NBA: Can the Brooklyn Nets prove ESPN forecast wrong?
In a recent 2016-2017 forecast, ESPN predicted that the Brooklyn Nets would finish with a record of 20-62. With the Boston Celtics having the rights to swap first round picks in 2017, the motivation for the Nets to improve is at an all-time high. Here are a few reasons why the Nets might be able to increase their win total this upcoming season.
Improved Point Guard Play
In the 2015-2016 NBA season, outside of the Brooklyn Nets, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers, NY Knicks, and the Utah Jazz, every team had a point guard they could hang their hat on. Of those teams, the Rockets and Jazz had high-level play makers in James Harden and Gordon Hayward respectively, that alleviated their need for a point guard.
Looking forward to 2016, the Jazz should get more production from the point guard position with the acquisition of George Hill, and the return of number five pick Dante Exum. The Knicks solved their point guard problems with the acquisition of former MVP Derrick Rose. And if summer league is any sign of things to come, Ben Simmons will be the one stop shop for Philadelphia.
With the additions of Jeremy Lin, Greivis Vasquez, and Isaiah Whitehead, the Nets have also substantially upgraded at the point guard position, moving on from the days of Jarrett Jack and Shane Larkin.
In 2015-2016 behind Kemba Walker, Jeremy Lin had a bounce back season reminding us of the “Linsanity” days. As a big, athletic, playoff tested point guard that can score and defend (well enough), the Nets have a play maker that can create for himself while putting teammate’s in position to be effective. Furthermore, Greivis Vasquez gives the Nets one of the better backup point guards in the league and which improves their depth at a critical position. The Nets were also fortunate on draft night having Isaiah Whitehead fall to them in round two. At 6’4 with a 6’8.75 wingspan, strong build, above average athleticism, and physicality, Whitehead will have the opportunity to learn behind two veterans while playing spot minutes throughout a long season.
Improved Wing Defense
In 2015-2016, Nets first round pick Rondae Hollis-Jefferson played only 29 games. At 6’7, 220, Hollis Jefferson has the physical profile to be the Nets defensive wing of the future. While he must improve his shooting (shot only 28.6 % from 3), should he remain healthy, the 21 year old is poised to see a jump in minutes and production.
With the 20th overall pick in the 2016 draft, the Nets selected Caris Levert. As a 4-year player at Michigan, Levert is one of the more “NBA ready” rookies. At 6’7 with a 6’10 wingspan, Levert projects to develop into a strong “3 and D” player, as he knocked down 45% of his 3s as a senior. If healthy, the combination of LeVert and Hollis Jefferson should improve the Nets defensively, while providing youth and energy at the wings.
Fresh Veteran Leadership
The additions of Randy Foye, Luis Scola, Jeremy Lin, and Greivis Vasquez will be a breath of fresh air in Brooklyn. With strong locker room presence, the Nets have completed the shift from the Joe Johnson and Deron Williams leadership era. Adding these four veterans to go with Brook Lopez provides the perfect balance of youth and experience on the roster.
Next: Jeremy Lin and Bojan Bogdanovic Are Poised To Have A Breakout Season in 2016-17
Overall, there is not much to look forward to this season. However, the Nets should play better and be more respectable than last year. Will it be enough to prove the ESPN predictions wrong? With the acquisitions of veterans, the Nets could win just over 20 games.