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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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Feb 24, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Justin Hamilton (41) guards Denver Nuggets center Mason Plumlee (24) in the first quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Justin Hamilton (41) guards Denver Nuggets center Mason Plumlee (24) in the first quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Lowlights

It’s easy to get lost in the numbers and create a pretty optimistic view of the Brooklyn Nets future. We must keep in mind that the Nets still struggle to win games and that’s something that PER and rating scales can’t fix on their own. Justin Hamilton had great offensive production off the bench this past year but still had issues with defense and injuries.

The Defensive rating projects how many points a player allows per one hundred possessions. The calculation takes into account stops such as blocks, steals, and defensive rebounds, as well as estimating the number of forced turnovers.

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The Brooklyn Nets, as a team, finished this year with an overall defensive rating of 108.0, finishing 23rd out of all NBA teams. Justin Hamilton individually reported a score of 109.3, meaning he allowed an extra 1.3 points per one hundred possessions compared to his team. If the Nets are to continue to rely on Hamilton to man the bench’s front court, this number will need to decrease. A better supporting cast would most likely help resolve this issue.

Based on this scale, Hamilton is the tenth best defender on the team. If Hamilton wants to continue to see playing time, he will need to outperform Acy and Nicholson.

Although Hamilton missed 18 games this year from head related issues, it seems that the problem has been resolved. There was a period of time during the season that Hamilton was suffering from severe migraines that caused him to miss several games. After a quick visit to the eye doctor, the problems were reported to no longer be an issue. It’s crucial for the Nets backup center to be a healthy. He can be a reliable asset to back up Brook Lopez moving forward.

Perhaps you didn’t know who Hamilton was before reading this article. Talent is found in unlikely places though, and all players in the rotation contribute to wins.

Final Grade: B-

Next: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson 2016-17 grade

When we performed our mid-season grades, Justin Hamilton was given a respectful C+. This remains a fair grade. Hamilton will continue to force defenders to make tough decisions while guarding him.  Because of that, he can remain a great backup center option for the Nets moving forward.