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Brooklyn Nets: Sean Kilpatrick’s Rocky Road in the NBA

By Zach Cronin

Mar 24, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Sean Kilpatrick (6) reaches for the net during the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Sean Kilpatrick (6) reaches for the net during the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Future: 2016 And Beyond

Mar 22, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Sean Kilpatrick (6) reacts after a three point shot against the Charlotte Hornets during second half at Barclays Center. The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Brooklyn Nets 105-100. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Sean Kilpatrick (6) reacts after a three point shot against the Charlotte Hornets during second half at Barclays Center. The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Brooklyn Nets 105-100. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

Looking ahead to 2016-17, Kilpatrick has the chance to be one of Brooklyn Nets’ top producers. Additionally, his versatility makes him an excellent candidate for sixth man. He’ll be getting a lot of time because the Nets contending for a playoff spot is a stretch, but his position is unknown. His size and play style fit the two-guard mold, but he can shift over to the three should Brooklyn want to play small. Fortunately, the NBA is moving to a positionless style of basketball, benefitting players by not labeling them.

“You never know who’s watching.”

After averaging 13.8 points and shooting 46.2 percent from the field with the Nets last season, the expectations are for him to duplicate that–at the least. Being upwards of 15 points per game shouldn’t be a reach with the extended playing time he’ll be getting, and his outside shooting could see a raise as well. With Jeremy Lin doing most of the ball-handling, the defenses are going to collapse on him in the lane, leaving shooters open. Kilpatrick, who can lurk in the corner, will be on the receiving end of numerous drive-and-kick passes.

Next: Breaking Down The Brooklyn Nets' Schedule: Part III

Personally, Kilpatrick is one of the players I’m most looking forward to watching (Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is the one slightly above him). And should he exceed his predicted production, he’ll be the head of a very young, potential-filled Brooklyn Nets core.