Isiah Thomas: "The Brooklyn Nets With The Team Constructed The Way It Currently Cannot Win The Championship If He Is Not There. Period.”

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With Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving, the Brooklyn Nets have a core capable of competing with the best in the league.

This upcoming season, the team is favored to not only win the East but also win the title, as it's clear they have a roster that far exceeds the competition.

Still, basketball legend says that, without Kyrie Irving, the Brooklyn Nets would not be capable of winning anything. In a chat with Ethan Thomas of Basketball News, Thomas boldly proclaimed the importance and value of Uncle Drew:

“The LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavs that came back and beat the Golden State Warriors after they had a 73-9 season — and LeBron James was off the charts in every statistical category — but the Cleveland Cavs do not win the championship without Kyrie Irving on that team," Thomas said. "Put me down on record. The Brooklyn Nets with the team constructed the way it currently is, cannot, and will not, win the championship if he is not there. Period.” 

To suggest that Kevin Durant and James Harden couldn't win on their own is definitely a hot take. For Kyrie, though, Isiah Thomas isn't the only one to recognize his amazing talent.

“As far as [the great] point guards go: Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, [Allen] Iverson, Steph Curry, Oscar Robertson, and you gotta put Kyrie in the next mix," said Kennny Anderson. "He’s one of the best that ever played the game. He’s so talented. His ball-handling skills are exceptional. He’s hitting his shot from long range and short range. He can do it all. He’s just a great player. I love watching him. He’s one of my favorite players."

The 7x All-Star averaged 26.9 points, 6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game on 50.6% shooting last season, marking one of the greatest stretches of his career.

We don't yet know how far he will lead Brooklyn this upcoming campaign, but so long as he's there, they will remain a powerful force in the East.