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)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/cb9863aaf297688ea856bc76893bac4738047df55b19d9fc0ff03bd12ed0da03.jpg)
Sean Kilpatrick , PG/SG
2016-17 Stats: 13.1 PPG, 4.0 TRB, 41.5 FG%, 34.1 3FG%, 70 GP, 24 GS
Kilpatrick returns as an important member of the bench unit. Last season, he was one of the main scorers off of the pine. His role this season should not stray too far from that.
The biggest difference from Kilpatrick’s role last year and what it should be this year is his ability to run the offense. The Nets options at point guard are pretty thin behind Lin. Kilpatrick spent 22 percent of his minutes at the point, so it is likely that we could see him play the one at some point.
While his slashing was pretty efficient, Kilpatrick needs to add another element of his game. The Nets do not have the shooters to guarantee an open paint. Kilpatrick could struggle mightily on nights when shots are not going down.
Also, he’s going to need to learn to share touches with Crabbe. Crabbe is expected to be the sixth man for the Nets, if he’s not in the starting lineup. There might not be enough touches to go around for Kilpatrick to maintain a high scoring average.
His numbers will probably fall, but that is no fault of his own. In fact, it will show that the Nets are more willing to spread the wealth.