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Brooklyn Nets: offseason upgrades by position

By Rohan Dang

Apr 1, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson with center Brook Lopez (11) and guard Jeremy Lin (7) 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 head coach Kenny Atkinson with center Brook Lopez (11) and guard Jeremy Lin (7) 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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Apr 12, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) shoots the ball against Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) shoots the ball against Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

The Frontcourt

Small Forward

Starter: Caris LeVert

Backup: Joe Harris

Caris LeVert is the hottest prospect on the Net’s roster right now. Fresh off a surprisingly productive rookie campaign, Kenny Atkinson is looking to fully integrate him as one of the main pieces for the future Nets. They are fully invested in the growth and improvement of the 22 year old out of Michigan, and rightfully so.

Though Joe Harris is the lone official backup at small forward, today’s position-fluid playing style allows the Nets some wiggle room with who comes off the bench for LeVert.

However the Nets are actively pursuing free agents like Andre Roberson and Otto Porter Jr this offseason. Successfully signing one of them would most likely shift LeVert back to the guard spot, which ultimately should be no problem for him.

Overall, the position of SF should be a focus for the Nets in this offseason if they are unable to attain a solid SG, as LeVert can easily shift between the two positions depending on where the Nets can acquire talent.

Power Forward

Starter: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

Backup: Trevor Booker

A shift from the wing to the 4-spot (only possible in today’s NBA) ended up being fruitful for Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who’s inability to shoot made him a tough option  for his initial position. Though undersized, he improved a good amount in both defense and offense, and at 22 he could end up being the starting power forward for the Nets for a long time.

Yet if the Nets do decide to draft a power forward like Isaiah Hartenstein this year, Hollis-Jefferson’s size would make it very easy for him to shift positions, as he can match up with most  wings.

Another consequence of RHJ’s shift to PF was relegating Trevor Booker to the bench. And as Rondae somehow improved with this change, as did Trevor Booker, who played as well if not better in his new role. His effort and overall attitude benefited the Nets a lot in this past season.

Next: Jeremy Lin's uncertain future with the Nets

With him and RHJ returning next season, the Nets have little reason to pursue a new PF in free agency. Drafting a young prospect with high upside could be a wise move however.

Center

Starter: Brook Lopez

Backup: Justin Hamilton

Brook Lopez is the Nets best player by far, and barring any injuries he will continue to dominate the majority of the time at the center position. The Nets have little reason to upgrade this position, and changes do not seem likely.