After harden's deal with Ben Simmons, the Nets were still considered one of the biggest favorites to win the title, and all sides held such views and touted the Nets to the fullest. But in stark contrast, the Nets are still losing and have now fallen to No. 8 in the Eastern Conference. Before returning from the fully formed Nets, the Nets should beware of digging too deep a hole and not being "killed" by the "kill".
Since the deal was reached, it has been agreed that the Nets have not lost much of their strength, and even if used properly, Simmons will be better suited to the Nets than Harden. Taking this game as an example, the Celtics won the Nets 129-106, and Green Army coach Amy Yuduka is still "chicken soup" the Nets after the game, saying that the Nets are not much worse than the 2020-21 season after the trade, simmons can improve the team, "I can't say who is the trade winner, but the Nets have improved in many ways." ”
Just before today's game, former NBA coach Stan Van Gundy also said that he would not say that the Nets are the biggest favorite to win the championship until the fully physical Nets appear, but the Nets are indeed the most talented team.
In fact, after the deal was reached, the Inside of the Nets was also a happy and peaceful atmosphere. Before the game, both Nash and Dragic said the Nets would try to get out of the play-off area, with the goal of returning to the top 6 in the Eastern Conference. Nets general manager Sean Max also said that the Nets' goal this season is still to win the championship.
But in stark contrast, the Nets lost at home to the Green Army by 23 points, ranking 8th in the East Side with only 31 wins and 29 losses. Currently, the Nets are 3.5 wins behind the 6th Green Army in the Eastern Division and three wins ahead of the 11th Wizards in the Eastern Division. In other words, the Nets' likelihood of falling out of the playoffs is the same as or even slightly higher than the likelihood of making it directly into the playoffs in the top 6.
The Nets weren't unaware of this. After today's game, Nash said the Nets were racing against time and felt the urgency of improving the team's rankings. But he reckoned the players didn't listen. Bruce Brown looked indifferent when he talked about the Nets' rankings. "I know the Nets are in the playoff zone right now, but I'm not worried at all, when all the people come back, we'll be able to get it done," he said. ”
Admittedly, the Nets lineup is indeed thriving, especially after signing Dragic recently. But of course, there are hidden worries: first, no one knows whether Irving can play the home game, and second, I don't know when Simmons will return, and I don't know how much time Nash will arrange for Durant after his return, and will he let Durant fall again?
The bigger concern is: If the net digs too big a hole, can it still climb up? If a playoff ticket is earned through a playoff, the Nets can only rank 7th highest, and the first round will also play against more powerful opponents.
The praise from the outside world can be stopped, and the Nets must face up to the current situation and strictly prevent being "killed". (Supine Braces/Hairy)