Brooklyn Nets: 3 non-James Harden reasons BK should be worried

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TAMPA, FLORIDA – APRIL 21: Joe Harris #12 of the Brooklyn Nets and Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors fight for the ball during the third quarter at Amalie Arena on April 21, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

2. Joe Harris’ Sudden Onset Injury

Good news, Brooklyn Nets fans! After a weeks-long absence, James Harden feels conditioned and ready to return, making an appearance on Wednesday.

Plenty of time to re-learn basketball! Getting acclimated is a major concern, right? …Right? What if he forgets where the court is, and which orb is the “basket”.

Unfortunately, it seems the Nets can never quite be a fully-operational Death Star, though, which is what their YES partners the Yankees like to call themselves right before they lose another key player to injury.

While Harden left the Status Report ahead of Wednesday’s game against San Antonio, Joe Harris joined it at the last minute, citing a hip issue.

Update to the Status Report for tonight's game vs. San Antonio:

Harris (left hip soreness) - OUT
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) May 12, 2021

Should Brooklyn Nets fans be worried about Joe Harris’ injury?

Is this just pre-playoffs rest? Most likely. Is it still frustrating that core support players like Bruce Brown (nasal fracture) and Harris are missing time with injuries that feel freakish? Yes.

Shouldn’t it be just as important to have them “in rhythm” and clicking as it is to have the Big 3 gassed up alongside each other? Harris is a shooter, first and foremost. Most of Harris’ job is feeling right and operating with machinelike efficiency. Missing games for any reason can alter that.

Here’s hoping it’s not a concern, and Harris enters the playoffs firing. Truth be told, though, we’re more worried about a hitch in his gait than we are about Harden meshing with his teammates again.