Nets: Projected Starting Five

Small Forward: Joe Johnson

Apr 29, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Johnson (7) scores in front of Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) during the first half in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

At 35 years old, Johnson is no longer the explosive scoring threat that he has been throughout his career. At one point, he played well enough to earn himself a max contract in the days where max contracts were only given to elite players. Johnson had his best years as an Atlanta Hawk, and he had some decent years on the Nets. This season, Johnson will be relied on to score maybe 13-14 ppg and be a veteran leader on a young team. Johnson will have to be a mentor to the younger guys in order for the team to experience some growth over the season.

Even though Johnson cannot light up the scoreboard the way he used to, he can still shoot the ball very well and can slash to the rim and finish strong. Johnson, despite not being the star he was, can still be a very useful and important part of this team. After this season, his bloated contract will expire, and he will be looking for a much smaller one to finish his career, so he has to prove this season that he can provide the intangibles that a declining veteran needs to develop. He will have to show that he can accept a smaller role and be open to mentoring the younger guys as the Nets transition into a new era for their roster.

Next: Power Forward