Brooklyn has just made a drastic personnel change, which could seriously impact its season. Magic Johnson, however, believes that it will not be in a positive way… The Hall of Famer has indeed knocked out blacks and whites, although his tweet may be confusing.
It’s official, the Big Three Kevin Durant – Kyrie Irving – James Harden is not anymore. One year after its constitution, it’s already over following the XXL transfer of the ex-Rocket to Philadelphia. In total, the three men will have played only 16 games together… It is now Ben Simmons who will complete the Nets’ flagship trio, he who arrived with Andre Drummond and Seth Curry in exchange for the back.
A hell of a reshuffle for Steve Nash’s squad, which remains on 10 consecutive defeats and is only in 8ᵉ position in the East. Can the shock move reverse the trend? According to Magic Johnson, the answer is a clear and definite no. The former glory of the Lakers was very skeptical about this new look roster, which must always do without an injured KD. According to him, two elements in particular prevent Brooklyn from becoming champions in 2021-22:
Magic Johnson not convinced by the Nets 2.0
Because Kyrie is not vaccinated and Ben Simmons hasn’t played all year, Brooklyn will not be a championship contending team this season, but they definitely will be next season on.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 10, 2022
Kyrie Irving is not vaccinated, and Ben Simmons has not played all season. Brooklyn is therefore not a contender this season, but will certainly be next year.
By analyzing the words of the Hall of Famer, one wonders what he means exactly by that. If we read between the lines, Johnson is therefore convinced that Uncle Drew will agree to be immunized against covid-19 by the 2022-23 financial year. A prediction that is absolutely not obvious, given that the leader fiercely refuses any treatment, even if it means putting his career in danger. And then, nothing says that Simmons will acclimatize properly to his new environment.
In the event that the stars were to align however, it would be very interesting to see the new shock trio of BKN on the floors. The Australian would clearly have the role of distributor, relieved of his scoring responsibilities by Durant and Irving. At the same time, the latter would benefit from the defensive talent of his new teammate. Quite a progress compared to The Beard, not really invested in the field. Until that happens, however, the Blacks and Whites have to make do with what they have, and it wasn’t enough to defeat the Wizards (113-112 defeat):
Magic Johnson clearly doesn’t believe in the 2021-22 version of the Nets, but thinks they will have every chance again next year. Whether the new Big Three with Ben Simmons will work once Durant is back on the court remains to be seen.
