Stephen A. Smith is never one to hold back his feelings about…well, just about anything related to the NBA.
He always has a hot take and will share it loudly and proudly no matter the sort of pushback he gets.
Smith, always a fan of New York sports, has seemingly given up on the Knicks.
But he hasn’t given up on the Brooklyn Nets.
"I've got the Brooklyn Nets going to the Finals. … Kyrie's going to be a leading candidate for MVP. … And Ben Simmons will return to All-Star status."
👀 @stephenasmith pic.twitter.com/OwTfaN8Bx2
— First Take (@FirstTake) October 18, 2022
On ESPN, Smith pegged the team to go all the way this year and predicted a stellar season for Kyrie Irving.
Said Smith:
“I’ve got the Brooklyn Nets going to the Finals. … Kyrie’s going to be a leading candidate for MVP. … And Ben Simmons will return to All-Star status.”
Those are some big words from Smith – and Brooklyn fans are hoping they end up being true.
If the Nets really are as good as Smith predicts then it would be a major rebound from the last few disappointing seasons.
Has everyone counted this team out?
Nets Need Help
On paper, the Nets are one of the best teams in the league.
Kevin Durant is leading the way, and Irving and Simmons are by his side, alongside sharpshooters like Seth Curry, Joe Harris, and others.
There are quite a few bonafide stars on the roster and the entire team is led by NBA legend Steve Nash.
So, what gives?
Why are the Nets such a mess still?
It has to do with a lot of outside events and behind-the-scenes drama.
Still, the potential for greatness is there.
This will be the year they prove they have it.
If not, everyone will definitely consider this a failed experiment, and the team will likely be broken down and rebuilt.
NEXT: Ben Simmons' Preseason Came To An Embarrassing End