Two Key Players Ruled OUT For Brooklyn Nets Opener

The Brooklyn Nets have a ton of shooting to surround Ben Simmons and Co. this season, but their top two sharpshooters will be missing from the Opening Night lineup at least. 

Nets say Joe Harris and Seth Curry will continue to progress this week with live contact practice sessions but will not be ready for the opener on Wednesday. Next update will be given on Thursday, Oct. 20.

— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) October 16, 2022

Neither Joe Harris nor Seth Curry will be ready for the Nets' Wednesday night opener against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Harris missed 68 games last season due to two ankle surgeries but is close to a return. Curry underwent his own ankle surgery during the offseason. He's up to 4-on-4 workouts in practice, but not quite ready for full NBA action. Their return dates are unknown for now, but the Nets say they'll update both of their situations on Thursday.

Head coach Steve Nash doesn't sound too stressed, however, and says this is all just part of the recovery process. 

"I'm not concerned. I'm positive. I'm optimistic," Nash said after Sunday's practice. "It's just not straightforward with guys coming off surgeries, assimilating back to play. It's not always like straight up. Sometimes you go through some adaptation issues. So I think those guys are facing that more than, 'Oh, the emergency lights are on and we're concerned.' I think we feel like this is just a part of them getting back to it."

With those two out, newcomer Royce O'Neal's role will be amped up significantly in the meantime. 

Harris shoots a remarkable 43.9% from long distance for his eight-year career, while Curry is no slouch from three either, at 43.9% in his eight years in the league. 

Photo: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports