5 reasons the Brooklyn Nets can win 2022 NBA Championship

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 12: Kevin Durant #7 and James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets talk during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on November 12, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 02: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets looks back to the bench during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on April 2, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

2. Kyrie Irving is healthy and well-rested

The upside to Irving’s lack of availability this season is that he will enter the postseason without many miles on his proverbial tires in recent months. That energy should give him a big advantage over opponents who’ve logged big minutes getting their teams into prime playoff position.

Irving’s lengthy injury history as a pro also has prevented him from entering the playoffs with anything resembling good health on several occasions. There’s always a chance he picks up an injury once the postseason begins, but he does project to enter the fray without any concerns on that front.

The question Nash and his coaching staff will need to answer is how many minutes Irving can handle. It’s unclear just how good of “basketball shape” he’s in at the moment. There will be a temptation to push his workload to the max in a tense playoff series, but that could be a risk the Nets shouldn’t take.

Even if Irving isn’t in prime shape now, he should have a way to play his way into better condition as the playoffs roll along. His mess of a regular-season could turn into a massive blessing for the Nets if they achieve postseason glory.

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