Nothin' But Nets
Fansided

3 Brooklyn Nets players who must step up immediately

By Jordanna Clark

Oct 27, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts after a dunk against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 27, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts after a dunk against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Brooklyn Nets, Joe Harris
Joe Harris, Brooklyn Nets. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Joe Harris

Where in the world is the Joe Harris that signed a four-year extension in November of 2020? He didn’t show up for the Nets in the postseason when they needed him most. As if that wasn’t bad enough, he’s also been missing this season.

If there’s ever a time for him to show back up, it’s now. In the game against the Heat, Harris surpassed Jason Kidd as Brooklyn’s all-time three-point leader. After hitting five threes on Wednesday, he now sits at 816. That’s quite impressive, right?

It really is, but Brooklyn needs Harris to show up on a consistent basis. He’s averaging 11.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1 assist this year. He’s shot 37.5 percent from the three-point line, which is 10 percent lower than his percentage in 2020-21. Harris shot 40.2 percent from behind the arc in the 2021 playoffs, but so far it’s not looking like he improved much in the offseason.

Harris has been with the team dating back to 2016. He’s now in a starting lineup with three other All-Stars, so he’s played a key role in the Nets forming a new identity. If he can be the spot-up three-point shooter that he once was, Brooklyn will be better off. Harris’ premise is based on him being the team’s top shooter from long, but right now that’s Patty Mills (51.6 percent).

The Nets need Harris to have a hot hand.