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Brooklyn Nets: Players on the bubble for 2017-18 season

By Sean Costello

Apr 1, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Archie Goodwin (10) celebrates with guard Spencer Dinwiddie (8) in the fourth quarter against Orlando Magic at Barclays Center. Nets win 121-111. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Archie Goodwin (10) celebrates with guard Spencer Dinwiddie (8) in the fourth quarter against Orlando Magic at Barclays Center. Nets win 121-111. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 23, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Justin Hamilton (41) drives to the basket during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 119-99. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Justin Hamilton (41) drives to the basket during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 119-99. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Justin Hamilton

Justin Hamilton. One of the stranger signings for the Nets last offseason. Hamilton signed with the Nets in July 2016 and received a two-year, $6 million deal. The 7-footer had the responsibility of backing up the Nets’ current franchise centerpiece and all-time leading scorer, Brook Lopez.

In 18.4 minutes per game through 64 games and seven starts, the 27-year-old averaged 6.9 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Not terrible numbers, but not great either. Hamilton never seemed to play bad, but never seemed to be a game-changer either.

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With $3 million guaranteed to the big man this coming season, the Nets will need to figure out where Hamilton fits on their roster. With a number of front court players projected to be available in the places where the Nets currently own draft picks, there are plenty of decisions that will need to be made.

Will the Nets decide to trade Hamilton to avoid paying him, or will they just keep him around to have around on the bench? It’s hard to say, but with guaranteed money going to Hamilton either way, the Nets will need to play their cards smart.

Verdict: Hamilton stays put