Brooklyn Nets: James Harden will thrive as the team’s starting point guard

James Harden will thrive as the starting point guard for the Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets are certainly in a position to figure out how to utilize their three stars – Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden – now. They have championship potential, to say the least. Now it is about how they can all co-exist on the same floor together.

There may be an idea already in store for Steve Nash and the Nets’ coaching staff. With the way James Harden was able to dish the rock in Saturday night’s win over Orlando, which also happened to be his debut with the team, there may be a chance for him to start at point guard.

There’s one thing that Brooklyn’s big three have in common; they love to play ball dominant in isolation. Before they came together, they all were in a position where they were the No. 1 scoring options, which resulted in the ball in their hands more often.

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Now, there has to be a change. There will not be as many touches as there were in the past. But with Harden’s playmaking ability, he can make sure himself, Kyrie, and KD all get their numbers without interfering with the success of the team.

Everyone knows the great scorer that Harden has been. But he is also averaging 6.4 assists throughout his career. In his first season under coach Mike D’Antoni in Houston (2016-17), Harden was placed as the starting point guard being the major playmaker for the team. As a result of that, the Rockets finished the season with a 55-27 record. Harden was able to help other players emerge in Eric Gordon, Ryan Anderson, and others.

Although Kyrie tends to be a playmaker at times, his strong suit is scoring. And as offensively gifted as he is, coach Nash should want for him to continue to focus on putting the ball in the basket. Now, having Harden as the dominant playmaker could take immense pressure off of Irving on the offensive end. He will be able to get the ball in his spots and be able to play more effectively.

For Durant, he has been in this position before. He knows how to play off the ball and free himself for open perimeter shots. Although he can be exciting when creating for himself, he knows how to play either-or.

Saturday night’s game was a prime example of Durant and Harden playing in the mix together. While Harden was running the floor, Durant was able to get to his sweet spots around the perimeter. And because Harden is also a dangerous scorer, Durant was able to get great opportunities as he shot 62 percent from the floor.

It may seem difficult to have three dominant scorers on the same team. But in reality, it can work out. If Durant, Harden, and Irving are on the same page, all three players can play their role correctly.

With the talent that James Harden displays, it may be the right move for coach Nash to start him as the point guard. It’s a scenario that can work for the better as the Nets are in the hunt for a championship.