Between injuries, trades and free agent acquisitions, we have seen seismic shifts in the NBA this season.
While the Lakers are still the team to beat — as they are the defending champions — they will not be facing the most pressure entering the postseason.
With the playoffs just over a month away from commencing, we discuss who will be under the most pressure.
In particular, two coaches who will be under the most scrutiny if things don’t go as planned come late July.
1. Steve Nash, Brooklyn Nets
Prior to the start of the 2021 NBA season, most were excited to see the return of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
Durant — recovering from his Achilles — wasn’t able to play at all last year with his best friend, Kyrie Irving.
Well, things got even sweeter as KD paired up with his former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate, James Harden when the Nets completed a blockbuster deal with the Rockets earlier in the season.
But, Brooklyn wasn’t done acquiring talent.
Blake Griffin has cleared free agency waivers and the six-time NBA All-Star is expected to sign with the Brooklyn Nets, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 7, 2021
After signing Griffin, the Nets stacked the deck even higher by bringing in another vet.
LaMarcus Aldridge is planning to sign with the Nets, per @wojespn pic.twitter.com/bwaXT336uJ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 27, 2021
It has become apparent that the Nets are the clear-cut favorite to win the East and make the NBA Finals.
But yet, many still have concerns about this team.
Some question whether or not the team has a true leader.
Others believe that when adversity hits, that lack of leadership will lead to their demise.
Well, that’s where Coach Steve Nash comes in.
There is a saying for boaters that goes, a rising tide lifts all boats.
Rookie Head Coach Steve Nash will need to be that rising tide.
He will be facing an immense amount of pressure in doing so as coaching superstars isn’t always the easiest thing to do.
But, he seems to be cut out for the job with his calm demeanor.
The Brooklyn Nets have no excuse to not make the NBA Finals.
2. Ty Lue, Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are looking to redeem themselves after blowing a 3-1 series lead in the second round to the Denver Nuggets.
In fact, Doc Rivers got fired after the choke job last year.
The Clippers then hired former Cleveland Cavaliers coach, Ty Lue — who has experience of coaching superstars.
The drama in the LA locker room stemmed from Kawhi Leonard and Paul George receiving “special” treatment.
Los Angeles believes Coach Lue can manage and handle the situation better.
With that said, all eyes will be on Ty Lue and his Clippers squad come postseason.
Before the trade deadline, Los Angeles traded for PG Rajon Rondo, who they hope can become “playoff Rondo” once again.
FULL TRADE DETAILS
Clippers – Rajon Rondo
Hawks – Lou Williams, Two 2nd-Round Picks, Cash
(via @ShamsCharania) https://t.co/h9ozaxSLJc
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 25, 2021
Los Angeles is also the latest of teams to take a gamble on C DeMarcus Cousins.
Clippers plan to sign DeMarcus Cousins, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/augBV0G6bd
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 31, 2021
As winners of five straight, the Clippers are only 3.5 games back of the number one seed.
Over the last two months, Kawhi Leonard has earned his way into the MVP conversation.
The 2021 NBA playoffs are going to be a very important part of Clippers history.
Many around the league believe that if the team fails to reach the Western Conference Finals, the Clippers will blow it up.
NEXT: Re-Drafting The Top 5 Players In The 2017 NBA Draft