Steve Nash gets brutally honest on James Harden's return to the lineup

The Brooklyn Nets had already put together a video game-like roster when they signed Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving last season. So, adding James Harden to that already scary mix was certainly a concern for the rest of the NBA.

While all three players were performing at a high level, it was Harden the one who carried theload for most of the season, as Kyrie Irving spent some time out with personal issues and Kevin Durant was nursing an injury.

That’s why it was such a massive boost to get The Beard back in the lineup after an 18-game absence, letting him get back into game shape during their 128-116 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

Steve Nash Says The Nets Had To Take A Risk With James Harden

Nets coach Steve Nash said that the team had to take its chances on Harden and allow him to get back out there, as they need him to ramp up for the playoffs. Gladly, he didn’t have any setbacks:

“There is importance in him finding his rhythm and his confidence and getting back to playing, and it’s difficult to do that without game time. These are the risks you have to take, and you take a deep breath. He’s done all the work and he’s cleared. He’s done his high-intensity loads and workouts and responded. People smarter than I would say this (is) safe,” the coach said.

Harden Says He Was Frustrated, Studied The Game A Lot

Harden came off the bench and played 26 minutes, scoring 18 points with 11 assists and looking like he had never left. After the game, he said that he was clearly frustrated with his absence but claimed that he made the most of it by studying the game:

“This is the longest I’ve ever been out in my career. It’s been frustrating. This last month I just think about how much I cherish the game (…) “Not to, like, brag or anything, but I’m really good at this game. I study the game, I’m very unselfish. I take the game play it the right way every single night,” Harden concluded.

The Brooklyn Nets are the clear-cut favorites to come out of the Eastern Conference if their three superstars stay healthy during the playoffs. So, beware, Nets doubters, scary hours are coming.