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Five Players The Brooklyn Nets Should Keep

By Charles Daye

Jan 8, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin (7) reacts with the team during the third quarter against Philadelphia 76ers at Barclays Center. Sixers win 105-95. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin (7) reacts with the team during the third quarter against Philadelphia 76ers at Barclays Center. Sixers win 105-95. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 12, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Isaiah Whitehead (15) brings the ball up the court during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Isaiah Whitehead (15) brings the ball up the court during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Isaiah Whitehead

The 42nd pick in the 2016 NBA draft is the star point guard from Seton Hall and the Brooklyn native, Isaiah Whitehead. Coming out of college, there was a dispute whether he would be a point guard, shooting guard, or glorified tweener in the pros. What he lacks in speed and explosiveness, he makes up for in strength and willpower.

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Whitehead played shooting guard for most of his basketball life before he started running the offense in his second season at Seton Hall. After getting drafted by the Jazz and traded to his hometown team the night of the draft, the expectation was he would be assigned to the D-league to start.

Injuries to the point guard position changed that plan. Whitehead was a scorer in college, but in his first 30 NBA games, he has shown to be quite the defender for a rookie. On top of that, the kid from Coney Island has shown a willingness to get inside the paint and grab rebounds. He recorded his first career double-double, 10 points and 10 rebounds against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

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

Whitehead has shown his determination to learn the point guard position on the professional level, willingly asking proven veterans that he guarded during the game about what he needs to improve on and how to go about it. If actions speak louder than words, Whitehead has already shown his self awareness about his flaws and his motivation to progress. He has progressed, much faster than expected in fact, and much to the delight of the coaching staff.

Whitehead fits the mold of the multi-position player Sean Marks and Kenny Atkinson wants: a natural guard who is not afraid to get into the paint with significantly larger players. In 29 games (21 starts), the Brooklyn native is averaging seven points, 2.9 assists, and 2.6 rebounds in 22.7 minutes per game.

As of right now, Whitehead has seemingly earned a permanent spot on the main roster. It would be shocking to see him get assigned to the D-League if he continues to play consistently at this level. Right now, his floor seems to be a good defensive backup guard. However, if his offensive game continues to develop, he might be the starting point guard of his hometown team in the future.