Breaking Down the Brooklyn Nets’ Offense

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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Feb 8, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Trevor Booker (35) goes to the basket against Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) and forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) during overtime at Barclays Center. The Washington Wizards defeated the Brooklyn Nets 114-110. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Trevor Booker (35) goes to the basket against Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) and forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) during overtime at Barclays Center. The Washington Wizards defeated the Brooklyn Nets 114-110. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Anyone Can Shoot their Shot

One takeaway from the Nets’ offense is that it really encourages players to create and attack. With no set plays, any player can take the ball up the court and initiate the offense. On fast breaks, big men like Trevor Booker can take it coast-to-coast if the defense is sleeping.

Players that were previously relegated to one style of play like Joe Harris and Brook Lopez have expanded their game, attacking from the perimeter, and creating off the dribble. There are no bad shots, there are just bad decisions. Kenny Atkinson‘s offense does not shun players expanding their game. It welcomes it.

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Effort is Important

For the Nets, all of these plays are most successful when ran purposefully. At many times during games, the Nets’ turnovers arise from lazy passes and abandoning the offensive set. The Nets should work to find an optimal shot, rather than playing into the hands of the defense. The team too often finds themselves in a deficit because of poor choices on offense. They can fight back, but the effort must be there the whole game.