3 Nets players who are proving they can take burden off Kevin Durant

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 16: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates a shot against the Philadelphia 76ers during their game at Barclays Center on December 16, 2021 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 Al Bello/Getty Images) /

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LaMarcus Aldridge, Brooklyn Nets. (Photo by: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports) /

2. LaMarcus Aldridge

LaMarcus Aldridge’s game has been a pleasant surprise, to say the least. He’s one of the players that entered the health and safety protocols, but in the 25 games he’s played in, he’s been one of the team’s most reliable scorers.

The 17-year veteran is Brooklyn’s third-leading scorer with an average of 14 points per game, behind Durant and Harden. He’s shooting a career-high 57.3% from the field.

His mid-range jumper has come up big for the Nets in every single game he’s played in. When he has the ball and pulls up, it’s almost automatic.

📼 Big night from the big man // 23 points on 10-12 shooting for @aldridge_12 📼 pic.twitter.com/uamxekUjBt
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) October 23, 2021

With Harden struggling on the offensive end, Aldridge has been the boost that the Nets have needed. He started the season out coming off the bench but entered the starting lineup on Nov. 27 in place of Blake Griffin. As a starter, he’s averaging 14.8 points per game, and his scoring abilities don’t look like they’re going to slow down anytime soon.

If we had to guess, we’d say that KD appreciates having Aldridge back after he retired in April of last year because of his heart condition. Brooklyn was without him in the playoffs, but hopefully this year he’s healthy for the long haul and able to make his mark beyond the regular season.