“I'd play Jesus tonight if we had a chance, I would probably start him,” said Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash

Nash cracked up a funny dad joke in his pre-game interview with the media prior to the Nets’ game versus the Portland Trail Blazers. Brian Lewis of the New York Post mistakenly mentioned Kevin Durant’s name but corrected himself by saying “Jesus,” which Nash then promptly responded by saying he’d probably put Jesus in the starting line-up. How much more loaded would the Nets be? 

Jokes aside, the Nets have been playing well without Durant. They’re currently second in the Eastern Conference standings, just behind the Philadelphia 76ers. They’re coming off a victory against the Washington Wizards on Sunday. However, for tonight's game, the Nets will be without Kyrie Irving and KD, forcing them to solely rely on James Harden. Harden is currently having an MVP season, averaging 25.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 11.1 assists per game. He’s adjusted his role extremely well for Brooklyn as their primary point guard. 

Article Continues Below

Nets Need To Get Back To Full Strength

With regards to Nash, it’s been an eventful first season for him as a head coach, to say the least. He's had to deal with the massive roster change since Harden got to Brooklyn and injuries. Combined with the fact that they will have to continue figuring out a system once Durant gets back. Not sure how difficult that would be given that Harden, Irving, and Durant are a lethal offensive combination on paper alone. However, the playoffs are a different ball game, and the Nets still have to figure out their defense, which is ranked 25th in the league. 

Questions about how Nash will perform in his first playoff appearance as a coach still looms, but as of now, it’s safe to assume that the Nets are getting the job done in the regular season.