three sitting out. As Mark added as well, “If they have the seven-footer (KD), they’re the favorites.” 

Now, this comes to contradict the statement from former NBA champion and former legendary coach Isiah Thomas who had earlier claimed the Nets have no shot at the title without Ky. 

Last year, the 7x All-Star averaged close to 27 points and proved to be a great offensive threat. Also, given the load management that KD might need, the position of Kyrie becomes even stronger. 

So what’s your assessment? Can the Nets win the ring without their lethal point guard? Let us know in the comments section below.

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