The Brooklyn Nets are heading into the 2021-22 season as the favorites to win the NBA championship.
Despite this, they are arguably the team with the most drama and media coverage in the league.
It will be an interesting on and off the court balance between the team.
With all of the personalities on the team, it is possible that things could blow up and the team never reaches their full potential.
We have already seen the beginnings of this last season and into this offseason.
While there are way more than three storylines we could cover, we will be looking at three of our favorite storylines for the Nets heading into the 2021-22 season.
3. Will Kyrie Irving Be Able to Play In Home Games?
The first storyline to keep an eye on this season is if Kyrie Irving will be able to play in over half of the games this season.
Since joining the Nets, Irving has already missed a lot of time whether that be due to injury or personal issues.
However, this season it could be due to refusal to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Sources: Nets' Kyrie Irving could lose millions according to NBA, NBPA agreement on salary reduction for unvaccinated players who miss games due to local COVID-19 vaccine mandates – ESPN https://t.co/IP874Y91HL pic.twitter.com/rg4ezBm3wp
— SPORTARUCE™ (@sportaruce) October 4, 2021
Because of the Nets playing in the state of New York, they are required to be vaccinated to play.
Up to this point, Irving has been adamant in his refusal to get the vaccine and is currently claiming a religious exemption.
This is a move that we have not seen successfully work up to this point, however, with Irving being a star in the league, things may go his way.
Despite this, if he does refuse to get the vaccine, he will be unable to play in any home games.
This could be something that ends up costing them a championship.
Sources close to the team say that they believe Irving will end up accepting the vaccine due to pressure from the owner, media, and Kevin Durant, however, it has not happened yet.
2. Can LaMarcus Aldridge Withstand A Season?
Last season, LaMarcus Aldridge was forced into an early and unwanted retirement due to a heart condition that could be life-threatening if he continued to play basketball.
LaMarcus Aldridge announces his retirement after playing with an irregular heartbeat last week.
"You never know when something will come to an end, so make sure you enjoy it every day. I can truly say I did just that." pic.twitter.com/lGloGaEMZg
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 15, 2021
However, after improvements of this condition, he is once again under contract to take on a season with the Nets.
Aldridge will not play an enormous role with the Nets, however, he still would be very much missed if he is forced to step away from the game.
While he will hopefully be able to continue his career and retire when he decides the time is right, this is still a storyline to keep an eye on throughout the season.
1. Can They Bring Home A Title?
This could end up being a make-or-break year for the Nets.
Both James Harden and Irving have their contracts expire after this season.
If things end on a sour note or there ends up being bad blood between the big three, Harden and Irving could end up joining new teams.
Ending the season with a championship would shut down any rumors of this happening and could be the beginnings of one of the best dynasties the league has seen since the Golden State Warriors.
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