If it’s not one thing, it’s another. The Brooklyn Nets continue to get pummeled by what feels like a never-ending wave. For instance, Joe Harris had ankle surgery on Nov. 29 and was supposed to be out for four-to-eight weeks, and it’s been over eight weeks and there’s no return date in sight.
Steve Nash said a few weeks ago that Harris was a couple of weeks away from returning to the court. Shortly after that, Nash gave an update and said that Harris’ rehab wasn’t going as expected.
In the meantime, James Harden’s dropped a hint that Harris is going to return to the court after the All-Star break. Nash said that Harris had progressed to light shooting, which was all good news, regardless of how slow the process has taken.
However, Nash spoke with the media on Sunday and said that Harris has had “some flare-ups.”
During the Nets-Lakers game on Tuesday night, TNT sideline reporter Chris Haynes reported that on Monday, Harris flew to Indianapolis to get a second opinion “from a few separate doctors.”
Sources: My @NBAonTNT report on Brooklyn Nets sharpshooter Joe Harris flying to Indianapolis to get a second opinion on his ankle. pic.twitter.com/cmvOcIcCLy
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 26, 2022
Should the Brooklyn Nets be worried about Joe Harris’ rehab progression?
Haynes said that “Harris still intends to return this season” but that a timeline hasn’t been determined yet. Right now, Harris is focused on discovering what it’s going to take for him to get back on the court.
Harris was on the bench for Brooklyn’s game against Los Angeles and he was with the team on their most recent road trip. The Nets shot 25.9% from the 3-point line on Tuesday, so it would’ve been nice to have Harris’ presence on the floor.
After the game, Nash was asked about Haynes’ report.
Steve Nash confirmed Joe Harris got a second opinion on his ankle, said its standard. #Nets
— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) January 26, 2022
It’s hard to figure out how to feel. Haynes’ report wasn’t exactly promising but Nash made it seem as if it wasn’t a big deal.
Since Kyrie Irving is a part-time player and Kevin Durant is out for four-to-six weeks after spraining his MCL on Jan. 15, Brooklyn’s offense has taken a hit.
In games played at Barclays Center, the Nets are 12-12, and that record is expected to continue to worsen since the team is down three starters in Brooklyn.
The playoffs start in two-and-a-half months and the Nets are going to need Harris. He’s likely itching to redeem himself after last year’s poor performance in the playoffs against the Bucks.
It’s difficult to feel optimistic for Harris’ return because, for every step forward that he makes, it feels like he gets pushed two steps back.
Luckily, Brooklyn signed Patty Mills to a two-year contract during the offseason, and while he’s played well, Mills is more of a role player at this point in his career for the Nets.
If Harris were to return after the All-Star break, that’d mean that he could play as soon as Feb. 24 in Brooklyn against Boson. That’d be a huge boost for the Nets, although, for some reason, it doesn’t feel like he’ll be back by then.
Nash said that the goal is not to rush Harris back but what if that ends up meaning that it’s in Harris’ best interest to not play again this season? Hopefully, it doesn’t come to that. Harris is the lone player left from Brooklyn’s impressive playoff run in 2015.
Harris has been a consistent presence for the Nets and he deserves to fight for a ring.
James Harden responds to surprise rumor reports after Nets loss
After the Brooklyn Nets lost to the Los Angeles Lakers, 106-96, James Harden was asked about the recent reports that he's open to leaving the team.