Nothin' But Nets
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Brooklyn Nets 2016-17 grades: Justin Hamilton

By Ryan Muhlstock

Dec 1, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Justin Hamilton (41) shoots over Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Justin Hamilton (41) shoots over Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 1, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Justin Hamilton (41) shoots over Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Justin Hamilton (41) shoots over Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

The Brooklyn Nets finished with an overall record of  20-62 awarding them last place in the NBA. As the 2016-2017 season comes to an end  its time for the Nets to begin evaluating talent on their current roster.

Brooklyn Nets center Justin Hamilton has had quite the NBA journey. The twenty-seven-year-old, seven-foot center played college basketball for the Iowa State Cyclones from 2008-2010 and LSU from 2011-2012. After averaging 12.9 points and 7.2 rebounds per game he was selected 45th overall in the 2012 NBA draft.

Fast forward a few years and you’d see that Justin Hamilton has had a hard time finding consistent playing time and cementing a role within the NBA. Charlotte, Miami, Minnesota and even Valencia took a chance before the center found a home with the Nets.

Before Justin Hamilton decided to play a year overseas, his averages were hovering around five rebounds and three assists per game with only 40 NBA career three-point attempts. In search of a better development opportunity, he went to play for Valencia.

"“Going there, I was playing every night and I was able to reestablish myself, maybe mentally more than anything,” Hamilton said. “Just remembering how to keep contributing.”"

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Hamilton’s regaining of mental confidence clearly showed in his Spanish league play. Averaging 22.5 minutes per game, Hamilton was able to post averages of 14.1 points and five rebounds per game with career bests in three-point shooting and percentage. He went on to earn ALL-ACB First-Team Honors in his respected league and regained interest from the NBA.

Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks and coach Kenny Atkinson felt the versatile center was a great cultural fit. On July 12, 2016, Justin Hamilton signed a two-year $6 million dollar deal to join the Nets. He has proven to be a solid backup to star center Brook Lopez.