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Why Rodions Kurucs is an ideal Brooklyn Net

By Christian Milcos

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks at the conclusion of the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks at the conclusion of the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 1, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Trevor Booker (35) and center Brook Lopez (11) react in game against Orlando Magic in the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Nets win 121-111. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Trevor Booker (35) and center Brook Lopez (11) react in game against Orlando Magic in the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Nets win 121-111. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports /

Versatility

The most intriguing aspect of Kurucs game is the potential for him to be used in a plethora of different ways on the floor. Standing at 6-8, he fits in the sweet spot for an ideal NBA small forward. Given his elite finishing ability, whichever team lands him will also be getting a forward with supreme length.

His 200-pound frame leaves a bit to be desired as there is no way he would currently be able to push around the LeBron James’ and Carmelo Anthony’s of basketball, but putting on several pounds of muscle is bound to come with time. Several of the NBA’s most notable wings, such as Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo, put on dozens of pounds of muscle in their first few seasons and as a result, went to the next level.

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The Nets would value several of Kurucs’ attributes greatly. First and foremost, he possesses the skills of a point guard, while having the build of a forward. Given Brooklyn’s abundance of players who are most efficient when spotting up on the perimeter, it would be beneficial to have another unselfish, ball handler on the floor besides the point guard.

Kurucs excels at using his long strides to drive into the lane and finish through contact; this would fit perfectly in the Nets’ mold of favoring ball handlers who can draw attention in the paint (Jeremy Lin, Isaiah Whitehead, Sean Kilpatrick.) Assuming he buys into an unselfish playstyle, then he could be the other distributor and shot creator the Nets will be looking for this offseason.

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Kurucs could be used as a wing or power forward in certain lineups. It is likely that he will remain on the perimeter for the beginning of his career given his rebounding deficiencies, which are almost guaranteed to improve over time. A lineup including Kurucs at power forward would have to include a wing who excels at cleaning the glass, such as Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

Ultimately, a coach could slot in Kurucs in most lineups, which is of great value in the modern-day NBA. Look at the two teams who are currently competing for the Larry O’Brian Trophy. The Cavaliers, and more-so, the Warriors, are stocked with interchangeable players who are between 6-5 and 6-9. Kurucs would be welcomed with open arms on either one of those squads.