Kyrie Irving reveals why Nets superteam didn't work out

Brooklyn’s trio played just 16 games together in total, going 13–3 when they shared the floor — an incredible record that only made their lack of availability more frustrating. In those 16 games, the trio had a +13.3 net rating — elite production, but never had the chance to grow.

When Harden forced his way to Philadelphia in February 2022, the Nets were in a tailspin. He had averaged 22.5 points and 10.2 assists in 44 games with the Nets that season, but his body language had shifted, and his on-court effort dwindled.

Irving’s absence was also a factor. Because of New York’s COVID-19 mandate, he couldn’t play in home games. He only appeared in 29 games during the 2021-22 season, and by the time the playoffs arrived, the Nets were bounced by the Boston Celtics. 

It wasn’t just the mandate — Irving admitted in the stream that things had gotten so bad, he asked the Nets to release him. The organization refused, but it confirmed just how strained the relationship had become.

He also touched on the hiring of then-head coach Steve Nash, saying he “committed blindly” to Brooklyn and didn’t do enough due diligence. Nash, who had no prior head-coaching experience, was reportedly Durant’s preferred choice. But the Nets struggled with identity under his leadership, especially on defense — they ranked 22nd in defensive rating in 2020-21 and 20th the following year, never developing the kind of edge needed for deep playoff runs.

What’s striking about Irving’s comments is how much of it aligns with what we saw on the court. The Nets were always more theory than reality — a team built for greatness that never played enough games together to become great. From February 2021 to February 2022, Brooklyn used 43 different starting lineups. That’s not a recipe for chemistry, no matter how talented the roster is.

Still, Irving was quick to say he holds no grudges. He praised Durant as “the best teammate I’ve ever played with,” and clarified he has no issues with Nash or Harden. 

The Nets’ superteam era will always be one of the NBA’s greatest what-ifs. And now, even Irving is starting to make peace with that.