Brooklyn Nets: On Their Way out of Mediocrity
The Nets had a rough start last season, but when it reached the brink they were able to turn things up offensively and squeeze into the Eastern Conference’s final playoff spot.
Brook Lopez, who was almost traded at the deadline, averaged 23.7 points on 58 percent shooting over the last 16 games. Deron Williams also turned things up by averaging 13 points per contest, along with almost 7 assists and 4 rebounds a game.
Although losing Deron Williams is a notable loss for the team, the Nets have made progress in improving their roster while shedding cap space and getting younger. I wouldn’t be surprised if they find themselves back in the same position next season.
But how can the Nets break out of years of mediocrity? The answer is simple: By improving defensively and adding more athleticism. Even in the final 19 games last season (when the team went 13-6), they were among the ten worst defensive teams in the league. Trading Kevin Garnett for Thaddeus Young at the deadline helped make the Nets younger and more athletic, but they were still lacking the foot speed and athleticism to match up with much of the league. Until now, that is.
We all know Joe Johnson can’t do it all, so with the addition of Ryan Boatright, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, the Nets really do have some solid defense, foot speed, and true athleticism to match up with others in the league. While the youngsters on the roster may take time to develop, the Nets have undoubtedly put themselves in a better position for the future. The rookies will have to learn how to play with the veterans on the team by improving ball movement on offense.
Another area of concern for the Brooklyn Nets is the point guard position. Boatright has shown a strong touch from the outside during summer league, but he’s only an undrafted rookie. So who will start? Jarrett Jack. The hope is, of course, that his 2014-15 campaign was an aberration, Playing in the same system for a second consecutive year under coach Lionel Hollins, who trusts him and is very fond of his game, will enable Jack to thrive.
Jack probably isn’t the long-term solution for the Nets at point guard, but for a team in transition he has the potential to be serviceable and set a good example. He’s also universally beloved by pretty much every player in the league. Regardless, the Nets need a dangerous point guard who can play well in tandem with franchise cornerstone Brook Lopez.
Next season’s point guard situation is what it is, and it’s up to Hollins and the rest of his coaching staff to make it work. The two stats that matter most for the Brooklyn Nets: 236 and 3.8%. Why?
- 236–The Nets were outscored by 236 points in the regular season. They had the point differential of a 31-51 team, going 10-2 in games decided by three points or less and losing 17 games by more than 15.
- 3.8%–The Nets 3-point percentage fell from 36.9 percent (11th) in 2013-14 to 33.1 percent (26th) in ’14-15; the biggest drop-off in the league.
Turn those two stats around and I guarantee you the Brooklyn Nets will look a totally new team to be feared.