Nothin' But Nets
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Brooklyn Nets: Top 10 Power rankings for the 2017-18 season

By Chris Milholen

BROOKLYN, NY - MARCH 25: The Brooklyn Nets bench celebrates during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 25, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - MARCH 25: The Brooklyn Nets bench celebrates during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 25, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – APRIL 11: Dante Cunningham
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 11: Dante Cunningham /

9. Dante Cunningham

The nine-year veteran was traded to Brooklyn in exchange for third-year guard Rashad Vaughn on trade-deadline day.

The 30-year-old was acquired due to the veteran presence and all-around play he can bring to Brooklyn. He has thrived at being a mentor for his young Nets teammates. When on the floor, Cunningham makes his teammates play at a high level, especially on defense.

Cunningham became a very important player in Coach Kenny Atkinson’s Nets rotation immediately due to his defensive mindset.

The veteran power forward is known for his defensive toughness and his winning mindset and that’s what these young Nets needed.

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These attributes really played a huge role on how the Nets played on the defensive end. When Cunningham was on the floor, the defense looked organized and strong. Cunningham embraced miss-matches on the defensive end and always wanted to guard the best front-court player on the floor.

Throughout the season, Cunningham played many positions, including center at times. This showed his teammates that he wanted to contribute and win at all costs.