The 2022 NBA Draft is upon us and several big names are in the spotlight.
Chris Broussard‘s “Under Duress” list features a group of NBA teams and players who desperately need to turn things around.
Brooklyn Nets dominate Broussard’s ‘Under Duress’ list
Watch to see why the Orlando Magic, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Brooklyn Nets’ front office top Chris Broussard’s Under Duress list.
5. Kevin Wildes, “First Things First”
Outlook: Broussard’s cohost makes the list after threatening to leave the “frisky” Orlando Magic if they don’t draft Gonzaga‘s Chet Holmgren with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Broussard’s thoughts: “You’ve already abandoned Ja Morant for Patrick Beverley and the Minnesota Timberwolves, [and] now you’re threatening to leave the Orlando Magic if they don’t draft Chet Holmgren? Here’s the deal. You need Chet Holmgren to be awesome — a superstar — and you also need Jabari Smith or Paolo Banchero, whoever they draft, to be a flop. So, there’s a lot of pressure on you because I don’t think any of those things are happening.”
4. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets
Outlook: Durant averaged 29.9 points on 51.8% shooting and 7.4 rebounds per game last season. The Nets earned a spot in the postseason, only to get swept in the opening round of the playoffs, while Durant’s former team, the Golden State Warriors, went on to win it all.
Broussard’s thoughts: “Decisions, decisions. ‘Should I get involved with the Kyrie [Irving] contract negotiations? If I don’t get involved, and he walks, should I request or demand a trade? If I demand a trade or request a trade, I could end up in Chicago or Orlando or Sacramento or God knows where I could end, so maybe I’ll just chill.’ Tough situation for Kevin Durant.”
3. Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn Nets
Outlook: All eyes seem to be on Brooklyn as the Nets continue to tread water in their dealings with Irving. This is why the organization takes up most of the spots on Broussard’s list this week. Irving only played in 29 of the 82 regular-season games this season, averaging 27.4 points per game. Irving has made it clear that he wants to play for the Nets, but do the Nets want him?
Broussard’s thoughts: “Decisions, decisions. ‘Should I get risk leaving the place I love?’ He’s living in the same town he grew up in. He wanted that his whole career. Now he’s here, and he might leave it? He grew up rooting for the Nets. … He’s wanted to play with his buddy Kevin Durant. They have a chance…
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