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Brooklyn Nets: Is James Harden or Kyrie Irving a better fit in BK?

By Samuel Gue

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 01: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets is defended by Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on November 01, 2019 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 01: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets is defended by Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on November 01, 2019 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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James Harden, Brooklyn Nets
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 01: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets is defended by James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

Can Kyrie Irving and James Harden possibly coexist on the Nets?

Nets star Kyrie Irving has always had a question mark next to his name in the leadership department.

When Irving forced his way out of Cleveland due to his strong desire to be the best player on a team, many thought he was going to step onto that mantle in Boston.

However, things did not go as planned, and with a mixture of locker room issues and clear chemistry problems, Irving never materialized as the leader we thought he would be. Now, his goal is to become that in Brooklyn in his second season — in his first year, we witnessed flashes of talent, but yet again his season was cut short.

So, how does the rumored acquisition of James Harden fit into this picture? Can the two possibly work together? Will Harden impede Irving’s desire to be the lone wolf, something he apparently gave up on when he teamed up with Kevin Durant?

Harden has displayed the ability to lead a team throughout his time with the Rockets, consistently making them into a playoff team, and positioning them one game away from the Finals against the Warriors a few years back.

Harden has shown he can make his teammates around him better, thus showing his ability to be a solid leader better than Irving thus far.

Nets
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 01: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets battle for the rebound at Barclays Center on November 01, 2019 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

Who is more durable? Kyrie Irving, or James Harden?

In terms of durability, there is no doubt which player has the edge.

Irving, over the past few years, has missed a ton of games with injuries. He only managed to suit up for 20 games last season for the Nets, and throughout his nine-year career has only been able to play 70+ games three times in his career.

Harden, on the other hand, has been a consistent ironman during his time in the league, managing to play 70+ games in nine of his 11 seasons. The best ability is availability, so count on Harden to be there when it matters the most.

Brooklyn Nets
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – MAY 08: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets during Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 08, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Who’s the better offensive player? Kyrie Irving, or James Harden?

The moment we all been waiting for: Who is the better offensive player? Both have a history of being great players on the offensive end, displaying eye-popping numbers night after night. For the past three years, Harden has been displaying historic numbers on the offensive end, averaging over 30 points per game. His offensive talent is unmatched. Harden is debatably the best offensive player of all time.

Irving is quite simply a notch below Harden, but still packs a major punch with his offensive capabilities. Known as one of the best ball handlers and finishers in the league, it would not be a bad choice having Irving over Harden in this department.

Only time will tell if the Nets will be able to pull a trade of this magnitude off, but do not put anything past them, a team that has been in championship mode since the arrival of Durant and Irving.