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Four Positives For the Brooklyn Nets at the All-Star Break

By Max Prinz

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 20, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Brooklyn Nets guard Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) reacts during their game 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 guard Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) reacts during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Nets 116-104. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Caris LeVert and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Stretching Their Games

Caris LeVert and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, the Nets’ pair of long-limbed young players, have been asked to do a ton this season, and watching them figure out the limits of their games has been a little like watching a baby deer learn to walk. Both LeVert and Hollis-Jefferson are lanky, athletic players adapting to the speed and physicality of the NBA game.

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LeVert has admirably battled through early injuries to earn an increasingly larger place in the rotation. His proficiency with the ball in his hands has been surprisingly impressive. His size allows him to see over the defense, and his length allows for some crafty finishes inside.

Hollis-Jefferson still has yet to develop much of a jump shot, but has done a good job finding ways to help the offense with his energy. He’s been effective from both forward spots and has looked more comfortable driving to the basket.

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It seems unlikely that either of these players will become a star, but both look more than capable of being solid NBA players. That will be big for the Nets, who need as many players for the future as possible. Stretching their games now will do all kinds of good down the road. You never know how good a player will be until you let him find out for himself.