First Half Brooklyn Nets Grades

Small Forward: Joe Johnson: Grade B

November 13, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Johnson (7, left) is defended by Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Nets 107-99. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Johnson carried the Nets past the Toronto Raptors in the first round of last years playoffs and Johnson has maintained his role as the Nets most important offensive player this season. Johnson is averaging 16 points per game this season, but the seven time All Star has struggled as of late and that is in large part due to fatigue. Johnson has played extra minutes ever since Deron Williams went down with a fractured rib and the extra minutes are starting to take a toll on Johnson’s body.

“Obviously, maybe some time off would probably be needed, but at this point, we’ve got a lot of injuries, man, and we are still trying to find chemistry and it can’t happen. So I’m fighting through it. I’m giving the guys what I’ve got.” -Joe Johnson after the Nets 99-90 loss to the Wizards on Friday

The Nets need Johnson to be at his best because frankly when he’s at his best it forces teams to double him, which leaves shooters open around the perimeter. The Nets start off their west coast trip on Wednesday against the Kings, so maybe the three days off will refresh Johnson’s body. Johnson had a pretty effective first half of the year, but the Nets need him to have an even better second half.