Nothin' But Nets
Fansided

Brooklyn Nets: Why Nets fans should be optimistic

By Ryan B. Winner

facebooktwitterreddit

Despite an 0-7 record this season, a lack of draft picks in the near future, and a couple veteran players that are past their prime still locked down, Brooklyn Nets fans should be very optimistic about the future of the team. Even though trades and silly contracts damaged the short term potential of this team, the Brooklyn Nets will have no problems reaching the postseason again soon.

More from Nothin' But Nets

When the Nets made a trade with the Hawks to pick up Joe Johnson, they ended up losing that trade massively. While they did not lose any key opportunities, they ended up with a declining player with a bloated contract. They gave up scraps in order to get him, and they also gave up a 1st rounder (ironically, current Net Shane Larkin was that pick) and a 2017 2nd rounder, but the main issue with Johnson was his monstrous deal. He is currently making 25 million this season, but after the season, he will no longer be signed. This will open up a ton of cap space, especially since the cap is set to increase. The Nets will have ample cap room to sign good free agents, and the fact that they play in New York will be a huge selling point to players that enjoy the New York lifestyle.

Oct 19, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) dunks the ball against the Boston Celtics during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

The Nets also made a silly trade with Boston, where they traded for aging players Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. They got just one year out of Pierce, and one and a half years out of Garnett. In return, they shipped off three draft picks (2014, 2016, and 2018), all of which are unprotected. Boston also has the right to swap picks with the Nets in 2017, which could be disastrous as well. This is the main reason for Nets fans to be concerned for the future. However, despite not having a lot of options in the draft over the next few years, the Nets have a capable group of veteran players, all of whom (except Brook Lopez) should be considered as trade bait.

Also, with rookies like Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Chris McCullough on the roster, the Nets still have a very bright future. Hollis-Jefferson has played terrific so far, and his potential looks sky high. And, while McCullough has not recovered from injury yet, he was labeled as a lottery pick and could end up being a steal for the Nets down the road. With Brook Lopez as the feature piece and these two guys around him, the future looks great.

Right now, the Nets seemingly have no hope. They have no cap room, aging players, and a lack of draft picks. However, factor in cap space this offseason, veteran trade chips, and the young players already on the roster, and it is easy to see how the Nets, despite all their mistakes, still have a bright future.