The Collapse of Brooklyn’s Big Three: Insights from Kevin Durant and Steve Nash

Kevin Durant and Steve Nash recently took a deep dive into the turbulent history of their time with the Brooklyn Nets. On the “Mind The Game” podcast, the former NBA stars discussed the factors that led to the breakup of the highly anticipated Big Three, which included Kyrie Irving, James Harden, and, of course, Durant himself.

The Rise and Fall of the Superteam

The Nets’ ambitious plan to form a superteam was spearheaded by General Manager Sean Marks. The joining of Durant, Irving, and Harden in 2021 generated significant excitement among fans and pundits alike. Yet, as Durant pointed out, the desire to win a championship was overshadowed by a series of unfortunate events.

Key Moments in the Nets’ Journey

• 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals: The Nets lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 7, a defeat that felt particularly heartbreaking when Durant’s potential game-winning shot was rendered moot by his toe being on the three-point line. Irvin and Harden were sidelined due to injuries, delivering a significant blow to the team’s championship aspirations.

• Coaching and Management Issues: Nash was dismissed as head coach in November 2022 after Durant reportedly demanded his firing. This marked the beginning of a downward spiral for the franchise, culminating in Durant’s trade request the following February.

Durant reflected on a pivotal moment before a game in Portland, questioning, "Who am I spending my next five years with?" He acknowledged feeling secure in his contract but noted the chaos surrounding the franchise.

The Turmoil Within

Durant highlighted the distractions that plagued the team:

• COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate: Irving’s choice not to adhere to New York’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate continually created conflict and restricted his participation in home games.

• James Harden’s Trade Request: Harden’s passive-aggressive exit further complicated matters as he only expressed his desire to leave two days before the trade deadline, leaving the Nets with little time to react.

• Ben Simmons saga: Simmons, who was acquired in the aftermath of Harden’s departure, struggled with injuries, further destabilizing the roster.

Conversations on Coaching

Throughout their discussion, it became evident that Nash felt he was not able to coach as much as he envisioned. He humorously remarked, “I didn’t get to coach as much as I wanted to,” which could refer to both the limited time Durant and his teammates played together and the overwhelming distractions he had to deal with.

Durant’s Perspective

Reflecting on their time, Durant stated, “We had great intentions… It was just too many distractions in a way, and you know you can’t win that way.” He cherished the moments they spent together and expressed regret that the team could not capitalize on the synergy among the players.

• Shared Commitment: Both Durant and Nash acknowledged the dedication from those committed to success, suggesting that while they were focused on winning a championship, external distractions consistently disrupted their efforts.

Freeing Nash of Blame

Despite the challenges, Durant was quick to absolve Nash of any blame for the team’s failures. He contended that Nash faced formidable obstacles, suggesting that the coach’s potential was hindered due to the tumultuous environment surrounding the team.

Reflecting on Failed Potential

Nash, who has yet to return to coaching since his Nets tenure, admits he struggles to define his role with Brooklyn. He expressed feelings of failure but recognized that numerous factors were beyond his control.

Durant even reassured fans of his allegiance to the Nets, claiming he would always be a "Net for life," highlighting the complex emotions surrounding his tenure in Brooklyn.

Conclusion

The exchange between Durant and Nash encapsulates the challenges faced by the Brooklyn Nets’ superteam. Despite their hopes of achieving greatness, a myriad of distractions and conflicts led to an untimely collapse. As both figures reflect on their time together, it serves as a poignant reminder of the intricacies of team dynamics in professional sports.

For more on NBA events and team dynamics, check out resources like the NBA’s official site and ESPN.