Brooklyn Nets 2016: Year in Review

July 8, 2016 – Nets sign Isaiah Whitehead and Trevor Booker

Before signing Brooklyn’s finest, the Nets had to trade for him, and they parted ways with North Carolina point guard Marcus Paige and $3 million in cash for his rights. Trevor Booker was a free agent, and his skillset is one that fits Brooklyn perfectly.

RELATED STORY: Isaiah Whitehead’s Progress a Silver Lining Amid Injuries

Isaiah Whitehead has been asked to do a lot for the Nets this year, and he’s fared pretty well for someone who could’ve benefitted from a third year at Seton Hall. He’s started 18 games for Brooklyn, essentially filling the void left by Lin because of Lin’s injuries. Unfortunately, Whitehead is far from the same player. He struggles with decision-making more than anything else, but, keep in mind that he’s a rookie who would be an end-of-the-bench guy if it weren’t for injuries.

Unlike his rookie counterpart, Booker is thriving in his new role. He has free reign to wander around the court and do whatever’s necessary, and he’s emerged as an outstanding rebounder and energetic defender.

Booker’s nine rebounds are a career-high, as well are his 1.6 steals. Also, I can’t forget about his 9.7 points, because that’s a benchmark, too. Very quietly, Booker’s emerged as one of the Nets’ most consistent players, and he does a majority of the dirty work that goes unnoticed. Diving for 50-50 balls, crashing the offensive glass for tip-ins, stepping out to the perimeter on defense to match up against a quick opponent, there isn’t anything that Booker won’t do for his team.