"The Nets are more likely to be back in the play-in than they are to make their first Conference Finals together" - NBA analyst doubts the capability of Brooklyn Nets to enter playoffs with current performance

Despite a 32-point game from Kevin Durant, the Brooklyn Nets lost their season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans with a final score of 130-108. With Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Ben Simmons heading a strong roster, many expect the Nets to make a deep postseason run. NBA analyst Nick Wright believes that the Nets will, once again, fail to be true title contenders.

Speaking on First Things First, Wright stated:

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"They are more likely to be back in the play-in than they are to make their first Conference Finals together. They are more likely to be back in the - forget NBA Finals, they are more likely to be in the seven to ten range than they are to be in the Conference Finals at the end of the year.

While the Nets did not look great in their season opener, it was also their first game together as a unit. In addition to Ben Simmons fouling out of the game in just 23 minutes, the Nets were missing several key rotation players.

Seth Curry, T.J. Warren, and Joe Harris were all inactive for Brooklyn's season opener. The Nets very well may struggle to make a postseason run this season, however, it is too early to judge them as a team.

Watch Nick Wright's prediction for the Brooklyn Nets below:

First Things First

@FTFonFS1

"The Nets are more likely to be back in the play-in than they are to make their first conference finals together." — @getnickwright

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"The Nets are more likely to be back in the play-in than they are to make their first conference finals together." — @getnickwright https://t.co/zlG6Ra2Fj0

Can Kevin Durant lead the Brooklyn Nets to an NBA title?

On paper, the Brooklyn Nets have one of the best rosters in the NBA. Very few teams can match their combination of top-level talent, depth, shooting, and defense.

StatMuse

@statmuse

The Nets *could* just run it back.

Kyrie Irving
Joe Harris
Kevin Durant
Ben Simmons
Nic Claxton

Bench:
Patty Mills
Seth Curry
Royce O’Neale
Cam Thomas
TJ Warren

10383

547

The Nets *could* just run it back.

Kyrie Irving
Joe Harris
Kevin Durant
Ben Simmons
Nic Claxton

Bench:
Patty Mills
Seth Curry
Royce O’Neale
Cam Thomas
TJ Warren https://t.co/GR4319H0Iy

Despite this, very few are picking the Nets to win the NBA Championship this season, largely due to the turmoil that has surrounded the team. The Nets will need their 'Big 3' of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Ben Simmons to get on the same page. If the three stars are able to do so, they will instantly become one of the best trios in the league.

StatMuse

@statmuse

Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and Ben Simmons have combined for

22 All Star appearances
14 All-NBA selections
3 ROY
2 All-Defensive

How far can this Brooklyn trio go?

2297

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Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and Ben Simmons have combined for

22 All Star appearances
14 All-NBA selections
3 ROY
2 All-Defensive

How far can this Brooklyn trio go? https://t.co/YdjqRYXB3Y

The biggest key for the Brooklyn Nets will be to get healthy and build chemistry. At full strength, the Nets roster possesses the roster to mask Simmons' deficiencies as a shooter. His addition will also improve their scoring defense, which ranked 18th in the NBA last season.

While it will be a tall task for the Nets to put it all together and win the NBA Finals, an inability to contend could have serious consequences. Durant has already asked out of Brooklyn, and Irving will enter free agency following the season. If the Nets are unable to figure things out, particularly in the postseason, they could be headed for yet another tumultuous offseason.

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