The Two-Way Contract Conundrum

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 26: Sean Marks, GM of the Brooklyn Nets, introduces D'Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov during a press conference on June 26, 2017 at HSS Training Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 26: Sean Marks, GM of the Brooklyn Nets, introduces D'Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov during a press conference on June 26, 2017 at HSS Training Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Brooklyn Nets have two two-way spots on their roster. This means that they can sign two players to play for both the main roster and the Long Island Nets. Now that Summer League is over, Brooklyn can begin evaluating who they should sign. 

Brooklyn’s Las Vegas Summer League ended with a finish in the quarterfinals after losing to the Los Angeles Lakers. The team displayed the scoring with parts mentality that will likely guide the team this upcoming year. It also showed great backcourt play, especially through Isaiah Whitehead and Spencer Dinwiddie.

Mostly, it became an avenue for lesser known players to put themselves on display and show the Nets what they are made of. Milton Doyle did just that, averaging 10.5 points per game, as did Jeremy Senglin, with his 7 points per game. These two became prime offensive options off the bench in Las Vegas. It only makes sense that the Nets sign them to two-way contracts and that’s that. However, it’s not that simple.

Two-way contracts are supposed to let players grow and help the team. Doyle and Senglin would not help an already crowded Nets’ backcourt. In fact, it would hinder it especially as the team needs to build its frontcourt.

But outside of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who is already on the main roster, there are not many options. Nathan Boothe and Prince Ibeh both played the five during Summer League, but neither one stood out. Based on his limited minutes, Vincent Poirier is unlikely to make the roster.

With only Timofey Mozgov and Jarrett Allen on the roster at center, it becomes prudent for the Nets to find a big man. While they can always use free agency to sign a frontcourt player to the main roster, it might be in their best interest to use a two-way contract on a big of the future to play, and develop, alongside Allen.

Next: Where could Spencer Dinwiddie end up?

The Nets still have options. While Boothe and Ibeh did not impress in Summer League, they still have a chance in the G-League. Speaking of G-League, they can also call up the only center on the Long Island Nets, Egidijus Mockevicius if he impresses during the season.