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Brooklyn Nets 2016: Year in Review

By Zach Cronin

Dec 22, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin (7) stitches before the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin (7) stitches before the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson reacts against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Nets 116-104. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson reacts against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Nets 116-104. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Apr. 17, 2016 – Nets hire Kenny Atkinson as Head Coach

Kenny Atkinson isn’t directly a product from the Gregg Popovich coaching tree, but Mike Budenholzer of the Atlanta Hawks is the one who connects them. Trickling down from Pop to Budenholzer is a very unselfish, defensive-oriented system that Atkinson has vehemently preached to this young group.

The defensive part hasn’t worked out. However, the offense is producing better than expected. Brooklyn can shoot out against the most potent offenses in the league, and it revolves around their volume shooting from the three-point line. In Atkinson’s eyes, everyone has the green light — if you’re open, shoot it. If not, pass it and work for a better shot. Brook Lopez has benefited greatly from this and is having the best season of his career and finding his range.

Still, the Nets are just 8-24. Fortunately, not all the blame can be placed on the coach because the players have to go out and execute. Also keep in mind that Atkinson is a rookie head coach and he’s going to make mistakes. Personally, it’s good to watch his blunders. Whether he drew up a bad play or didn’t make a proper substitution, it’s all a learning experience.

He needs to develop just as much as the players. On the bright side, his team adores him. Jeremy Lin raves about him whenever he gets the chance, and he’s so involved with his players that it’s hard for them not to like the amount of work that he puts in. Going forward, my only wish is that the front office does everything in their power to put some talent around Atkinson because great coaching can only take you so far.