The Brooklyn Nets got blown out last night by the Boston Celtics. But prior to that, they had the biggest surprise win in the bubble when they beat the Milwaukee Bucks. They seem set to qualify for the playoffs, but without their stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, they won’t survive too long in the postseason.
But in their absence, other players have stepped up big time. And watching from home, Durant is impressed with them. On the “Play for Keeps” podcast, Durant praised Caris Levert and Chris Chiozza, who have been making the most out of the opportunity they have received.
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Talking about Chiozza, Durant said, “He’s surprised me a lot. We started playing 3-on-3 once I started getting back into shape a little bit before the pandemic hit. Then he started getting more minutes in the games and then [was] knocking down threes, just playing with pace. He’s just looked good. He looked like he belonged out there. … He really showed me that he can play in this league.”
Kevin Durant surprised by Levert’s IQ
Caris Levert has been the leader with the Nets missing all of their other starters. So far in the bubble, he is averaging 21.3 points, while shooting 42.9% from the field. Durant was all praise for his scoring ability.
“He is definitely better than I thought,” Durant said. “He’s different. He can score that thing. He can pass it. He’s quick. His thing is about being efficient, and I think that’s what you’re seeing. The shots he’s taking now, it’s like all of his lane. Not a lot of threes, a lot in the mid-range, getting to the cup. I think his IQ is what surprised me the most.”
Although they won’t be making a huge impact as a team, the playing time now and the playoff experience for the inexperienced guys will be very helpful. When their stars return next season, they will have a young but still mature team who will be hungry for success. If Durant and Irving are able to mentor them and step up as leaders, they will be a team to watch out for in the Eastern Conference.
The Nets now play the Sacramento Kings tomorrow at 5 pm EST and will be hoping they can bounce back with a win.
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