1. Brooklyn Nets: Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving
This should not come as a surprise.
The Brooklyn Nets have arguably assembled the greatest ensemble of offensive players the NBA has ever seen.
The Nets have two MVPs in James Harden and Kevin Durant (who also has two Finals MVPs) and Kyrie Irving as your third-best player — who at his best was the 1B to LeBron James’ 1A in the 2016 Championship.
We’ve all heard that “James Harden is a walking playoff berth”, so what does it mean when you put him with one of the greatest forwards in history in Durant and one of the best guards of this generation in Irving? A whole lotta points.
The Nets have averaged 114.6 points per game after the Harden trade, they have scored over 140 points twice (!) and have had a 6-4 record so far.
The questions are glaring and obvious, 1. who the hell defends the other team? And 2. yes they are talented but there is only one basketball.
So far the second question hasn’t been an issue, staggering minutes, rest and moving off the ball have quelled some concerns over guys not getting enough touches.
The first question is still a concern that has not been answered. Kevin Durant is in all likelihood the Nets best overall defender – Durant is coming off a ruptured Achilles, do you really want him going all out on both ends of the court?
The Nets may have scored over 140 twice however, they have also given up 140 points to the Cavaliers and Wizards.
ESPN’s Kevin Pelton pointed out this statistic on the Nets starting center DeAndre Jordan
"“Opponents are shooting an above-average 62 percent when he’s the closest defender on attempts inside five feet”"
It’s clear the Nets need more (or better) defensive players, the Nets just signed Iman Shumpert for a reason. The clearest way to improve their defensive is with the center position, such as a buy-out candidate JaVale McGee.
Despite the concerns, this is still a team that has Durant, Harden and Irving. The play that sticks out is this fast break against the Cavs.
There is absolutely nothing the Cleveland Cavaliers could have done, Collin Sexton cannot over commit on Irving due to Harden being a pass away, Cedi Osman cannot cut off the drive because Durant is lurking near the corner and Larry Nance Jr. cannot go for the block because he has to be ready to contest a kick to Harden.
No matter what the outcome is the Nets have the most talented and dangerous Big 3 in the NBA this season. The only question that remains is what is better? A Big 2 with depth? Or a Big 3 with little depth?