2020 was always going to be something of a holding pattern for the Nets. Last summer’s free-agency coup quickly gave way to the fact that Kevin Durant would miss this entire season as he recovered from a torn Achilles. But what was supposed to be a year in place turned into a little more of a rollercoaster. Kyrie Irving played in only 20 games. Kenny Atkinson mutually agreed with the team to leave his position as head coach. And the Nets were winning fewer games than a season ago.
As bumpy as Brooklyn’s season was up until the suspension, none of it matters if Durant comes back healthy for the next one.