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NBA Season Preview 2020-21: 5 biggest questions for the Brooklyn Nets

By Steven Kubitza

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 13: Kevin Durant #7 and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets look on with the referee during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Barclays Center on December 13, 2020 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 13: Kevin Durant #7 and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets look on with the referee during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Barclays Center on December 13, 2020 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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The Brooklyn Nets will feature the dynamic duo of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving this season. Is that enough? Here are their five biggest questions for 2020-21.

1. What is the perfect buddy cop comedy comp for Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant?

It is difficult to think of a buddy cop comedy that would make sense for Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. Here we have two very serious individuals who like to do things their own way. So we shall go with a film that is both comedy and drama in Bad Boys.

Martin Lawrence and Will Smith provide the laughs while also taking time to engage in violent shootouts. They are unconventional cops the same way Irving and Durant are unconventional NBA players. Irving not wanting to speak with the media proves that.

Both players also come off as very serious, only to crack jokes and make everyone wonder if they are trying to be funny or if it is an unintentional joke.

2. If Jacque Vaughn is coaching the defense, Mike D’Antoni is coaching the offense and KD and Kyrie think they’re coaches on the court … what is Steve Nash the coach of?

The personalities. Steve Nash took a job others might not have because of the way Irving and Durant will dominate the team. He can now let Vaughn and D’Antoni focus on the technical parts of the game while he manages the egos and more personal part of the game.

This is a perfect role for Nash. He is a two-time NBA MVP who learned how to be a distributor as a point guard. He also seems like a cool and easy-going guy, which will help on this team.

Nash’s approach seems to be a collaborative one. Players will be allowed to weigh in and experienced coaches will be guiding them. Nash is at the top making the final decisions and his personality should mesh well with players who may not have responded well to someone who wasn’t a former star player.

3. How many teams in the East will finish ahead of the Nets in the standings?

Only two. Let’s assume Irving and Durant both stay healthy the entire season. That instantly makes the Nets contenders after finishing seventh in the East last season without their star duo.

Spencer Dinwiddie is back as well and DeAndre Jordan will finally be complemented by stars to enhance his own effectiveness on the floor. And don’t forget about Joe Harris.

As it stands now the Milwaukee Bucks are favorites to top the East again. The other team? The Miami Heat. Jimmy Butler’s team just made the Finals and should only improve with a young core that is only going to get better. The Boston Celtics will be high in the standings as well, but the East is going to receive a huge jolt with Durant now healthy in Brooklyn.

4. What’s the Nets best crunchtime lineup?

Irving and Durant are the obvious two here. Then comes Dinwiddie as the third scoring option. Next up is the latest man to get paid in Brooklyn: Joe Harris. He has developed into quite the reliable scorer and can literally plan himself in the corner while Irving and Durant do the majority of work on offense.

DeAndre Jordan rounding out this lineup may surprise some fans. However, he adds size that may force other teams to take a shooter off the floor to add rebounding. Jordan’s own rebounding abilities are a huge bonus too with the other four players all being great shooters.

The great news for Nash and the Nets is he has options. Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen could both be swapped in here as can a veteran like Jeff Green. Having two legitimate superstars on the floor makes it easier to mix and match the other three players depending on the situation.

5. This year Caris LeVert will be                   .

A not-so-secret weapon. As mentioned above, the Nets have some serious depth. LeVert is expected to come off the bench after averaging nearly 19 points per game last season. He is a starter on most other teams and is instantly someone to keep an eye on for the Sixth Man of the Year Award.

The flexibility with the roster means LeVert can also slide into the starting lineup. This season could be filled with COVID-related setbacks and LeVert embracing any role given to him will be great for the Nets.

dark. Next. The Whiteboard: Are the Bucks back on top of the East?

Fans unfamiliar with this team outside of its stars may be wondering why such talent isn’t in the starting lineup. But if LeVert is dominating with the second unit there is no need to ruin a good thing. Fans in Brooklyn and those who have watched the Nets in general already know LeVert is not some breakout candidate. He is already a serious talent.

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