Brooklyn Nets: What Lineups Could the Team use if the Playoffs Occur?

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Although most expect the Nets to refrain from unleashing Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant this year, no word seemingly describes this season better than “unexpected.” While doing so might feel unwise or even unnecessary, fielding a lineup equipped with both Durant and Irving nevertheless remains a potential option for the Nets given this season’s abstract nature and each player’s injury timetables.

While various NBA insiders might still continue to doubt its chances to come into fruition this year, this lineup warrants no doubt regarding its ability to upgrade the Nets as a team by an exponential level. With only the rust and cobwebs surrounding Durant after missing an entire season as the only legitimate factors opposing it, this lineup certainly makes winning a championship a reasonable goal for Brooklyn.

Things might feel a bit rocky at first with this lineup not only potentially playing together for the first time but also with Jacque Vaughn set to coach just his third game, but considering how the entire league took an unprecedented and extensive break during its season due to the COVID-19 outbreak, it remains likely that each team will undergo some turbulence similarly to Brooklyn no matter which playoff format passes.

Put simply, if there’s ever a time to endure a disadvantage brought on by unfamiliarity, it’s right now.

This lineup seems certain to boost Brooklyn’s offensive production more than anything else. Throughout his career, Durant averages more points per game than Wilson Chandler and Taurean Prince combined this year, and he does so by a significant margin.

It takes no genius to understand that swapping two fringe starters with a top-five all-time scorer potentially turns the Nets into an elite offensive team.

Durant’s presence outside his own individual production possesses the ability to kick Brooklyn’s offense into a higher gear alone as well. As a player often drawing double teams unlike Prince or Chandler, a driving Durant creates opportunities for Joe Harris or Caris LeVert to knock down open shots.

Durant’s unique ability to threaten as a shooter from anywhere on the court aims to help the Nets spread the floor to an even further extent as well.

Now looking at Kyrie’s addition, the Nets add yet another elite scorer with an ability to carry an entire team offensively.

Although Spencer Dinwiddie played exceptionally during Irving’s multiple stints atop the injury report this year, Uncle Drew’s unparalleled skills as a ball-handler and more consistent shooting places him a tier just above Dinwiddie, consequently elevating the team by another tier as well.

On the other hand, while Kyrie’s defense might not directly help improve the Nets, Durant’s defense more than makes up for it. Stretching out to 6’10 with a 7’5 wingspan and an ability to move well, Durant’s abilities make him a rare specimen able to guard virtually any player at the NBA level.

Although it indeed spills more into the offensive side, this lineup featuring Durant and Irving still improves Brooklyn be a noticeable degree no matter which way you look at it.