Predicting Brooklyn Nets' Starting Five
POINT GUARD: Jarrett Jack
The departure of Deron Williams was more of a cap relief than a loss. Jarrett Jack has not served as a full-time starter since his season when he started 79 games for the Portland Trailblazers. That experience — coupled with his impressive play as a spot starter last season — should be an indication that he is more than capable of running an offense as a full-time starter.
“It’s not my first rodeo as far as being thrust into the (starter’s) role if that were to be the case. If that’s the position they want me to fill, I’m definitely very ready to do so,” Jack said in an interview in July.
Some people frowned when Jack was acquired to serve as Williams’ backup after the resurrection and subsequent departure of Shaun Livingston to the Golden State Warriors. Jack was coming off of his worst statistical year in Cleveland. It did not take long for Jack to showcase his general floor capabilities when the oft-injured Williams suffered through nagging injuries during the first half of the season. There was a particular nine-game stretch in December/January with Jack starting at the point in which the Nets went 6-3. He registered multiple 20 point games, one in which he recorded 20 points and 10 assists versus the Dallas Mavericks. He followed up that performance 3 1/2 weeks later with a 35-point performance, along with 13 dimes. Fantasy basketball owners of Jarrett Jack at that junction of the season were granted extended Christmas gifts.
In my opinion, those performances alone made Deron Williams much more expendable, and no longer the star the Nets chose to build a championship team around after nabbing him from Utah in 2012. And, though the Nets carry a roster featuring four point guards (including Shane Larkin, Ryan Boatright and recently signed Donald Sloan), Jack has to be the clear starter. He is the most experienced guard with the ability to spark an offense offensively. His chemistry with other seasoned teammates should matter as well. Point blank: he’s the best point guard on the team right now. Why not roll with the best player per position? At least opening night, right?