James Harden’s time in Brooklyn was transient however the affect he had on his teammates was immense so when he left, issues acquired darkish.
Former Nets participant Bruce Brown defined how there was far more of a enjoyable vibe off the court docket when Harden was round. And no, that didn’t imply going to strip golf equipment – that was clarified.
“I feel locker room-wise, it was cool, however we actually didn’t do a lot collectively off the court docket,” Brown stated. “However when James was there, clearly, it was extra enjoyable. He did a complete lot of occasions for us.
“When he left, the locker room was sort of quiet. No one actually did a lot collectively. … James was a terrific teammate on and off the court docket. Undoubtedly was probably the greatest teammates I’ve ever had.”
Harden’ hasty exit was a little bit of a shock on the time as a result of it was anticipated he, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving would turn into a formidable huge three. However the trio solely performed a complete of 16 video games collectively.
The now 14-season veteran was in Brooklyn for somewhat over a 12 months however his exit was the catalyst for an extended record of points the workforce would start to face.
Brown says his commerce had a huge impact on the workforce off the court docket, in addition to on the court docket.
“When he left [the team get-togethers off the court] kinda lacked,” Brown stated. “There was only some individuals hanging out with one another on the workforce. After which on the court docket, it was kinda robust. Our offense was principally simply straight [Kevin Durant] and [Kyrie Irving] isos. Groups simply loaded, as you’ve seen towards the Celtics in [the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs].”
Irving and Durant each sensationally requested trades out of Brooklyn this season and by February’s deadline, they had been each gone and the workforce was in disrepair.
They began the season on a dropping streak too, which led to Steve Nash getting fired.
In February when he returned to play at Barclays Middle for the primary time, Harden appeared pleased together with his decisions.
“However now, fast-forward so far, I don’t appear to be the loopy one,” Harden said. “I don’t appear to be the man or the quitter or regardless of the media wish to name me. I knew what was happening and I simply determined to … hey, I’m not constructed for this. I don’t wish to take care of that. I wish to play basketball and have enjoyable and luxuriate in doing it. And fast-forward to at the moment, they’ve acquired a complete new roster.”
