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Feb 13, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) talks with forward Kevin Durant (7) during a free throw attempt by the Nets against the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 13, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) talks with forward Kevin Durant (7) during a free throw attempt by the Nets against the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
The Brooklyn Nets made it clear that they were challenging for the title when they traded for James Harden early in the season. But there were some concerns as he is a ball dominant guard, and his fit alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving seemed questionable.
But Harden put all of those doubts to bed as he became the primary facilitator of the ball. With ‘the Beard‘ conducting the offense, Kyrie transformed into a shooting guard for the team and Durant played as the three.
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Jan 22, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) brings the ball up court during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
The Nets certainly have thrived with Harden, and the records also speak for themselves. In the 36 games he has played with the Nets, Brooklyn have been dominant and have a record of 29 wins and 7 losses.
Kevin Durant speaks about James Harden fitting in with the Nets
James Harden has fit seamlessly with the Nets so far. Surrounded with an excellent supporting cast of Joe Harris and Blake Griffin to name a few, the Nets are a force to reckon with on the offensive end.
While many have been surprised to see how well Harden has adapted to the system, teammate Kevin Durant isn’t surprised that Harden is thriving in the Nets. In a recent press conference, KD opened up about the Beard fitting in with the Nets.
“I expect that from James. If he doesn’t know how to adapt so fast as a 12-year veteran, then I was and I would look at him kind of crazy. I mean that’s your job is to continue to adapt and grow and learn more about the game of basketball and that’s what James has done.”
Durant added, “So I was expecting him to come in here and you know it’s going to take some time to get to know guys personally and know they like the ball and stuff but I expect it to happen fairly quickly.”
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Mar 21, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets power forward Blake Griffin (2) reacts with shooting guard James Harden (13) during the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Harden will certainly be key for the Nets in the upcoming post season. Given how effective he has been in bringing the best out of his teammates, the Beard is certainly the most important piece in the team.
If Harden can distribute the ball effectively, the doubts surrounding the big three won’t be a big issue for the Nets. Can James Harden finally win his first NBA title with the Brooklyn Nets?
