2
Brooklyn Nets
48-24, 2nd in East
Playoff Matchup: (7) Boston Celtics
Sean: Joe Harris
In my opinion, Joe Harris is the definition of an X-Factor in this type of exercise. He’s a specialist in that he shoots and knocks down three’s at a staggering rate (47%!!!). However, he also fills a crucial role for this team outside of his shooting ability. He plays efficient, winning basketball without taking the ball away from Brooklyn’s three superstars. He’s third on the team in win shares and he’s been a consistent contributor all season no matter who he shares the floor with.
With a healthy big 3, Joe Harris’ statistical contributions will be limited in some capacity but his effect won’t be. His mere presence on the floor opens up space for his more ballyhooed teammates. Throw in a winning hustle/defensive play or two and he’s got a chance to go down as a postseason hero.
James: Joe Harris
You’d think with a team full of all stars how could there possibly be an X Factor for Brooklyn. I don’t think people understand just how lethal Joe Harris is. To have a shooter of this caliber conjoined with KD, Kyrie, Harden, and Blake Griffin is really just unfair at this point. When teams game plan they don’t account for what Harris and Brooklyn relies on him more than teams know.
He’s an updated version of JJ Redick and a guy who is always in the right place at the right time. When a bucket is needed for Brooklyn they often look at Harris before they look at the first three because they know the focus often leaves Harris for short spurts throughout the game. A career 44% three point shooter and top 5 in three point % this season at 48% (career high) it will be hard for teams to contain him
One thought on “2021 NBA Playoff X-Factors – East”