The expectation versus reality had a pretty big gap in between for the Brooklyn Nets this season. With three relatively healthy superstars entering the season, a long run at the Larry O'Brien trophy seemed destined for the New York-based side.

Instead, the season came to be defined by two things primarily: Kyrie Irving's off-court issues and James Harden's wandering eye. Harden, obviously is no longer on the team and is still active in the postseason with the Philadelphia 76ers. Irving was able to speak out on the season that was following their first-round sweep against the Boston Celtics.

Via ClutchPoints' Nets reporter Dave Early:

“I think it was just really heavy emotionally this season,” Irving said after the Nets were swept out of the first round of the playoffs by the Boston Celtics on Monday.

Irving has unabashedly held firm on his stance regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. But despite that, he admitted that his beliefs did serve as a distraction for Kevin Durant and the Nets throughout the year.

“We all felt it. I felt like I was letting the team down at a point where I wasn't able to play. We were trying to exercise every option for me to play, but I never wanted it to just be about me. And I think it became a distraction at times.”

Kyrie Irving was only able to play in road games for a good majority of the season. The Nets didn't even let him suit up for those until nearly three months into the regular season.

“Every day there was something different, something difficult,” said Nets midseason addition Goran Dragic.

With Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and a host of seasoned veterans, the Nets looked every bit the title contender on paper. But there were just too many things off of it for them to live up to the lofty expectations.