Speaking at the NBA Crossover event in London, two-time NBA champion Kenny Smith said the Nets should contend for the Eastern Conference championship — with or without Kevin Durant. Although the Nets have not provided a timetable for KD’s return —and won’t— there’s a growing consensus around the league that we’ll see No. 7 on the court sometime this season.
But even with Durant in street clothes, TNT’s Smith thinks the Nets will have enough to make some noise, noting the addition of Kyrie Irving to a strong core that made the playoffs last year.