The Brooklyn Nets began this season as the favorite to win it all from the Eastern Conference. Since then, they have faced several issues that have arguably stopped them from reaching their full potential. The key problem has undoubtedly been the Kyrie Irving saga. However, their fans have found another potential weak link in the offensive line of the Brooklyn Nets super team this season. And that is none other than the former MVP, James Harden.
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Last season, James Harden transitioned to the role of the playmaker of the team. One of the main reasons he left Houston was because he could not handle scoring 30 points a game to keep the offense running.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 27, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) controls the ball against Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry (7) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Therefore, once he joined the Brooklyn Nets, in agreement with Kyrie Irving, he became the main point guard on the floor. While Kyrie Irving shifted to the shooting guard.
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Coming into this season, this role change combined with NBA’s latest ‘Non-Basketball Moves’ rule change is not making Brooklyn fans extremely happy. Since this role change combined with the new rule means lesser points for Harden, he has come under a lot of scrutiny from the Nets fans.
Fans criticize James Harden for not performing up to expectations
He’s eating too much unfortunately
Some of those 100% should have been called fouls. But we are only a few games into season. I think he just needs a little while to get going. He does need to condition a bit seems like he is not completely in shape yet. I think he will do well soon though.
His game was based on getting foul calls. Take that away, what does he have? Begs the question, was he really an MVP?
The problem is that his fg % has never been great so...
When you get as many FTs as him that masks his inefficiencies because shots you would miss are ruled off because he's so great at manipulating the refs
What does this mean for the Brooklyn Nets?
Kevin Durant is currently carrying the Brooklyn Nets’ offense while Harden is arguably playing like a role player. So it is natural that Brooklyn fans are fuming over Harden’s role in the franchise. For now, Harden does not need to be worried about his position on the starting lineup.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 14, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) controls the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
However, if he slowly develops into a public enemy in Brooklyn, will his days there be limited? Will the Brooklyn Nets trade the veteran superstar before he becomes washed out? We’ll have to wait to find out.
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