Brooklyn Nets have made an effort to upgrade their backcourt during the offseason. They traded for <..."/> Brooklyn Nets have made an effort to upgrade their backcourt during the offseason. They traded for <..."/>
Nothin' But Nets
Fansided

Brooklyn Nets 2017 Backcourt Preview

By Kunal Kohli

BROOKLYN, NY - APRIL 01: The Brooklyn Nets pose for a team photo at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on April 1, 2017. 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 - APRIL 01: The Brooklyn Nets pose for a team photo at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on April 1, 2017. 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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BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 26: D’Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets speaks to the media during his introductory press conference on June 26, 2017 at HSS Training Center in Brooklyn, New York. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 26: D’Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets speaks to the media during his introductory press conference on June 26, 2017 at HSS Training Center in Brooklyn, New York. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

D’Angelo Russell, PG/SG

2016-17 Stats: 15.6 PPG, 4.8 APG, 40.5 FG%, 35.3 3FG%, 63 GP, 60 GS

It seems like yesterday that Nets started their offseason with a bang, trading Brook Lopez for Russell. But now here we are just two months away from the start of preseason and Russell’s Brooklyn debut.

Russell has been quiet this offseason, limiting his offseason appearances. There has not been a ton of footage of him working out with teammates or practicing new moves. But that does not mean he has not been trying to embrace the team.

In an interview with Nothin’ But Nets, former Ohio State assistant coach, and current Stony Brook head coach, Jeff Boals said that his former student has flown out to Brooklyn several times since the trade.

Russell brings scoring and youth to a team that needs both. After all, Brooklyn traded its all-time leading scorer for Russell. But he will need to improve his three-point shooting as the Nets turn to its backcourt for scoring. If he cannot shoot from downtown, defenses will give him space and own the paint.

Expect Russell to up his scoring big time, but his assists to suffer. Also, I would not be surprised if he turned out to be one of the better defenders in the backcourt this season.