Nets news: Kevin Durant, James Harden's bold reactions to Kyrie Irving's return

Kyrie Irving is refamiliarizing himself with the game at the NBA level as he nears his return for the Brooklyn Nets.

As the Brooklyn Nets welcome Kyrie Irving back into the fray, he is refamiliarizing himself with the game at the NBA level. According to those who are in practice with him, the Nets' All-Star looks as good as he ever has.

Irving is a bit worried about getting into his groove again but James Harden and Kevin Durant don't sound too stressed. After the Nets' loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, Harden expressed his confidence in Irving and happiness that he is coming back to the team.

Kevin Durant on Kyrie Irving’s return.

“I mean have you watched him play? He’s a master.”
Adds: “He can adapt and do anything out there so we’re not worried about him.”

— DaveEarly (@DavidEarly) December 31, 2021

"Yeah I mean, same Kyrie, we just happy to have him back. Now we gotta get him on the court and get this thing going."

-James Harden on Kyrie Irving's return.

— DaveEarly (@DavidEarly) December 31, 2021

“Like Kyrie. Elite.”
James Harden was asked how how Kyrie looked in practice.

— DaveEarly (@DavidEarly) December 31, 2021

The Nets will only get Irving's services in away games, as he refuses to comply with New York City's vaccine mandates. He entered the league's health and safety protocols shortly after the announcement that he would return but has now been cleared to play. Nets coach Steve Nash said that Irving has looked good in his return to practice.

The chemistry between Durant, Harden, and Irving will be hugely important to rediscover. Last season, each star was able to share the ball very well. The trio's inability to stay healthy at the same time derailed the Nets' chances last year. There isn't much hope of them being able to do so this year, though, as seemingly every NBA team deals with players being in and out of health and safety protocols. Still, completing the Big Three, even if it's only for away games, is helpful for the Nets' title pursuit.

At 23-10, the Nets are at the top of the Eastern Conference. Bringing Irving back, even for just half of their games, will be beneficial as they look to compete for a championship.