Stephen A. Smith asserts Kevin Durant was aware of the issues Kyrie Irving brings to teams as they teamed up for Brooklyn Nets: “You got the drama in Cleveland, you got the drama in Boston”
When Kevin Durant joined the Brooklyn Nets in 2019, the goal was to contend for NBA championships. So far, it hasn't been the experience that the superstar forward dreamed of.
The Brooklyn Nets have found themselves in the news for the wrong reasons over the years. It's been a roller coaster of drama that has simply impacted their ability on the court. Durant made the decision to leave the Golden State Warriors in 2019, teaming up with friend Kyrie Irving.
When the two have been on the court together, they have been a dangerous offensive duo. But between Durant's injuries and Irving's off-the-court issues, it's been a revolving door of headaches.
Brooklyn now finds itself in a dangerous position. Their superstar point guard remains suspended while the team is struggling to pick up momentum in the standings. On ESPN's "First Take," analyst Stephen A. Smith spoke about Brooklyn's issues:
"When you talk about him going from Golden State to Brooklyn with Kyrie, if you got the drama in Cleveland, you got the drama in Boston, you sure that's the right move? You sure there ain't going to be additional drama? What has happened in the last four years? A boatload of drama."
.@KDTrey5 knew what he was getting himself into when going from @warriors to the @BrooklynNets
#KevinDurant #BrooklynNets #GoldenStateWarriors #FirstTake https://t.co/6ImPWN6mbG
Kevin Durant attempting to get Brooklyn Nets back on track
The Brooklyn Nets have often found themselves in the national spotlight for the wrong reasons. After losing five of their first six games to start this season, Brooklyn dismissed coach Steve Nash on Nov. 1.
Following that, superstar point guard Kyrie Irving was suspended after a social media post that promoted an antisemitic documentary. In the middle of all of this has been Kevin Durant, who continues to produce on the court.
Kevin Durant is off to a strong season, averaging 30.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. But his current task has become his most challenging one to date. Durant is attempting to get the Brooklyn Nets (6-9) out of a hole and back up the Eastern Conference standings. Brooklyn is in 12th place in the East.
“Look at our starting lineup. Edmond Sumner, Royce O’Neale, Joe Harris, [Nic] Claxton and me. It’s not disrespect, but what are you expecting from that group? You expect us to win because I’m out there.”
- KD
(Via bleacherreport.com/articles/10055…) https://t.co/HUPVLgXP4y
The Nets have lost their last two games. That includes a Tuesday performance against the Sacramento Kings that saw the Nets lose by a final score of 153-121. Brooklyn is set to take on the Western Conference-leading Portland Trail Blazers (10-4) on Thursday night. After that, the team will return home to welcome the Memphis Grizzlies (9-6) on Sunday.
For a team that has plenty of star power, the Nets have been inconsistent. Time will tell if Durant and the rest of the roster can find their groove.