Brooklyn Nets: Sean Kilpatrick Shows Potential

The Brooklyn Nets recalled Sean Kilpatrick out of the D-League last season, and he was given a short stint with the team. This summer, Kilpatrick gets another shot with the Nets in the NBA Summer League.

In the NBA Summer League, Sean Kilpatrick is showing us and the NBA world why he belongs in an NBA rotation, especially for the Brooklyn Nets.

In 21 minutes of play, the former Bearcat tallied 19 points, shooting 7-of-12 from the field (58 percent). Kilpatrick scored from all aspects, knocking down one three and getting to the free throw line (4/4). Kilpatrick also tied for a team-high in the plus/minus category, finishing with a +6.

In an era of one-and-done College players who often enter the NBA at age 19, Sean Kilpatrick took the long route. Kilpatrick attended the University of Cincinnati, and played there for four years, averaging 15.3 points per game in 140 career College games.

Kilpatrick then went to the D-League, where he spent parts of two seasons. Kilpatrick got his first shot in the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves, playing in four games in 2014-15. This past season, Kilpatrick played in eight games with the Denver Nuggets, before getting his shot with the Brooklyn Nets. It was with the Nets that he got his longest look in the NBA thus far.

This past season Kilpatrick signed a 3-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets, so the former Bearcat will not have to bear the pressure of making an NBA roster. Kilpatrick will have a great opportunity this summer to prove himself and solidify a spot as a backup shooting guard for the Brooklyn Nets.

Kilpatrick has the talent and potential to be a role player for any NBA team, playing in 23 games with the Brooklyn Nets and averaging 13.8 points in just over 23 minutes per game. The Nets saw enough in Kilpatrick that they have added him to their Summer League roster. Kilpatrick is one of a slew of guards on the roster, but he can use his opportunities in the Summer League to parlay into a roster spot on the Nets’ 15-man roster.

More from Nothin' But Nets

Kilpatrick is an athletic shooting guard, who runs the floor well and moves without the ball. Kilpatrick shot 52 percent on two-point attempts, and 36 percent from beyond the arc. His jump shot features good balance, which helps him once his feet are set.

If Kilpatrick plays well in the Summer League, he could earn the Nets’ backup shooting guard spot. He likely wouldn’t be asked to start very much during the season, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t serve an important reserve role.

If Kilpatrick were to make the Nets’ final roster, he’d be among the oldest players on the team. Brooklyn’s roster is quite young, with Brook Lopez and newly signed Trevor Booker being the team’s oldest players at 28. Kilpatrick will turn 27 midway through the 2016-17 season.

Kilpatrick is an interesting case for the Nets. He is among multiple guards who will be vying to make the roster, but if he cracks the roster there will be an opportunity for him to play. Kilpatrick has experience in the NBA, which could give him an edge over the competition, even though some of the younger guards may have more upside in the future due to the age difference.

Next: Nets Should Acquire McRoberts

There will be plenty to watch for as the Nets and head coach Kenny Atkinson take the floor in the Las Vegas Summer League. One of the many storylines for Nets fans to look for will be the performance of Sean Kilpatrick, and whether or not it helps his case to make the roster, come late October.

TJ Porreca contributed to this story.