Brooklyn Nets: Why the team outperforms expectations
Historically weak Eastern Conference
With the Eastern Conference looking historically weak, the Nets can take a leap forward in a season. While a number of players have stayed or arrived in the conference, it still is not projected to make a huge difference. With playoff teams like the Hawks, Bulls and Pacers all losing their respective All-Stars, they are expected to make significant leaps backwards. As mentioned earlier, in the RPM projections ESPN posted this month, the Bulls and Hawks were actually worse than the Nets.
Looking at the other teams in the conference, there seems to be only five real teams that can say they are locks to make it to the playoffs barring no major injuries: Cleveland, Boston, Toronto, Washington and Milwaukee. Each team has one or more All-Stars on its rosters and or an MVP candidate as well. The other three spots seem to be open however.
The Nets have one of the better backcourt tandems in the conference with Lin and Russell. They also the NBA’s most efficient three point shooters last season in Crabbe, and a tough veteran in Carroll. While many don’t have high expectations for the team, they can definitely turn some heads.
Last season they may not have beaten a lot of playoff teams, but they did play a ton of playoff teams tough. Now with many upgrades to their roster this offseason, they can capitalize and take advantage of a conference that is expected to be historically weak.