The Brooklyn Nets unquestionably had a dream off-season when they signed Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to long-term deals this summer.
This regular season, though? It’s been a struggle to say the least.
They already knew they weren’t going to get Kevin Durant back this season, but they didn’t expect for Kyrie Irving to be out with a shoulder injury for as long as he was.
To add fuel to the fire, the team hasn’t been quite as good when Irving has played. Their overall record is 18-25 this season. They’re 5-12 with their All-Star point guard in the starting lineup and 13-13 when he’s not. Spencer Dinwiddie, who was Irving’s backup, has played like an All-Star as a starter.
The whispers that the team might be better off without Irving have only grown louder. The Nets are ignoring them, though, and they’re leaning in on the Kyrie Irving experience instead. Dinwiddie, who has been starting even after Irving’s return, is going back to the bench.
The Gotham Reporter 