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5 Brooklyn Nets Players That Could've Won MVP
Mar 29, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) high fives guard Kyrie Irving (11) during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Barclays Center. The Nets defeated the Pistons 130-123. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports USA TODAY Sports

The Brooklyn Nets are one of eight NBA teams without an MVP.

However, there are plenty of players in their franchise history that have come close.

Who are they? Let's take a look.

Jason Kidd - 2001-02 Season

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Jason Kidd came second to Tim Duncan after helping the New Jersey Nets go from a 26-win team to a 52-win team in his first season in the Meadowlands.

Many felt J-Kidd was robbed due to the simple fact that he helped transform a laughingstock into a legitimate title contender seemingly overnight with no true alpha by his side.

The Nets' momemtum carried into the playoffs, as New Jersey made the Finals that season and the seasona after.

Vince Carter - 2004-05 Season

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Vince Carter was arguably the best player in the league in his first season in New Jersey.

However, Carter was accused of tanking his performance and quitting on the Toronto Raptors just before arriving in the Garden State.

VC still got MVP votes because he helped the Nets make the playoffs with a 42-40 record after being over 10 games under .500, but he very well could've won MVP had his ending in Toronto gone better.

James Harden - 2020-21 Season

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James Harden seamlessly adjusted his game to help blend in with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, scoring the ball with much more efficiency and taking over as the lead playmaker.

Though his points-per-game total was significantly down, the Nets might've unlocked the best version of Harden, as we saw just how well he could orchestrate an offense when he isn't burdened with being the No. 1 scoring option.

Had Harden not hurt his hamstring, there's a very real chance he could've won MVP.

Kyrie Irving - 2020-21 Season

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Irving was simply box office, averaging over 25 points per game on 50/40/90 shooting splits while breaking social media each night with his slick crossover and finishing abilities.

However, his unannounced absence in January significantly hurt his MVP case, but there's no doubt the Nets were getting MVP production from Uncle Drew.

Kevin Durant - 2021-22 Season

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KD averaged nearly 30 points per game, helping keep a Nets team with Harden checked out and Irving in and out of the lineup in contention.

Durant was also limited to just 55 games, but when he was on the court, he was arguably the greatest player in the NBA at the time.


This article first appeared on Brooklyn Nets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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