Nets: Should fans be concerned about James Harden’s injury comments?

The Brooklyn Nets are only five games into the season, but are out to a rocky 2-3 start. Even with Kyrie Irving out, Brooklyn’s starting lineup still features three All-Stars. Kevin Durant is averaging a double-double with 29.8 points and 10 rebounds, so there’s nothing to be worried about there. However, James Harden hasn’t been able to do much of anything on either end of the court.

Harden is averaging 16.6 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. Those numbers are pretty fair, but not if you’re Harden. He no longer can rely on his routine trips to the free-throw line, which has thrown his game way off-kilter.

After Brooklyn lost 106-93 to the Miami Heat on Wednesday, Harden referred back to the hamstring injury that he suffered last year. Because of his rehab, he didn’t get to spend time playing pickup in the offseason, which has resulted in his slow start. According to Harden, the Nets’ first five games have been a chance for him to build his confidence and aggressiveness back up.

To hear from Harden himself that he’s still working his way back from his injury is a bit concerning for Brooklyn fans. But he clearly isn’t worried too much about his play, though, which isn’t a bad sign.

James Harden isn’t worried about his slow start with the Brooklyn Nets

Well, if Harden isn’t stressing, why should fans be stressed out right now? After all, he’s the actual NBA player who’s the one working through the process himself. Harden knows what a long season entails and what it means for his body.

Looking from the outside in, the Nets’ start to the year has caused fans to worry. Durant is projected to win MVP and Brooklyn is supposed to make it to the Finals. There’s still 77 games left until the playoffs start, but there hasn’t been a whole lot of reassurance for fans so far.

The Nets have lost their three games by an average of 17.3 points. It’s difficult to compensate for Irving’s 29.9 points and six assists that he averaged per game last season. Brooklyn started the season in a hole and Durant can’t be the lone person to pull the the team out.

If Irving does hold out for the entirety of the year, the Nets are going to need Harden for the postseason. It’s better that he’s finding his footing in games now rather than later on in the year.

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There’s no need to be too concerned just yet, but if Harden’s lack of explosiveness is still a topic in a month or two, that’ll be a huge cause for concern.