Brooklyn Nets: 3 takeaways from 86-80 loss to Orlando Magic

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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 6: Kamari Murphy #21 and Yuta Watanabe #42 of the Brooklyn Nets contest a shot by the Orlando Magic during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 6, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Yuta Watanabe can play

If there were any doubts about the worthiness of undrafted free agent Yuta Watanabe from Miki, Japan, via George Washington University, they should have been erased after Watanabe’s work in 20 minutes on Friday.

He showed some touch from deep, hitting 2-of-6 from behind the arc, and despite going 3-for-9 overall, Watanabe had a real nose for being where the ball was.

Three of his four rebounds were on the offensive glass, he blocked a couple of shots and his defense was very good despite giving up size to Orlando’s Jonathan Isaac and Khem Birch while he was out there.

The shot-blocking wasn’t a complete surprise. Watanabe was third in the Atlantic-10 Conference last season with 54 blocked shots (averaging 1.6 per game) and he showed that he has the rim protector’s knack — that combination of timing and agility that just can’t be taught.

Here are some of his highlights:

If Watanabe can continue to play at this level, he is a player that could also warrant a training camp look. The Nets desperately need a big who can also stretch the floor and Watanabe showed a willingness to let it fly from behind the arc to go with a solid looking, if a bit slow, stroke.