What’s Next for the Brooklyn Nets?

Before the 2021-22 NBA season began, most of us assumed that the Brooklyn Nets were one of the top contenders for the NBA title this year. The trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving would wreak havoc on the competition; despite Kyrie missing home games due to the New York Covid Mandate for unvaccinated workers. The star power would outweigh the likelihood of these three not being able to play a full season once again. It was a foregone conclusion that the Brooklyn Nets would be in the Eastern Conference Finals at minimum. However, Harden was traded, Kyrie was a mystery each game, and Durant had the worst playoff series performance of his career. Brooklyn was the first team eliminated from the postseason in a clean sweep by the Boston Celtics. What is next for the Nets?

Will Ben Simmons Play?

Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

One member of the original trio was James Harden, but after Durant got injured early in the season, and Kyrie was missing home games, Harden was fed up with Brooklyn. After demanding a trade to the Nets the previous season, Harden decided it was best to leave. There was one man who had a piece to trade for the disgruntled superstar. That man was Harden’s former General Manager in Houston, Daryl Morey. Morey is now the man making moves with the Philadelphia 76ers and he had a disgruntled star of his own in Ben Simmons. It seemed that the two parties would not be able to work out the deal, but it ultimately got done.

Ben Simmons refused to play for the Sixers until he was moved. The assumption was that once the Brooklyn Nets acquired him, he would be ready to go shortly. However, time passed and he never played. The playoffs loomed closer, but he was still sidelined with a back injury. Then there was the report he would suit up for game four. As fast as he was cleared to play, he was just as fast to say his back injury flared up again. Reports surfaced that it was more than the back that was keeping out Simmons out for the postseason.

Ben Simmons told Nets leadership that a mental block for him to play is creating stress as a trigger point for his back issues, per @ShamsCharania

Nets players and coaches wanted Simmons to show “resolve” and play in this series, even if it was for limited minutes. pic.twitter.com/NnV7xvaSEI

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 26, 2022

Now the question remains for next season; when will Ben Simmons play for the Nets?

What to do with Steve Nash as Head Coach

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

One of the more underrated participants of this tumultuous season is the head coach, Steve Nash. The former two-time MVP as a player was hired for the Brooklyn Nets head coaching job last off-season. He had zero coaching experience, but was a coach on the floor during his playing days. This seemed like a potential good hire for the Nets. After two hectic seasons, Nash has not be able to get the job done. That might not be the biggest issue. He seems lost on the bench at times with no gameplan to be presented to his squad. The plan seems to always give Durant or Kyrie the ball and let them decide on what to do next. Some believe he is not the man for the job, while others believe he was dealt a bad hand. The Nets need to make a decision that best suits their new trio.

Kyrie Irving and His Future

AP Photo/John Minchillo

Kyrie Irving moves to the beat of his own drum. He decided to not get the vaccine before the season, which he knew would cost him home games. The Brooklyn Nets thought it was best to keep him away permanently until injuries decimated the team. Kyrie was going to play road games and miss the home games. The hope was that the mandate would be lifted, which it was ultimately. Brooklyn got their second star back to help Durant. However, his play is not what is questioned; it is his availability. Durant has pledged his allegiance with Kyrie over everyone, which means the Nets won’t get rid of him in all likelihood. On the flip side, the Nets might not be able to trust him going forward. There wouldn’t be a shock to the basketball world if Kyrie retired this second. This off-season can see him opt-out of his contract and ask for a max contract worth $248 million. The Nets will listen to their franchise guy, Durant, who will want his guy back, but is it the right move?