Hoops Habit
Fansided

3 NBA teams facing do-or-die 2023–2024 seasons

By Loyal Ricks Jr

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 16: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics is defended by Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 16: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics is defended by Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
Ben Simmons (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Ben Simmons (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

NBA Team #1: Brooklyn Nets

It’s been an eventful couple of years for Sean Mark’s front office. It seems like yesterday the Nets assembled one of the best lineups in NBA history. If you evaluate the roster today, you wouldn’t see any evidence of that historic team. Draft picks were exchanged, and veteran players are long gone – putting the Nets in an unfavorable position.

In 2019, Brooklyn landed two top free-agent talents. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant agreed to become the newest stars of the association. They accepted their challenge and even motivated others to join their team. In 2021, the Nets pulled off a four-team trade to land an additional superstar. Draft capital and three experienced veterans were the price for adding James Harden to the roster. The future looked bright, and an NBA title was in reach.

Dreams of winning multiple championships drifted away as the three-headed monster grew further apart. Trade with the 76ers sent Harden to Philadelphia – leaving Irving and Durant to fend for themselves. Success was hard to find on the hardwood – forcing Durant and Irving to flee the scene. The Nets must rely on role players to lead them to a productive season. Nicolas Claxton and Spencer Dinwiddie are nearing the end of their contracts (2024). Ben Simmons and Cameron Thomas will follow soon after (2025) – putting the Nets between a rock and a hard place.

Next. NBA In-Season tournament keeps the hype machine turning. dark

The upcoming season will have different meanings for teams around the association. For some, a losing season will force superstar-caliber players to reconsider their future. Others must consider the state of their association and hope they’ve used their capital wisely. A chance to evaluate the roster isn’t enough to deem a season successful. Missing the playoffs could have major implications for ball clubs with desires of building dynasties.