The Nets soap opera has been replaced by prestige drama

On the Brooklyn Nets...

The date is on the first day of November. The Brooklyn Nets season has not gone well. Ben Simmons is having a hard time adjusting to his new surroundings, and they are at a 2-6 record. Ime Udoka is about to insert his melodrama into the Nets melange of off-court storylines, as Steve Nash gets rushed off the map.

Fast forward to the future.

James Harden was traded to the Nets in February of last year. They were imploding from within, one of the NBA's worst defenses, and carrying that negative energy into the first two weeks of the season. The Nets have become the NBA's second-best record and the fifth- highest net rating since the appointment of Vaughn.

James Harden was interviewed by Fox Sports five days before Nash was fired. It is not clear why they waited so long. It may have gotten lost in the eye of Brooklyn's tornado, but his comments are still relevant to the Nets' downfall. Everything you thought about the Nash-era Nets was confirmed by Harden during the far-ranging interview.

I don't want to talk to anyone. Harden said that there was no structure and superstars needed structure.

The critique of the Nets structureless internal environment was obvious to anyone with a keen eye but that was partially the point of the reunion. The confines of Kerr's motion offense made him feel like a prisoner. The Celtics were on the verge of an NBA Finals twice, and Irving was a malcontent. The highest level of player empowerment was represented by them.

The absence of structure and lack of accountability came about with the promotion of long-time Nets assistant to head coach. After the Nets distracted stars by cutting down on their social media time, turned their attention to hoops, ignored celebrity trials and buckled in, they are back among the league's top tier. Much of the resurgence of the Nets can be traced back to Vaughn.

For the second time, the Nets offense has the league's highest effective field goal percentage. During Nash's time, their defense was a problem. Nash had abandoned the switch-heavy defense that the Nets were known for. They were able to switch easily because of the availability of their defensive skeleton key Ben Simmons.

During the Tory Lanez trial, the former No. 1 overall pick mentioned Ben Simmons, but he has focused on basketball. He isn't yet at his peak All-Defense Philly form, when players defended by Simmons shot 4.5% worse against than their average. He is no longer committing fouls at a high rate. Simmons is able to be the best at availability. Kevin Durant has remained a steady force through the season and we haven't had to mention him. The status quo is why there is no reason to mention him.

The Nets were only one game over.500 at the start of their winning streak. The Nets have won at least one game in 10 of their last 11. Irving reminded the league why he is a great talent.

The trend should continue if the Nets stay under the radar. As a mouse, the Nets have been quiet. As a mouse, the Nets have been quiet. In New York. It's golden when there's silence.