NBA Free Agency is among us in the basketball world. The Brooklyn Nets have up to $45 million in cap space, there’s a clear understanding of the importance that free agency holds for the Nets this summer. According to rumors, Brandon Jennings and the Nets have mutual interest.
Was told interest in both Rondo and Jennings is mutual. We'll see what that translates to in offers and others. https://t.co/Gzbjyw9aam
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) June 27, 2016
The Nets have just six players under contract for next season, and none of those players play the point guard position. Brandon Jennings is a point guard that the Brooklyn Nets should consider going for in NBA free agency. Jennings has proven himself as a quality point guard in the NBA with the Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks.
However, that was before he tore his left Achilles while playing for Stan Van Gundy and the Pistons. Prior to the injury, Jennings never averaged less than 15.4 points per game in a season. The injury was a major setback, in his lone season after the injury, Jennings only averaged 6.9 points in 18 minutes per game:
There’s no guarantee that the 26-year-old will ever return to caliber, but is without a doubt, hit production can’t be much worse than what Brooklyn had in 2015-16. The Nets could sign Jennings in hopes that he returns to his form before surgery and hope that Atkinson could help further develop his game.
Jennings was playing some of his best basketball before the injury. He had a tremendous performance during the month of January in 2014-15, putting up a 24-point, 21-assist effort against Orlando.
The 26-year-old point guard has ball skills the Nets need in a play-making point guard. In this video, Jennings shows flashes of his self, using ball screens to get into the lane, and dish to power forward Jason Smith for a wide open jumper in the corner.
Adjusted to 36 minutes of play, the former Piston put up a decent showing. But fans should remember he was transitioning to a team and adjusting to playing again
Per 36 Minutes, Brandon Jennings:
| Season | G | 3P% | FT% | AST | STL | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-16 | 25 | .346 | .750 | 8.0 | 1.4 | 13.9 |
As a free agent this summer, Jennings has a great to showcase the offensive capability he can provide with Kenny Atkinson as a starter or in the second unit. An NBA team will pay for Jennings’ services, and the Nets should be the one that pays him.
With the expected salary spike, Jennings will receive millions based on name value alone. With diminishing skills and an injury history, the Magic would be wise to once again get Jennings for a bargain instead of buying high on the southpaw.
If he can return to his old form, it would be huge for a franchise trying to dig itself out of a hole. He could either become a franchise cornerstone, become a valuable trade asset at the trade deadline or he become another bust for the organization.
Next: Trey Burke Is Another Option At Point Guard For Nets
Either way, he’s worth a Rajon Rondo-esque type of risk vs. reward for Brooklyn this season as they continue to rebuild the team.
Expect the Nets to be busy during the NBA free agency period.