When James Harden was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, teaming up with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, they quickly became an instant title contenders in many people’s eyes. But, despite having these three future Hall of Famers, the Nets didn’t become as dominant as everyone expected.
The best they could manage was a 48-win season and a second-round playoff appearance during the 2020-21 NBA season. The following season began their decline, with Harden’s exit followed by Irving and Durant in the subsequent year.
Irving, now playing for the Dallas Mavericks, was now questioned about his short-lived Nets tenure with Harden and Durant. For the former Nets star, it was unfortunate that their team is now regarded as a “what if” scenario in NBA history.
“It’s unfortunate that me, James and KD are part of the NBA history ‘what ifs’ of just having a super-team and the expectations on us, and we did have a few good seasons,” Irving said.
“Outside of just the things we couldn’t control, with the vaccine stuff and the mandates in New York City, and just the up-and-downs of scenarios and circumstances, I feel like we did pretty well.” Irving continued. “It’s kind of like one of those ‘the time that got away, girl that got away.’ It’ll hurt you for the rest of your life.”
“It’s unfortunate that me, James, and KD are part of NBA history ‘what if’s…’ It’s kind of like the girl that got away. It’ll hurt you for the rest of your life. Looking back, you got a great bad wife, kids, and all that and you’re like, ‘Tss.’ I don’t wanna second guess it, I… pic.twitter.com/bBgSuiVtdL
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 26, 2023
