CAN THE NETS SURVIVE WITHOUT KYRIE AND KD?

As the trade deadline came to an end, we experienced probably what is the most entertaining and craziest trade deadline to date as the Nets traded both their superstars in KD and Kyrie.

Already losing James Harden last year for Seth Curry and Ben Simmons, the Nets had to reconstruct around the two star players, which unfortunately didn't work out as there was a lack of games where both players were on the floor together.

After a long stint trying to build a dynasty in Brooklyn, Kevin Durant found it difficult to play with his teammates and even calling them out after a loss in November;

"Look at our starting lineup. Edmond Sumner, Royce O'Neale, Joe Harris, [Nic] Claxton and me. It's not disrespect, but what are you expecting from that group? You expect us to win because I'm out there."

 

Since then, the Nets had a quick turnaround thanks to the new head coach Jacque Vaughn, who replaced Steve Nash after much toxicity between management, ownership, and players alike.

Unfortunately, not all stories have a happy ending, but that might not be the case for Brooklyn.

The Nets might have traded KD and Kyrie, but they got a lot of picks in return, and a handful of players, most notably; Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, Cam Johnson, and Mikal Bridges, who were all starters on their previous teams. Now the Nets might have lost all star caliber players, but Mikal Bridges is one of the best defensive players in the league, and dropped 45 points two games ago. Additionally, Dinwiddie has been known to show up in big plays when it mattered, while Dorian Finney complements any one's game perfectly, he's quite literally the best role player for a team and we know how effective role players are on winning teams. Finally, the nets also got Cam Johnson, a good perimeter defender and wing who's got a three point shot.

Of course these are only the new players, as the Nets still have Nic Claxton, a rim protecting big man, and Cam Johnson, who was often in KD and Kyrie's shadow, but was able to shine as they left the association as he dropped 40 points in his second year in the NBA.

Since the trade deadline, Mikal Bridges has shown signs of leadership like he had done in Phoenix previously this season when Chris Paul and Booker were out on injuries. Mikal has grown as a player and might have had the biggest opportunity of his life by being traded to Brooklyn. The Nets' defense has proven efficient against the Sixers, a prolific offensive team, while offensively being a great passing team that can finish from the field and at the rim.

Overall, the Nets might lose a couple spots in the eastern conference but still have a chance to make the playoffs without going through the play-ins.