Brooklyn Nets: Five potential Long Island Nets who could get called up

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Jan 24, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Tigers forward Trahson Burrell (0) shoots against East Carolina Pirates guard Kentrell Barkley (15) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

Trahson Burrell

If R.J. Hunter is the most well-known player in Long Island, Trahson Burrell is the best kept secret. Burrell is a 24-year-old forward out of Memphis who was taken in the second round of the 2016 D-League draft.

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The Albany native averaged 9.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 23.9 minutes over 63 games (20 starts) at Memphis. Before that, Burrell played two seasons at Lee College (in Texas), where he averaged 20.7 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.

In 49 games (36 starts) Burrell has averaged 13.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 30.4 minutes per game. At one point (in December), he was leading the team in rebounds (averaging 9.7 at the time) despite being a guard/forward tweener. Standing at 6-foot-7, his versatility has allowed him to shine under the Nets system.

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One could argue that Burrell is the surprise of Long Isand’s inaugural season but finding diamonds in the rough is what the D-League is about. Marks and Atkinson want to find undervalued players, and given his rookie season, Burrell is just that.

It is hard to predict where Burrell will be at this point next season, especially considering what his expectations were going into the season. It is safe to assume the Nets will at least bring him back. With his game so similar to Hollis-Jefferson’s, he could be the ideal backup for “The Hyphen.”

Burrell deserves a chance to shine in the Summer League. If he keeps putting up double-doubles, don’t be surprised if his Nets jersey reads “Brooklyn” by this time next year.