In the modern world of sports that we are living in, player power has never been so controlling and demanding as it is today.
Look at the Lakers for example with LeBron James. Regarded as the greatest of all time by some, his voice gives him a position where decisions can be made with his influence.
He was the driving force in helping acquire Russell Westbrook, a move which has ended up as a catastrophe.
Shift focus to Brooklyn and a similar scenario has played out over the past couple of years.
Approaching free agency at the end of June 2019, Kevin Durant agreed to join the Nets despite the franchise knowing he would miss the first season with an ACL injury.
With his power and influence, he was able to attract superstar Kyrie Irving to join and form a dominant duo, or so it seemed.
With these two acquisitions, Brooklyn was expected to challenge for the championship or at the bare minimum compete in the finals.
They were on the same boat as the LA Clippers with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George joining forces, which have ultimately faced their own problems, proving that talent only gets a franchise so far.
There is no doubt that Irving is box-office entertainment when the 30-year-old is switched on and solely focused on basketball.
Despite that, everyone was well aware that for Irving, you have to take the good with the bad and it takes a patient temperament to handle the full package he brings.
Kevin Durant. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
His actions have taken a toll on the team, taking time off for refusing to take the vaccine on top of being banned for at least five matches earlier this week after sharing a link to an anti-semitic documentary.
Was it really the best idea to sign Kyrie? Knowing that he loves the spotlight and would need to adapt his game not only alongside Durant, but also James Harden was another disastrous decision.
The lack of game time for both Durant and Irving forced the Nets to put a band-aid over the wound and look to short-term solutions by signing players such as Blake Griffin and LaMarcus Aldridge who are both past their prime.
Then the whole Ben Simmons circus did no favours for the franchise trying to install some unity and momentum throughout last season, as players and coach Steve Nash was forced to constantly answer questions about the former Philadelphia stars’ injury problems.
The new NBA season is only 10 games old, but it is already clearly evident that in order for the Nets to succeed, they must have Simmons firing on all cylinders and improve his mental side of the game which is ultimately holding him back.
He was not brought in to shoot the basket from the arc, but rather be that defensive force he once was as well as contributing points in the paint and bringing his teammates into play using his physicality and IQ.
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
As if things couldn’t get any worse, the firing of Steve Nash who for many did not deserve the role due to his lack of inexperience, was the final nail in the coffin to provide confirmation that the hierarchy and management are inept and out of their depth.
Again, players such as KD had an influence on this which is not healthy for the franchise.
Nash was doomed right from the get-go. The 48-year-old did not have the right support crew behind him to get the best out of his playing squad.
Player power should be a factor in the NBA but not the extent to which they are controlling high-end decisions.
Look at the Golden State Warriors for example. Yes, they had an all-star roster which was always built for a dynasty, but it always had the team chemistry to go along with it which is something Brooklyn greatly lacks.
Even with the unnecessary controversy that Draymond Green has surrounded the Warriors, they still find a way to come together and play for each other.
A 4-6 start to the season isn’t the worse by any stretch, but they need to get their act together quickly if they want to have any chance of competing in the playoffs.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
This comment negates your whole article. Simmons is trying to please Durant who is being an absolute tyrant. It was so funny today when young Kevin missed the bounce pass and demanded to hit him in the chest. And two minutes later, Simmons put a hole in his chest when Durant was amongst two players. Lucky he didn't cough it up. Part of the reason the Nests are losing is because Durant is trying to do it all himself. He is also playing too long and becoming tired. He needs to let the coach coach and the team play as one, not a life support system for his game.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
Absolutely, it’s truly sad how badly his game has fallen off a cliff. He’s just gotta shoot the ball, a bit like Draymond, it doesn’t matter if he misses, at least his teammates would get a chance at the offensive rebound, but you just can’t let your team play 4 on 5. As for his free throw shooting, I know Coach Nick from Bballbreakdown is convinced he shouts with the wrong hand, he reckons he’s a righty not a lefty.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
I didn’t say everything would be hunky dory, I said a real leader would not have permitted Kyrie’s crap to continue, and if it did he would’ve told him so. MJ allowed Rodman to do what he did because he knew that when it was game time Dennis would be locked in, Denny’s wasn’t a distraction, at least not a negative one, Kyrie is and always has been.
astro
Roar Rookie
Sorry but I have to disagree. Of all the Nets problems, KD and his leadership are well down the list of issues. The idea that this team would be fine if KD "pulled (Kyrie) into line" or demanded he be traded, is crazy. How is he supposed to stop Kyrie from re-posting anti-Semitic rubbish? And what team is trading for Kyrie now and what could the Nets get back? Also, MJ's leadership skills stop Rodman from doing whatever he wanted to, including partying in Vegas in between Finals games and skipping Finals practice to wrestle Hulk Hogan, so I'm not convinced it matters that much anyway!
Christian Montegan
Roar Pro
Spot on Rellum. I hope Australia don’t just let him walk straight into the team because you need to earn playing for your country just like any other athlete in any other sport. This is the same player who turned down the privilege and opportunity of representing Australia at the Olympics. Time is running out for him
Rellum
Roar Guru
I have to say unless Ben pulls his finger out and plays hard, this will be his last contract. He has to be mentally tougher in regards to his own game. He is talking about playing for Aus down the track. I am serious that he may have to do it fro mthe NBL if he keeps this form up. I know he is coming back from a huge layoff but still there is not fight in him during the game. He still just wonders down the court with the ball hands it off when it is not a fast break and then just stands near the key. It is like he has not idea what to do with out the ball at times. And I can safely say I am a better free throw shooter than he is still, after this much time in the NBA
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
I’m not blaming him on performance, he’s been a steal for the Nets in that regard, but his lack of leadership has allowed this scenario to fester much longer than it should’ve.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
The point I was making is those guys would not have put up with Kyrie’s nonsense. Can you imagine Michael copping that ? Larry Bird ? And yes, Kobe ? Not a chance, they’d have pulled him into line quick smart, or they would’ve demanded the club ship him out a long time ago. Look, I love KD as a player, he should never have left GS, but he’s just too passive as a leader. When you’re the best player on the team you have a responsibility to police the locker room. No one else has the authority or the standing to do so.
astro
Roar Rookie
Saying "Player power should be a factor in the NBA but not the extent to which they are controlling high-end decisions", makes sense, but in reality I'm not sure its not that simple. NBA history tells us know need a Top 5 or so player in the league, to compete for/win a title. If, unlike the Warriors or Bucks, you don't get lucky and draft one of those guys, what choice do you have but to offer a superstar a LOT to join your team? Especially, if a superstar is open to playing for your team in the first place? People would have gone crazy if the Nets if they hadn't signed KD or Kyrie in 2019, when they had the chance. If you go back and read about the Nets before the start of that season, many thought they'd be one of the best teams in history! Small moments change legacies...if KD's foot didn't touch that line and the Nets beat the Bucks in 2021, maybe we're all talking about what a great call it was by the Nets to give KD that huge contract? It's tough...but blaming Durant seems unfair The guy has averaged 29/7/6 since joining the Nets from Achilles surgery and year off, so I think he's held up his end of the bargain...the others, not so much!
astro
Roar Rookie
I'm pretty sure KD didn't trade Harden for Simmons, nor did he force Kyrie not to get vaccinated or make him re-post anti-sematic nonsense. Just about the only thing which has gone right for the Nets, is KD! Yes, he shouldn't have buddied up with Kyrie, and I'm sure he's hopeful Simmons wont be afraid of the ball at some stage, but its very tough to put all this on Durant and his lack of leadership. Winston Churchill couldn't lead the Nets out of this mess! As for great leaders, I'd put an Asterix next to Kobe on the list you provided...He had his moments, but I'm not sure his 'leadership' skills did much for the Lakers in between the Shaq and Gasol teams.
Christian Montegan
Roar Pro
Fully agree Brett. The key to a successful team is strong leadership but of a certain kind which doesn’t hinder the locker room. For all of KD’s talent, sometimes it’s simply not worth it if the roster and everything around the franchise isn’t up to his standards
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
The real problem is KD, for all his natural talent, he just has no leadership skills. He alone has the power to pull Kyrie into line, but he likes being liked too much. True leaders like Bird, MJ, Kobe, Steph, Draymond, even LeBron wouldn’t put up with Kylie’s crap.