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Five Bold Predictions for the 2017-18 Brooklyn Nets

By Omri Benami

UNIONDALE, NY - OCTOBER 11: A young Brooklyn Nets fan holds up the sign during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 11, 2017 at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, 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)
UNIONDALE, NY - OCTOBER 11: A young Brooklyn Nets fan holds up the sign during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 11, 2017 at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, 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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It’s been a wild and high-profile few months in basketball, and somehow the season is just now beginning. On the eve of NBA tip off week, we have five bold predictions for the 2017-18 Brooklyn Nets’ season.

1. D’Angelo Russell will average 20 points and 7+ assists per game

We already think DLo will break out this year, and from a numbers standpoint, his first two years support that sentiment. I’ll take it a step further and say that he’s going to have a star-caliber season. Despite all the new weapons the Nets have on the wing, Russell should still be the go to option at any given time when he’s on the floor.

He should lead the team in attempts, and under Kenny Atkinson the point guard whisperer, his efficiency should increase. The preseason showed us the potential this team has from a distributing standpoint, and Russell is the best passer on the Nets.

He will lead the team in assists and take a major step forward in 2017-18.

2. Allen Crabbe will finish in the top three in the NBA in three point shooting.

This may not seem as impressive considering Crabbe finished second in this category last season. Keep in mind however that in this Nets offense, his attempts will increase to career highs.

His stroke, and ability to catch and shoot from the perimeter will land him in Kyle Korver territory again this season. Crabbe will justify the money Brooklyn will be paying him for the next three years.

3. Jarrett Allen will lead rookies in blocks per game

The Nets have a depth issue at the five, unless Allen works his way into the rotation as a regular. There is plenty of competition in this year’s class, but Brooklyn’s first round pick has freakish athletic ability for his size.

Pair that with a seven-foot-five wingspan, and we should see Allen fill up the stat sheet on the defensive side of the ball a la Myles Turner.

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4. Caris Levert will lead the Nets in plus/minus

On a team full of scorers, this says as much about Levert’s defense as it does about his offense. Many are expecting the second year wing to take a major next step this season.

His ability to score, facilitate, and defend at multiple positions should solidify his spot atop the Nets plus/minus leaders.

5. The Brooklyn Nets will make the 2017-18 NBA playoffs

Most agree that the Nets have improved since last year, but the extent to which they will be competitive remains up in the air. Many teams in the East have taken a step back, however.

Both injuries and stars leaving for the western conference can be to blame for this. Outside of Boston and Cleveland, there seems to be quite a bit of parity among eastern conference teams.

There’s also a major opportunity to beat up on the bottom tiers eastern conference teams. As we’ve documented, a fast start will be critical to their success.