Brooklyn Nets: 2016-17 Season Outlook

May 16, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks listens to Brooklyn Nets new head coach Kenny Atkinson answer questions from media during press conference at HSS Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks listens to Brooklyn Nets new head coach Kenny Atkinson answer questions from media during press conference at HSS Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
3 of 10

2016-17 Expectations

Dec 2, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) celebrates with Bojan Bogdanovic (44) against the New York Knicks during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) celebrates with Bojan Bogdanovic (44) against the New York Knicks during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Considering how much the East has continued to improve, it is hard to see the Nets doing better than last year. Due to the youth and lesser talent on the roster, Brooklyn will find themselves near the bottom of the Eastern Conference for a second straight year.

More from Brooklyn Nets News

After averaging 20.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game last season, Lopez should follow up with similar numbers this year. Lopez is always considered injury prone, but after two seasons of 72 plus games, his injuries may finally be behind him. With the way Lopez plays, there should be no concern about his health since his game is very grounded.

Another player to look forward to this season is Bogdanovic. After having a terrific offseason with the Croatian Olympic team, he looks poised for an even better NBA season. To put it in perspective, Bogdanovic averaged 25.3 points per game in this years Olympics. Thus, over the course of six games, Bogdanovic managed to put up 25 points each night. He should easily pass the 11.2 points he averaged last season, especially if Atkinson finds a way to utilize him.

After Lopez and Bogdanovic, all eyes will be on Lin. Just his name alone carries a lot of weight. Lin should have an increase in production considering he is probably the Nets’ best point guard. Do not expect a return to Linsanity though. That is just unreasonable to think Lin will ever produce like that again. What should be expected is that he will control the tempo of the team when he is on the court.

Next: Developing the Youth