The Nets Big Three, who is the leader of the team?
I'm sure a lot of fans will choose between Harden and Durant. But Skip, a well-known Commentator in the United States, talked about Irving's return debut this season in a guest appearance on "Undisputed", which touched on the topic of The Nets leader.
Skip said: "... Because he was the main reason Durant wanted to come to the Nets, I thought Durant would go to the Knicks, or any place Irving wanted to go... I had no idea where Nash's confidence came from last night to get Irving to start the game, and it turned out that Irving actually started and shot the Nets' first shot! I was thinking, what? This is too Owen, I just want to vote! I was struck by Irving's courage, and I was even more puzzled that the Nets were so happy with Irving's return last night. I made it clear that Durant was more like a follower than a leader, and Durant simply wanted to play. Durant did score a high 39 points, but what? In the end, it was Irving's team! ”
Skip's words are destined to be controversial. But I think Skip's assessment of Durant is still very accurate. In terms of strength, there is no doubt that Durant is the strongest of the Nets' Big Three. But Durant's personality is really not very suitable for being a leader. Looking at Durant's experience in the Warriors, although the team boss Curry is very humble and low-key, Green dares to publicly roar at Durant. In a way, Durant has never been a leader in the Warriors. When have you ever seen Green dare to yell at Curry?
From Durant's career, we can see that he really doesn't have the heart to be a leader, or he doesn't have the ability to be a leader, he just can play. I remember when Durant left the Thunder, Westbrook once asked Durant: How can you stay? I'm willing to make a change. But Durant left without hesitation. It can be seen that he is not satisfied with Wei Shao's performance in the Thunder, but he did not ask Wei Shao to do anything, but chose to leave on his own. He was evading his responsibility as a leader.
Skip doesn't mention Harden in this passage, apparently because he thinks Harden is also unfit to be the leader of the team. Harden and Durant have one thing in common, which is that they are not very good at or willing to express themselves. Their skill and strength are unquestionable, and they have the strength to be leaders in any NBA team. But it seems like the way they lead the team is to play, and obviously being a leader requires more communication and a fearless mindset.
In that sense, Irving is indeed better suited to be the leader of the Nets. Irving has a big heart, he dares to express, dare to take responsibility, and is willing to be the leader of the team. Otherwise it wouldn't have been such a big thing this season. But realistically, Owen is also not a qualified leader. The Nets may have 3 of the best players in the world, but none of them are real leaders, which is the Biggest Problem for the Nets.