News flash, Kevin Durant isn't the best player in the Brooklyn Nets right now. It's James Harden. This isn't a diss to the Slim Reaper. This is me simply saying that Harden is truly the Nets' biggest asset this season. Don't believe me? Here are some juicy numbers for you.
Since his controversial move from the Houston Rockets, Harden's production has been stellar. The 31-year-old has moved from being one of the most polarizing figures in the NBA in his last few months in H-Town to being the best player, not just for the Nets, but for the entire league. Yes, the Harden slander is still as loud as usual but slowly, the former MVP is silencing all the haters out there.
Harden has risen to become the league's top-assist guy this season, neck-and-neck with former teammate Russell Westbrook of the Washington Wizards. He's been averaging 10.9 assists per game all season including 12 triple-doubles for Brooklyn in 34 games. With him leading the pack, the Nets have had a 27-5 record with Harden active and his dominance has helped the Nets stay in their hunt to be the top Eastern Conference team heading to the playoffs even with Durant and Kyrie Irving missing a ton of time.
Prior to forming Brooklyn's Big Three with both Durant and Irving, there were a lot of questions on who will be handling the ball and how Harden's style of play will fit the seemingly ball-heavy styles of his superstar teammates. But, apparently, Haden quickly adapted and became the Nets' most important player in their roster even with a healthy Durant and Irving in the line-up. So far, these three have only suited up in seven games together this season with various injuries and health concerns hurdling them.
Unfortunately for the Nets, Harden has been dealing with his own injury concerns over these past few games. Harden has missed eight straight games for Brooklyn due to a hamstring injury and, unlike when they've missed Durant, the Nets have clearly struggled without their court general. The Nets are 4-4 in their last stretch with Harden watching from the sidelines.
To further belabor the point, Durant has missed a total of 34 games in his first season back since rupturing his Achilles back in June of 2019. The Nets have been extra cautious with the former MVP and have opted to sit him out and rest him from time to time. But, even though Durant has sat out more than half of his games for Brooklyn this season, the Nets have stayed afloat and are still just a half-game away from the Philadelphia 76ers.
Kevin Durant clearly makes the Nets a surefire favorite to win the title. But at this point, he seems more like an all-time great amplifier rather than the actual engine that runs the show. James Harden has undoubtedly been the team's catalyst this season, Durant or no Durant.
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