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Brooklyn Nets: 5 reasons to be excited for 2019-20 NBA season

By Adam Taylor

LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 1: Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets attends the game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Los Angeles Sparks on August 1, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 1: Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets attends the game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Los Angeles Sparks on August 1, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

The tables of fortune have turned for the Brooklyn Nets, no longer resigned to NBA purgatory. Now they are legitimate contenders in the East.

Far too long have the Brooklyn Nets struggled. Heck, it goes further than that. Be it in New Jersey or Brooklyn, the Nets have not gone past the second round of the playoffs since the 2002-03 season, missing the playoffs completely in eight of the subsequent 16 years.

From poor management to bad trades, the team has suffered since the passing of the Jason Kidd era. Led by general manager Sean Marks and head coach Kenny Atkinson, there has been a culture shift in Brooklyn.

Five years of losing seasons came to an abrupt end when the Nets made the playoff’s this past season. Led by D’Angelo Russell, Caris LeVert and Spencer Dinwiddie the team finished with 42 wins and the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference.

Joe Harris has begun to receive the recognition he is due, having posted career highs in points, rebounds and assists per game all whilst shooting an absurd 47.4 percent from three. The shining example of the player development Kenny Atkinson provides, even making the Team USA roster for the FIBA World Cup.

Following such a great season, the Nets continued to impress by landing two of the biggest names in the NBA during free agency. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, two stellar players joining forces in Brooklyn to further increase the buzz around the city. Granted, Kyrie comes with the baggage of a failed season with the Boston Celtics while Durant will miss the season — most likely — due to the injury sustained in the NBA Finals.

The Nets didn’t stop there though, moving to secure DeAndre Jordan as their third statement signing. Jordan brings added competition for Jarrett Allen and helps shore up the team at a position of weakness, they are, however, still one center short.

Moving closer to the new season brings excitement, something this team has had in short supply over recent years.

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