[Saba Sports News] Kyrie Irving openly discussed his time with Kevin Durant and James Harden on the Brooklyn Nets, likening their potential yet unfulfilled achievements to ‘the girl that got away’. This reflection came after Irving’s matchup against Harden in the Mavericks vs. Clippers game. Irving expressed regret over the missed opportunities and challenges, including the impact of COVID-19 vaccine mandates and injuries, which hindered the super team’s success.
Irving and Harden’s injuries during the playoffs notably affected their chances in the 2021 title race. The trio’s tenure together unraveled following the enforcement of COVID vaccine mandates, leading to Irving’s refusal to play and Harden’s eventual trade to the 76ers for Ben Simmons. This disbandment saw all three stars eventually moving to different teams in the Western Conference.
The Nets’ challenge in managing the distinct personalities of their star players – Durant, Irving, and Harden – was evident. They faced significant issues, culminating in the trades of Irving to the Mavericks and Durant to the Suns in early 2023.
Despite their brief but impressive record together, the Nets’ potential as a championship team remained largely unexplored. Both Irving and Durant, having won championships previously, continue to pursue further success, but the powerhouse team they formed on paper with Harden at the Nets is viewed as a significant missed opportunity in NBA history.