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Brooklyn Nets’ Rebuild in Early Stages of “The Process”

By Christian Milcos

Jan 8, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) drives to the basket against Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) in the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Sixers win 105-95. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) drives to the basket against Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) in the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Sixers win 105-95. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 8, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks to put up a shot against Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) in the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Sixers win 105-95. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks to put up a shot against Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) in the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Sixers win 105-95. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports /

Similarities in Nets’ and Sixers’ Rebuilds

Perhaps the biggest similarity between the Nets’ and Sixers’ rebuilding processes comes in their free agent signings. Neither team has signed a star free agent yet, and both have pursued seasoned veterans as an alternative.

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In an attempt to bolster its bench and provide some essential veteran leadership, the Sixers have pursued experienced players in free agency since “The Process” began. They signed Philadelphia native Gerald Henderson, Jerryd Bayless and the well-traveled Sergio Rodriguez, who previously played for Real Madrid.

After striking out on a couple of restricted free agents, the Nets took a similar route. They also brought in a couple of high character teammates to help its youngsters get through what was expected to be a very difficult season. Marks netted Luis Scola, Greivis Vasquez and Randy Foye last July. While these veterans haven’t necessarily added much on the court, they’ve helped instill a good culture around the young guns.

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The goal with these types of signings for the Nets and Sixers is to create a good environment during the rebuilding process. Both situations have endured a lot of losing recently, and without the right people present, losing can take a toll on the confidence of younger players. This can especially be true in cities with hard-nosed media cycles such as New York and Philadelphia.

Look no further than the Sacramento Kings the past few seasons for an example of a losing team with a bad culture. Veterans with a historically bad attitude such as Rajon Rondo and Matt Barnes are not the best options to surround a budding star like DeMarcus Cousins.