Do you think the Nets can still win the title if Kyrie doesn’t return this season?

[Rodwilliams]

They went from a super team to a team that’s now beatable due to the loss of Kyrie. I don’t know if they can win the title now. They will be a top 4 seed yes but not sure if they have enough. They will have a tough battle with teams like the Lakers and Bucks without no Kyrie.

[Harry Garris]

Yes but their margin for error is smaller. They're going to need KD and Harden to stay healthy and get another great season out of their bench guys.

[dirkforpres]

Yes, but it won’t matter because Kyrie will get the vaccine.

Whether it’s reporting to a team you feel disrespected by, bowing to China, or getting the vaccine… NBA players are the biggest hypocrites when it comes to standing up for something. Once it affects their paychecks, it’s back to yes sir/no sir

[Ben-N1ce]

Nope

[Dominator83]

Yes. They still have 2 legit superstars with a deep cast of role players

[art_tatum]

Without kyrie its not a superteam but still a top contending team. Favorites with bucks to come out the east.

Its not just about the subtraction of kyrie but also the lack of replacement for his salary since he wont be traded.

Anyways hes already walking back his stances. So hes coming back for the $$$

[JShuttlesworth]

It's possible.

[zimpy27]

Yeah it's possible still

[Capn'O]

They're absolutely a contender.

[Bornstellar]

They have two MVP level players and a great roster. Them having Kyrie was just complete overkill. Now it's just slightly unfair instead of ridiculously lopsided

[jc23]

It would depend if they get any return, but even if he just retire they are still a contender, just not the clear favorite. im sure the other top teams hope kyrie retires.

[bebopdeluxe]

KD is KD, but I need to see if Harden can stay on the floor:

[ken6199]

KD is KD, but I need to see if Harden can stay on the floor:

Thought the latest impression is KD playing 48 mins+OT singled handedly dragging this Nets team against the Bucks while Harden was on hobbled legs, history actually indicates Harden has been more robust throughout his career than KD (who also had an injury that is career altering for lot of players).

Harden's hamstring is just based on his load, and that's my biggest concern if Kyrie is out.

[Wallace_Wallace]

I actually think they'd be better. Harden and KD will work just fine and there will be less chemistry issues.

[Jadoogar]

Yes. They have 2 MVP caliber players and a deceptively deep team. They won't be extreme heavy favourites like they are now but they would still be my pick for the championship

[bebopdeluxe]

KD is KD, but I need to see if Harden can stay on the floor:

Thought the latest impression is KD playing 48 mins+OT singled handedly dragging this Nets team against the Bucks while Harden was on hobbled legs, history actually indicates Harden has been more robust throughout his career than KD (who also had an injury that is career altering for lot of players).

Harden's hamstring is just based on his load, and that's my biggest concern if Kyrie is out.

I know you don't want to read too much into preseason games, but while KD looked like KD against the Sixers, Harden resembled the out-of-shape, non-MVP-level player that he looked like when he played last season.

I will reserve judgement until Harden is closer to the player he was in Houston.

[picko]

Yes, they almost defeated the eventual champions with Durant and an hobbled Harden. If both are fit then I'd still have them as favourites to make the finals, with or without Kyrie.

What the loss of Kyrie does is reduce their margin for error. When you have three stars you can lose one and still be a really effective team. When you have two stars and you lose one it generally becomes much more difficult. Given the injury histories of Durant and Harden you'd obviously be concerned about their ability to get through four rounds of the playoffs unscathed.

[Openheimer]

KD is KD, but I need to see if Harden can stay on the floor:

Thought the latest impression is KD playing 48 mins+OT singled handedly dragging this Nets team against the Bucks while Harden was on hobbled legs, history actually indicates Harden has been more robust throughout his career than KD (who also had an injury that is career altering for lot of players).

Harden's hamstring is just based on his load, and that's my biggest concern if Kyrie is out.

I know you don't want to read too much into preseason games, but while KD looked like KD against the Sixers, Harden resembled the out-of-shape, non-MVP-level player that he looked like when he played last season.

I will reserve judgement until Harden is closer to the player he was in Houston.

WTF ? Harden before he busted his hamstring was certifiably an mvp candidate. WTF are you talking about? He was head to head with Jokic as the MVp favorite

[LegendOfSalmons]

Sure, it's possible. Will they do it though? No. Harden has proven year in and year out that he's a liability in the playoffs and chokes when it matters most. Kyrie and KD are both proven killers but without Kyrie that means they have to rely that much more on Harden which doesn't bode well for the Nets.

[KootenayRapFan]

Funny...this has just made me into a Nets fan....would love to see them win it all without that him.