3. Which Nets player(s) do you not want to see return next season? (cont.)
Josh Rudy (@_JoshRudy_): One player I would not mind the Nets letting go is Andrew Nicholson. In his 10 appearances for Brooklyn, he averaged 11.1 minutes, three points and 2.7 rebounds per game. He shot a mere 38.2 percent (13-of-34) from the field during the limited minutes he was given. However, the probability the Nets find a suitor for Nicholson is slim to none. His contract pays him more than $6 million per year, and for the little production he offers, that number will likely scare teams away.
His style of play also does not fit in Atkinson’s high-tempo offense. While many had hoped Nicholson’s “old man game” would translate well into Atkinson’s system, the early results tell otherwise.
Liam Gallagher (@lgallagher57): The Nets need to find a way to get rid of Andrew Nicholson. The idea behind the midseason trade was great, as they gave up a player who most likely would’ve signed elsewhere this offseason in exchange for a first-round pick. Nicholson was mainly collateral, and his massive contract is the big issue here. It is ridiculous to pay the third power forward on the depth chart $6.5 million, especially when he can’t space the floor (18 percent from three this season) or rebound. Given Atkinson’s reluctance to play him, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Nicholson dealt as part of a draft day deal.
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Mike Wlodawski-Krasnov: Quincy Acy, Randy Foye, Justin Hamilton, Sean Kilpatrick, K.J. McDaniels and Andrew Nicholson
Omri Benami (@MrBenami): Randy Foye. While his veteran leadership was useful for the younger guards this season, the reality is that Foye was a detriment to the team on both sides of the ball once he took over as a starter. Caris LeVert should be starting at the shooting guard position next season barring any major additions, so bringing back Foye would only limit the minutes available for other guards in the rotation.
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Jason Jacob: Andrew Nicholson. He’s been on teams trying to prove himself, but I don’t think he’s the best for the Nets as they try to develop new rookie talent.
Justin Hamilton. While he provides somewhat of a consistent boost to the offense, he is a little on the older side, and it’d be best if the Nets got someone to replace him in the draft.
Randy Foye. He hasn’t under nor overachieved, but he doesn’t fit the Nets’ long-term plans. Maybe they can keep him for another year, but he doesn’t fit the offense overall.
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Ryan Muhlstock (@ryanmuhlstock): It’s hard to single out individual players on the roster that I’d like to see move on from the team. If a team made an outrageous offer for Brook Lopez, I would be tempted to say take the trade and move on. Lopez has been very special to the Brooklyn Nets organization and remains willing to be part of the rebuild. After a certain point though, his salary and age will only bring the team down.