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Brooklyn Nets Midseason Grades: Front Court Edition

By Tj Porreca

Dec 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) dribbles the ball against Chicago Bulls center Robin Lopez (8) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) dribbles the ball against Chicago Bulls center Robin Lopez (8) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 23, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Justin Hamilton (41) drives to the basket during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 119-99. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Justin Hamilton (41) drives to the basket during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 119-99. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

JUSTIN HAMILTON. C+. . C. Brooklyn Nets

Justin Hamilton‘s path to the Brooklyn Nets is an interesting story. Hamilton spent the 2013-14 NBA season with Charlotte and Miami, and then split the 2014-15 season between Miami and Minnesota.

Hamilton then signed with the Nets this past offseason. Hamilton was brought on to backup Brook Lopez, but not as a traditional center. Hamilton’s game meshes well with the evolved play of Brook Lopez. Lopez has adopted three-point shooting this season, and Hamilton can frequently be found beyond the arc in Brooklyn.

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In 35 games this season, Hamilton is averaging seven points and 4.5 rebounds in 20.3 minutes per game. Hamilton averages 3.3 attempts from beyond the arc per game, which is less than Lopez, but Hamilton knocks down 31 percent of his attempts.

Hamilton has not been great for the Nets, but he can come into the game and score quickly if he heats up. The problem thus far with Hamilton is he often continues to hoist up shots even when he is struggling. Considering the Nets’ philosophy, that isn’t much of a surprise. Kenny Atkinson has said the Nets have the freedom to shoot three’s if they are open. The Nets, in turn, have done so, and that includes Hamilton.

Hamilton did have a stretch of games that he missed due to migraines, but he has since resolved the issue and is fully available for the Nets in the second half of the season.