Nothin' But Nets
Fansided

3 ways Kyrie Irving will make Nets better as he makes long-awaited return

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 07: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates his dunk in the first quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Barclays Center on April 07, 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 07: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates his dunk in the first quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Barclays Center on April 07, 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Brooklyn Nets, Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn Nets. (Photo by: Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

1. Scoring

Remember all of those games this year where it felt like KD was the only player that was knocking down shots? All of those fourth-quarter comebacks where Durant switched his gears into overdrive?

Well, now, he’ll have some help. Just like KD’s averaging a league-high in minutes per game, he’s also doing the same in points per game with 29.7. Harden’s behind Durant with 22.7 points, but after that it’s just Patty Mills with 13.8 points.

Last season, Irving averaged 26.9 points per game. When you look at that average in comparison with where the Nets are at right now in scoring, it feels like Brooklyn’s been granted a cheat code, although Irving’s been on the roster since 2019.

The Nets have had a hard time with teams over .500, such as Chicago, who is currently in first place in the East with a 25-10 record. Brooklyn’s 0-2 against the Bulls this season and will play at United Center on Jan. 12, which means Irving will be eligible to play.

Before it was known that Irving was re-joining the team, the Nets’ ability to score and compete against playoff-level teams was brought into question more than once. It’s difficult to make up for Irving’s loss, especially on the offensive end, which is why Brooklyn hasn’t been able to do so.

His presence makes Brooklyn a far more competitive team, and even with his part-time status, it’s hard to see any team knocking off a lineup that features Irving, KD, and Harden.