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The Brooklyn Big 3 officially became an All-Star 3, when James Harden was named to join Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in the March 7 All-Star Game.
This is the first time the Nets have three All-Stars in the same season.
Durant and Irving had been selected as starters, and Harden will travel to Atlanta as a reserve, just after being edged out by Irving in the vote among the Eastern Conference guards. But given Harden’s stellar game since joining the Nets, he’s closer to being an MVP candidate than being an All-Star snub.
“James, I mean, clearly an All-Star player from around the world has brought so much to our team: leadership, playing and scoring the ball,” Brooklyn coach Steve Nash said ahead of Tuesday night’s official announcement on TNT. “He was exceptional. We are grateful to have it.
This was the ninth consecutive year. Harden was named an All-Star, the second longest active streak of those selections behind LeBron James’ 17th consecutive. (Durant was named in the last 11 seasons he played, missing 2019-20 after Achilles surgery).
“For the All-Star Game, it’s always a blessing. It means you’re doing something right, it means you’re playing extremely well up until this point, ”said Harden scoring 29 points to go along with 14 assists and 11 rebounds in the Nets’ 127-118 win over the Kings. Tuesday. . “You never want to take such opportunities for granted. So I am blessed. I am fortunate to be part of my ninth All-Star Game. “
As the main voter for the Eastern Conference, Durant will be captain and choose the Durant team. He will pick against James in the 2021 NBA All-Star Draft, which will be televised on TNT on March 4 at 8 p.m. ET.
With James getting the first pick in the first round (when starters are selected), that means Durant will have the first pick from the reserve. It’s hard to imagine a better CV than Harden, who is pleading for another MVP trophy.
Since joining the Nets in a four-team mega-trade, Harden came in on Tuesday averaging 24.9 points from 50.2% blanks and 41% depth. But more than his own offense, he made everyone better.
He saw a Brooklyn team struggling on the glass, so he’s averaging 8.3 rebounds, on pace for a career-high. He took an elite offense and made historic history, handing out a record 11.4 assists – keeping pace with another career record.
“I don’t want to diminish how awesome he is, because I kinda expected it; you’ve seen it play so many times, ”Nash said. “I’ll say this: It’s even more impressive when he’s on your team and throws 3-step backs in times of crisis. It’s a nice thing to have in your arsenal.
“However, I would say that what came to me the most, working with him, was his leadership, his attitude, his commitment. A true pro, and he’s been such an important piece, not only on the pitch but also because of how he’s been a leader of this group. That for me, I didn’t know what to expect, and it was amazing what kind of leader and professional he is.
That leadership was evident with Harden not only helping Brooklyn survive, but also thrive during Durant’s five-game injury absence. The Nets are 13-5 when Harden plays and 5-1 when he starts alongside Durant and Irving.
“He’s a very willing passer. He’s a smart player. He understands, ”said Landry Shamet. “He understands what the defenses are trying to do most of the time, and he’s a guy who wants to get others involved because he understands the value of that not just to himself but to the rest of the team.
“It was great to play with him. He’s a good leader, a good communicator, and we continue to grow too. We still have a lot of room to grow and develop. But he was great.
The Nets haven’t had more than two All-Stars since Julius Erving, Larry Kenon, Billy Paultz and Brian Taylor made the cut in 1974-75. But that was when they were still in the ABA and in the midst of a nomadic existence. This Big 3 offers a different level of promise… and a chance for an NBA title.
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