Brooklyn Nets practice amid 8,000 fans as Kevin Durant & Steve Nash are given frosty reception

As the Nets’ 2022-23 NBA season edges closer, its fans were treated to a showcase at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 2 Sunday, though not all were pleased to see every team member. 

After a disappointing end to last season’s campaign, and a turbulent offseason, it seems some of Brooklyn’s fanbase had not forgotten. While most received a warm welcome, Kevin Durant was met with a mixed reception following his request for a trade this offseason. 

Boos were even audible as coach Steve Nash was introduced to the 8,000 strong crowd, as fans continue to argue debate whether he can lead the team to a championship in Brooklyn.

Kevin Durant and his Brooklyn teammates hooped in a casual practice in front of 8,000 fans

Nash will be under severe pressure — if not merely from fans and media —  ahead of the imminent NBA season given the Nets’ star-studded trio of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons. 

That’s without considering the adequate supporting cast of Joe Harris, Royce O’Neale, Seth Curry and Patty Mills, among others.

After only reaching the playoffs via the play-in, Brooklyn were disposed of by Boston 4-0 in the opening round of the Eastern conference postseason. 

Players, staff and coaches were treated to spectacular views of Lower Manhattan on Sunday

In the offseason it was widely reported Durant had asked to be traded, or for head coach Steve Nash and general manager Sean Marks to be fired. 

Neither of those scenarios came to fruition but it is intriguing to note, as the New York Post reported, that Nash’s sons were seen at the event wearing Durant jerseys. 

Despite the dramatic offseason in Brooklyn, Durant has set his mind on the future, publicly at the very least.

‘Can we move on past that at some point?’ Durant asked at the Nets’ media day last month. ‘I mean, I know it’s an interesting story. I know that it took up most of the offseason and the drama sells, I get that. But I didn’t miss any games. I didn’t miss any practices. I’m still here. So hopefully, we can move past that. 

Ben Simmons will be a critical part of the Nets’ championship aspirations in the 22-23 season

‘It’s a lot of s*** that was inaccurate. But I don’t want to go through it right now. We don’t [have] that much time right now.’ 

Nash, Marks and Durant  met with owner Joe Tsai, on August 22 in Los Angeles to clear the air, and the former Thunder and Warriors star explained last month the contents of it.

‘We came out and voiced all our concerns about how we all can be better, and it just worked out from there. I’m glad I’m here now.’

Durant met with Sean Marks (L), Steve Nash (R) & owner Joe Tsai to clear the air this offseason

Durant, who has a four-year, $192million extension that is triggered this season, conveyed why he decided to stay in Brooklyn, rather than push through with his trade demands.

‘I felt like we had a good team,’ Durant said at media day. ‘I felt like this is a place that I said I wanted to be, and we’re starting to set something up in the future to be a solid team. So, to be honest, I thought it was still a great option, too.

‘This has been a good environment for me the last two years, even though I had some doubts. But overall, looking at it I still like to come in here and get work in. So I just looked at that.’ 

Durant and company will get their first taste of work when Brooklyn open their NBA season at home to Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans on October 19. 

The Nets begin their 2022-23 NBA season at home to Zion Williamson & New Orleans Oct. 19