Which Five-Man Unit Is The Brooklyn Nets’ Best?
By Zach Cronin
![Nov 29, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) reacts with teammates during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports Nov 29, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) reacts with teammates during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/1cf31807b6a404caa64c099f5b03632620f12385d6d6242569009321ce0a5441.jpg)
Trevor Booker
Every Nets lineup needs Mr. Brooklyn Grit himself. Booker is the team’s best defender, hands down, and also crashes the boards better than anyone else. He also has a surprisingly effective offensive game.
Booker’s strength and athleticism allow him to match up with almost any power forward in the league despite giving up height in most cases. He also brings the energy, and his unrelenting competitiveness on defense rubs off on the other guys on the court.
Everyone around the team knows Booker’s impact on defense is what gets him a big part of the rotation, but he can be the Nets’ third or fourth ball handler if need be.
Unfortunately, it’s unlikely to see him bring up the ball and initiate the offense like LeBron James, but he’s able to grab a rebound, push the break, and create something.
He can play from the perimeter too, although it’s not ideal. Being around the three-point line, where he shoots 26 percent, pulls him away from the glass, thus taking away his chances of hauling in an offensive rebound or getting a tip-in. Realistically, the only time Booker should be out that far is if he’s setting a screen, something else that he’s superb at.
With a sturdy, 228-pound frame, there aren’t many guards who can wiggle around Booker when he sets a pick, and he’s someone that needs to be accounted for when rolling to the basket.