Former New York Knicks head coach Jeff Van Gundy feels that it won’t be easy for the Brooklyn Nets to reach the NBA finals

The NBA season has heated up especially with the playoffs in full swing. Among the teams, the Brooklyn Nets are one of the favourites to lift the championship this season. The Nets have an extremely strong roster featuring the ‘Big Three’ of James Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. The Steve Nash side is currently facing the Boston Celtics and are leading 2-1 at the point of writing.

While it looks like the Nets can be a real threat for the title this season, former New York Knicks head coach believes that they won’t have it easy.

Former Knicks head coach Jeff Van Gundy spoke on ‘Dan Patrick Show’ and there he pointed out how Kevin Durant and company do have a very path to the NBA finals. The Nets will face the in-form Milwaukee Bucks if they overcome the challenge of the Boston Celtics. Even if they go past the Bucks the Nets may go up against the Philadelphia 76ers and they are very dominant and have great defensive prowess something which the Nets lack.

“They’re going to have to play an outstanding Milwaukee team in the next round if they advance past the Celtics. And they’ve got to face a terrific Philadelphia team who is great defensively and a power post-up player that they don’t really match up great with. So, there is a course and a path that they don’t (win), certainly because I think the competition at the top half of the east, these top-three teams could all advance easily to the NBA Finals.”

Van Gundy’s point is right, the Nets should be concerned facing the Bucks who recently swept aside last year’s finalists Miami Heat. The Bucks have brought in great players like Jrue Holiday and PJ Tucker and they have added great value to an already strong team. They will also have to deal with their talisman Giannis Antetokounmpo who is in fiery form.

While a lot of people will still put their money on the Nets to win the Championship, Steve Nash’s men lack that defensive prowess. It is an area where they are trying to make up with their other aspects surrounding the great trio. So it promises to be a great matchup but only after they overcome the Celtics.