Now that the Brooklyn Nets are officially out of the playoffs, it’s time for some soul-searching for the team.
There were a lot of problems with the team this year, from injuries to COVID-19 absences, to an Eastern Conference that was stacked and more difficult than ever.
But perhaps the biggest headache for the Nets this year was the loss of Kyrie Irving, who was sidelined for literally months because of his refusal to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Irving wasn’t able to play for much of the season because he isn’t vaccinated.
Then he was eventually able to only play in away games.
Eventually, the rules changed and Irving was able to participate in all games with this team.
But by then, Brooklyn was already struggling and had dug a deep hole.
"I feel like I was letting the team down when I wasn't able to play… It became a distraction at times."
– Kyrie
(h/t @MattBrooksNBA ) pic.twitter.com/cLXbJTB4hS
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 26, 2022
Irving is commenting on the damage done by his lack of playing.
After being swept in Game 4 of the first round, Irving commented on the situation, saying, “I feel like I was letting the team down when I wasn’t able to play. It became a distraction at times.”
That’s quite an understatement from Irving.
Next Year’s Full Roster
The good news is that, as of now, the Nets will start next season with a full roster.
Irving’s vaccination issues are no longer a problem and the other injuries that plagued the team seem to be gone.
So next year’s Brooklyn should be the Brooklyn everyone expected this year.
Does that mean that next season’s Nets are title contenders?
There is already talk that Brooklyn is a team to watch for the 2022-23 season.
Irving will have to come out of the gate in prime condition, ready to fight harder than ever.
If he really feels he let his team down, he should make it up to them next year.
NEXT: Kyrie Irving Comments On His Future Plans