Free Agency Profile: Steve Blake

It is widely assumed the Nets will explore the trade markets for Joe Johnson (with his expiring $24.9 million deal), Jarrett Jack (due $12.6 million over the next two seasons but only partially guaranteed in 2016-17), and Deron Williams (due $43 million over the next two seasons) this offseason.

While Brooklyn Nets General Manager Billy King has made it clear that the team wants to get younger moving forward, it may not be a bad idea to sign a veteran point guard like Steve Blake. Blake fills a hole for the Nets at the guard position left by Williams and Jack, who are both actively being shopped this offseason.

Steve Blake is an excellent fit for Brooklyn because he can run the offense efficiently and is an exceptional shooter from long range. With a career three-point shooting percentage of 38.5%, Blake can help the Nets spread the floor and improve their shooting from long-distance. Last season, the Nets shot just 33.1% from three-point range. Adding Blake to the team should help improve that number going forward. Furthermore, Blake has excellent court vision and can pass the ball well. Last season, as a bench player on the Portland Trailblazers, Blake averaged 6.85 assists per 36 minutes. With no Nets player averaging more than 6 assists per game, Blake can help improve the team’s ball movement.

Although Blake’s best days are certainly behind him, he is still a capable guard in this league. With 812 regular season games and 44 post-season games under his belt, he can help mentor some of the younger players on the Nets roster. If Steve Blake decides not to exercise his player option with Portland, he is a player the Nets must consider signing.