When only considering all the talent on the roster, the Brooklyn Nets are the overwhelming favorite to win the 2022 title. They’ve got three (well, at least two right now) lethal scorers who can take over the game anytime. They have Kevin Durant, who many consider the current best player in the league. They have James Harden, who has established himself as one of the best offensive players in NBA history. 

And then there’s Kyrie Irving, whose status is still uncertain because of his unvaxxed status. If Irving does wind up playing this season, that only makes the Nets an even bigger favorite. 

But even if Irving doesn't play this season or gets traded, Brooklyn still has the goods to win it all. As long as the Nets stay healthy, there’s no reason to think they won’t at least make it to the NBA Finals this season.

With all this being said, here are four bold predictions for the Brooklyn Nets in the 2021-22 season.

2021-22 Nets bold predictions

Kyrie Irving eventually returns

Yes, I'm going there. Even though his latest comments sound absurd, I think Irving eventually goes to work because there’s no way he loses this much cash. Irving isn’t really the most low-key and undramatic player, so it’s fair to say that he could be doing all this for the media’s attention. Now that Irving has gotten all the attention and headlines, I can see him finally getting vaccinated and returning back to work. 

The Nets will be just fine no matter what Irving does

A healthy and vengeful Harden is exactly what the Nets and even Durant needs to lead them to the top of the standings. Harden has done it in the past, and there’s no doubt that he can do it in Brooklyn. He has the ability to go all out during the regular season and find ways to put up MVP numbers on a consistent basis. This will also help Durant, who can load manage and be prepared for the playoffs. Ah, the perks of having two of the best scorers on your team is just unfair to the rest of the league. 

Cam Thomas will make a name for himself

The rookie has already shown glimpses of what he can do on the court during Summer League and the preseason. He can score from anywhere and is a certified bucket-getter. Thomas was definitely a steal for the Nets in this year’s draft and has continued to impress them over the past couple of games. It wouldn’t be a surprise if head coach Steve Nash decides to give his rookie a chance. With Irving now out until further notice, Thomas might just see more playing time. 

Harden has already acknowledged his rookie and said that he sees a lot of himself in Thomas. The rookie is going to be under the mentorship of Durant and Harden, which is a privilege.The path for Thomas to have a breakout year might just be in the works this season, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he makes it to the Rising Stars Challenge this season. 

The Nets eventually win the championship — IF HEALTHY

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When you have Durant on your team, you already have the best weapon on offense. The Nets will walk in every playoff game with the best offensive weapon, and then to pair Durant up with another lethal weapon in Harden? Good luck to the rest of the league. All the Nets have to worry about is staying healthy, and perhaps the Irving situation. But with or without Irving, there’s still a good chance they eventually win the championship. 

This team is now in Year 2 under Steve Nash, and most of the players have familiarity with each other. The Irving drama seemingly hasn’t caused any animosity in the Nets’ locker room, at least for now, which is what every Nets fan should be happy about. There’s even an argument to be made about the Nets possibly being better without Irving since Harden takes control of the ball and plays full-time point guard for the team, instead of constantly switching roles with Kyrie. 

It also helps that the Nets’ role players are also really good. There’s Patty Mills, who will likely see a bigger role without Irving. LaMarcus Aldridge  and Paul Millsap can still play, while other players such as Blake Griffin, Nicolas Claxton and Joe Harris are capable of being studs in their own roles.

Ultimately, the Nets are still the best team in the league. It’s going to take a lot to bring them down this season.