One thing Steve Nash has harped on quite a bit this season is his players have been overworked. Of course, a lot of coaches feel that way this year with the odd scheduling. But, it’s a little different for the Nets.
Most teams haven’t been dealing with a depleted roster due to a big trade — as much as the move has been a help for Brooklyn, too. Compound that with Kyrie Irving’s extended absence in the middle of Kevin Durant’s first quarantine and Brooklyn’s management of the forward’s injury, and a lot has been asked of players like Joe Harris, DeAndre Jordan, Jeff Green and other role guys — not to mention James Harden since he arrived.
Now that Durant (health and safety protocols) is out for an extended stretch again, more will be asked of Brooklyn’s key role guys on top of those who don’t normally receive as many minutes. The Nets need Irving (finger) back to take on a little bit off the load. As much as the Nets should knock off the Detroit Pistons and could steal one from the Indiana Pacers with just one member of the big three, an overworked Brooklyn team will be stretched out even further over the week.
"Those guys are playing in the 'stay ready' group most days"
Steve Nash talks about some of the Nets reserves getting opportunities recently pic.twitter.com/z85LuBM8rs
— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) February 7, 2021
And even if the Nets get Durant back for the game against Golden State on Saturday, they have a back-to-back after that; so they could be without him against either the Sacramento Kings or Phoenix Suns, further compounding the issue. The Nets need rest. They’re not going to get any. It’s on Nash to keep winning ball games while not exhausting his guys over this next week-plus.
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