What’s Next for the Nets?

What is next for the Brooklyn Nets after getting swept by the Boston Celtics? The Boston Celtics put the world on notice after dominating the Nets in four consecutive games and leaving the Brooklyn Nets winless in this series. The matchup was supposed to be the most intriguing series because the Celtics had been playing their best basketball coming into the playoffs. The Nets were a team that could beat anyone because they had Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

Unfortunately, that was not the case because the Celtics overmatched Brooklyn like an adult taking candy from a baby. The Boston Celtics did something that most teams could not do, confused Kevin Durant. Boston away his greatest strength which is his scoring ability. Durant second-guessed himself the entire series. He looked confused at times because the Celtic defense was making him uncomfortable.

Jayson Tatum is emerging upon us as a legit superstar in these playoffs. Tatum averaged 29.5 points per game in this series and played great on the defensive side of the ball. Tatum outplayed Durant this series, and he had his way with Durant at times. Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart played their parts in this series as well. Brown and Smart brought toughness, and they kept making big plays that impacted the game in their favor. Brown scored twenty-two points, and Smart added twenty points. The Celtics are the first team to reach the second round of the playoffs after a 116-112 victory over the Nets Monday night. Boston is a legit team, and they put the entire NBA on notice after dominating this series from start to finish.

The question that needs answers in the offseason for the Nets is who team it is between Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. It seems like Kevin Durant or Kyrie Irving needs to be the leader of this basketball team. The Nets lack structure and no true leader between both Irving and Durant. Coming into the season, the Nets were the favorites to win the championship because they had one of the most dynamic duos in Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. They also had a player in James Harden, a former MVP.

The drama with Irving not getting vaccinated and being a part-time player caused James Harden to sour on the Nets. Brooklyn traded him to the 76ers for Ben Simmons. Then with Ben Simmons not playing a single game in a Brooklyn Nets uniform. Brooklyn was an absolute disappointment this season, and they should be embarrassed about what transpired in this series because they could not win a single game.

Coaching was a significant difference between Ime Udoka and Steve Nash. Udoka was a coach that knew he belonged here and put his team in the best situation. Nash seemed confused and has not been the best coach since he got the job in Brooklyn. The Nets need to address things because they have yet to reach a conference final with Durant and Irving. Steve Nash got the job in Brooklyn despite not having coaching experience, and his lack of coaching experience has shown in the past two years.

This shows why the Nets need a head coach that knows how to coach despite Irving saying they did not need a head coach when Nash first got the job in Brooklyn. Will the Nets get it together as they stand, or should they make changes this off-season?