Trevor Booker is the epitome of the Brooklyn Nets‘ grit-and-grind philosophy. His boundless energy, charismatic attitude, and will to go the extra mile has made him a fan favorite in the Borough of Trees. Booker’s experience and aggressive mindset bode well for his 2017-2018 campaign.
Stats 2016-17: 10.0 PPG, 8.0 TRB, 1.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 51.6 FG%, 32.1 3FG%, 71 games.
The 2016-17 campaign was an interesting one for Trevor Booker. After inking a 2 year, 18 million contract the previous offseason, Booker found himself penciled into the starting PF role. Booker found much initial success, as he averaged 10.2 and 8.5 in 51 games (43 starts) before the All Star Break.
However, he struggled a bit after the break, as his points, rebounds, and minutes fell in his new bench role. This was most likely fatigue, as Booker played the most minutes of his career last season since 2011-12 (his second season).
Even with this slight regression, it is likely Booker sees a slight increase in minutes this upcoming season. With the loss of team legend Brook Lopez, the Nets’ are now extremely thin at the center position. Last season (with Brook Lopez on the roster), Booker logged 14% of his minutes at center, a career high.
Expect that number to rise this season. Booker has the potential to be a solid back up center in Kenny Atkinson‘s offense. His quickness and three point stroke (32.1% last season) allow the Nets to space the floor, creating more open looks.
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Most likely, Booker will serve as the eighth man in the Brooklyn Nets’ rotation next year. However, despite being the third man off the pine, he will not be lost in the shuffle. Last season, 12 Nets registered more than 18 MPG. Atkinson’s quick-moving motion offense requires constant substitutions, so Booker’s bench role will not be the end-all of his career.
One of the more noticeable aspects of Booker’s presence on the Nets is his somewhat gaudy salary. Booker currently possesses the fifth highest contract on the Nets, behind Allen Crabbe, Timofey Mozgov, DeMarre Carroll, and Jeremy Lin, respectively. While most basketball pundits would say he is worth the 9 million dollars he is owed, it would not be outside the realm of possibility for Sean Marks and the Brooklyn Nets’ to deal him at some point during the season.
In a way, Booker’s future in Brooklyn relies on the play of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. If Hollis-Jefferson, Carroll, and Quincy Acy prove they can adequately man the four spot, Booker may suddenly be expendable. Marks has had no problem dealing fan favorites in the past. It would not be surprising to see Booker dealt at the deadline for a pick or young talent.
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Regardless of whether or not Booker is dealt during the season, Nets fans will be entertained watching the former Clemson star dive for lose balls and hustle his tail off. Coming off arguably the best season of his seven year career, Booker will be a solid veteran presence for the young Nets’ core.