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NBA: Grading would-be playoff teams in the Eastern Conference

By Hasham Kahlon

TORONTO, ONTARIO - MAY 19: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles during the first half against the Toronto Raptors in game three of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 19, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO - MAY 19: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles during the first half against the Toronto Raptors in game three of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 19, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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NBA Brooklyn Nets Kyrie Irving (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images) /

7. Brooklyn Nets (30-34)

Grade: C

In what is a year of transition for the Brooklyn Nets, they’ll tell you themselves that they didn’t expect a championship banner at the end of the season, let alone a conference finals appearance due to Kevin Durant being out for the year. They’ll also tell you that this season has been a disappointment considering all the things that have transpired.

With Kyrie Irving dealing with injuries, eventually being shut down for the year and Kenny Atkinson “mutually agreeing to part ways with the team”, it hasn’t been the best first season on what is expected to be an NBA Finals contending team for the next few years.

Irving is an all word talent but when asked to be a leader, it is quite clear he is not built for that role. He underachieved when leading a Celtics team who were expected to compete for a championship and has underachieved in his first season leading the Nets. Next season, he’ll be joined by Kevin Durant, a top 5 player in the league, who is coming off a scary injury in which it is yet to be seen if he’ll play at the level he once did.

Sitting at 30-34 and the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference, they’re only a half-game ahead of the Magic. Many expected the Nets to be much better than they currently are and the firing of Kenny Atkinson provides them with another dilemma they’ll have to deal with. The so-called “culture” that was built in Brooklyn seems to be a distant memory and the head coach that was a big part of building that “culture” is no longer there. The Nets will be contenders in the East due to the talent they have on the roster but the 2019-2020 season hasn’t been pleasant.

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