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Breaking Down the Brooklyn Nets’ Offense

By Charles Maniego

Dec 14, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson talks to Nets point guard Spencer Dinwiddie (8) during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson talks to Nets point guard Spencer Dinwiddie (8) during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 4, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer talks with center Dwight Howard (8) against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer talks with center Dwight Howard (8) against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Atkinson’s Influences

Prior to his hiring, Atkinson worked on the staff of head coaches Mike D’Antoni and Mike Budenholzer. On the coaching family tree, Atkinson is a grandchild of Gregg Popovich via Budenholzer. There’s probably some weird intermingling there, with Atkinson a second-cousin once removed to previous Nets head coaches. Atkinson is the product of D’Antoni’s innovative pistol offense and Budenholzer’s “Spurs East” style of basketball.

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The basic bones of the offense are inherited from Mike Budenholzer. Several of the Nets’ key actions are taken from the Hawks’ playbook, with their own Brooklyn flavor. Atkinson has taken the Hawks’ playbook and injected epinephrine (more commonly known as adrenaline for the non-scientifically inclined) into it. The motion offense run in Brooklyn is free-flowing and fast-paced. Additionally, Atkinson encourages each player to shoot his shot/slide into the DM’s if he’s open.