Nothin' But Nets
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Brooklyn Nets: 5 major takeaways from the preseason

By Collin Helwig

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 13: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles the ball against Thomas Bryant #13 of the Washington Wizards as DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Brooklyn Nets and Jeff Green #8 of the Brooklyn Nets look on during the first half at Barclays Center on December 13, 2020 in the Brooklyn borough of 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 13: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles the ball against Thomas Bryant #13 of the Washington Wizards as DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Brooklyn Nets and Jeff Green #8 of the Brooklyn Nets look on during the first half at Barclays Center on December 13, 2020 in the Brooklyn borough of 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Kevin Durant #7 and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Kevin Durant #7 and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

4. Chemistry on the Floor

Despite all the star power on this roster, the Nets have good chemistry.

Brooklyn doubters love to remind people that both Irving and Durant have large personalities and might grow irritated with each other at some point during their tenure. Although it remains impossible to forecast whether or not the two will clash at some point this year, the duo and the team around them already appear very complementary, at least from a basketball standpoint, having shown off some extremely satisfying on-court chemistry.

Flowing exceptionally well, especially on the offensive end, the team looked unstoppable at times, frequently finding each other for high percentage shots and converting without hesitation. Between the two games, Brooklyn averaged 24.5 assists and hit 47.3% of their shots. Improvement in both of those areas for the upcoming season will elevate the Nets in a huge way.

Joe Harris especially looked impressive playing beside his teammates, both new and old. Gifted with multiple wide open three-point looks while Durant and Irving drew extra attention from opposing defenders, the $75 million man showed his worth. Additionally, Harris’ heads-up play as a defender and his underrated skills driving the basketball make him an extremely valuable asset now that the roster has more star power.

More importantly though, the team never seemed to miss a beat no matter who checked into the game. Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen looked fantastic running with the team’s second unit, while also operating well during their sets beside Durant and Irving. Even standouts from the “Bubble Nets” seemed locked in with the new-look team, as Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot played very efficiently, shooting 60% from the field.