Nothin' But Nets
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2017 NBA Free Agency: Top Restricted Free Agent Targets For Brooklyn Nets

By Darnell Gilet

Mar 24, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) advances the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) advances the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 2, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) reacts with Atlanta Hawks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) in the second quarter at Barclays Center. Nets win 91-82. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) reacts with Atlanta Hawks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) in the second quarter at Barclays Center. Nets win 91-82. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports /

Tim Hardaway Jr.

Of all the players on this list, Hardaway Jr. is the most surprising.  After the New York Knicks selected Hardaway Jr. with the 24th pick in the 2013 draft, it was obvious the gunner was not his father.  Despite having ideal physical profile and athleticism, Hardaway’s flashes were few and far between, resulting in his trade to the Hawks.

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In his first year with the Hawks, Hardaway Jr. had the worst year of his young career, averaging just six points per game.  While his production suffered, Budenholzer saw something that made him comfortable moving on from Teague.

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In his fourth year, Hardaway Jr. is producing at a high level and is starting for a very competitive playoff team.  With the ability to catch fire quickly, the Hawks are reaping the benefits of a player who is having a campaign worthy of Most Improved Player consideration.  With Howard on contract, Bazemore on a new contract and Millsap hitting free agency, the Hawks could let Hardaway Jr. walk if the price is steep.

Similar to Caldwell-Pope and Porter, Hardaway Jr. duplicates some skills the Nets already have.  However, as stated earlier, teams adding versatility, shooting and athleticism across their roster like the Heat and Hawks is the alternate option to chasing the one big fish.

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With the superstar by committee approach catching on in several cities, Brooklyn is next up to implement this strategy.  In 2016-17, while teams fight for Gordon Hayward, Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin and Stephen Curry, the Nets can go under the radar and make signings that have equal impact to a new brand of Brooklyn Nets basketball.