5 Brooklyn Nets players that need to step up in Kyrie Irving's absence

#3 The Brooklyn Nets "vet", Blake Griffin

Not the player he once was, yet in spots Blake Griffin will be on point

The Brooklyn Nets reserve forward Blake Griffin was once in the conversation as one of the best dunkers ever in the NBA. Knee injuries, wear and tear have worn him into a bench player. The Los Angeles Clippers' first pick in the 2009 NBA Draft out of the University of Oklahoma is a dangerous player on the Brooklyn Nets' roster. As he proved in the playoffs last season, Blake Griffin is capable of turning it on and being a key element in the Brooklyn Nets ascension. He scored 11 points off the bench for the Brooklyn Nets in 2021. In 11 seasons, Griffin has averaged 21 points and nine rebounds, and the six-time all-star and five-time All-NBA player now has winning an NBA championship as a goal. Griffin's minutes will increase enough to where he's still effective, yet will have one less superstar to depend on, so it will be up to Blake to step up just enough to contribute in a real way.

#2 Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant will not be heading to the bench much

Kevin Durant is, as a matter of fact, an athlete as you'll see in sports. His brain is wired differently. He's very practical, and most of his responses will not be what are expected. He doesn't sugarcoat, and in the absence of Kyrie Irving, NBA fans might see the best Kevin Durant this season. Durant will also do a little bit more facilitating and obviously more playmaking with Kyrie out. In this regard, I wouldn't call it stepping up because Kevin Durant surely wants to do more and be bigger in every game to compete and win. Basketball is a game that he loves. He lives and breathes it to every cliche and more. Imagine the season highs Kevin Durant will amass this year. The fire in his Great White Shark eyes will burn the opposition into submission. NBA fans understand Kevin Durant is as reliable a player as there is, and for the Brooklyn Nets this season, he will be relied upon. The 27 points and seven boards of last season are consistent with Durant's career averages, so don't be surprised if Kevin Durant puts of a 30 spot for the season.

#1 James Harden

That look in James Harden's eyes? Get used to it

James Harden is the Brooklyn Nets catalyst. Whether he puts up 40 points or hands out16 assists, James Harden's responsibility for the Brooklyn Nets is a full one. He and Kevin Durant will share in the scoring duties, and James Harden will be asked to control the pace and also get up the shots needed for the Brooklyn Nets to outscore whoever is on the schedule. The Brooklyn Nets will be favored in most games this season, and it's the versatility of James Harden that is on the clock if the Brooklyn Nets are to complete their mission and win the NBA championship. Many are expecting at least an NBA Finals visit, and the crazy numbers James Harden has put up the last few years will be needed if that is to happen.