Brooklyn Nets: Longtime friends of the site weigh in on 2018-19

The Brooklyn Nets discussed by 2 longtime friends of the site, Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson of Scoop B Radio and Alex Cuesta of the Sports Opinions Podcast.

It was a meeting of the minds last week when two longtime friends of Nothin’ But Nets got together to talk Brooklyn Nets basketball.

Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson of Scoop B Radio returned to the Sports Opinions Podcast hosted by Alex Cuesta and spent roughly 15 minutes discussing the current state of the Brooklyn Nets.

Robinson is a veteran authority on the Nets, dating back to their days at The Meadowlands in the 1990s, and he likes the idea of putting together a deal to bring in unhappy Minnesota Timberwolves star Jimmy Butler.

"“I really think Jimmy Butler in Brooklyn is a good option. It’s an interesting option. Bringing someone like Jimmy Butler may attract other people as well.”"

Robinson believes a Butler deal would be a sign to long-suffering Nets fans that the organization is committed to turning things around, something fans of both of New York’s NBA franchises could appreciate.

"“I think Nets and Knicks fans are just tired of being sold a bill of goods.”"

As to whether Butler, who can become a free agent next July by declining his $19.8 million option for 2019-20, is a better fit for the Nets than another potential 2019 free agent, Kawhi Leonard of the Toronto Raptors (who has a $21.3 million player option he is likely to decline), Robinson wonders why it has to be a choice.

"“I think when you look at the situation with Kawhi Leonard, I think adding a Jimmy Butler to that team in a potential trade and, in addition to that, bringing in a Kawhi Leonard, it definitely makes them a contender in the East.”"

But a Butler acquisition would require the Nets to make a choice at the point guard position, where young D’Angelo Russell is the likely starter ahead of last season’s breakout star, Spencer Dinwiddie. Robinson’s choice might be a surprise.

"“I think D’Angelo Russell has done all the things right (since coming to Brooklyn).“(But) when you look at what the Nets were bale to do with getting rid of Jeremyl Lin, you begin to beg the question: Are you building the team around Dinwiddie or are you building the team around D’Angelo Russell.“You may think I’m crazy,. but … if you bring in a Jimmy Butler, (I) would like to build the team around Spencer Dinwiddie rather than D’Angelo Russell.”"

Both Russell and Dinwiddie are entering the final years of their contracts in 2018-19, with Russell able to become a restricted free agent next summer without an extension. Dinwiddie would be an unrestricted free agent if he is not extended by the Nets.

Unlike many observers, Scoop B is not entirely sold yet on head coach Kenny Atkinson.

"“I think Kenny Atkinson has a longer leash because he was left with such a rebuilding team after Deron Williams was gone and Joe Johnson was gone. I think that this year, you’re going to begin to really judge what he can do as a head coach.”"

The Nets will hold their annual Media Day on Monday before opening training camp at the HSS Training Center in Brooklyn on Tuesday. The Nets open their four-game preseason slate at Barclays Center on Oct. 3 when they host the New York Knicks.

Scoop B also weighed in on the great New York basketball debate and the addition of big man Ed Davis in free agency.

"“I do think that the Nets are, at least right now on paper, the better team in New York.“I think bring in Ed Davis to that team really helps to develop Jarrett Allen.”"

To hear the entire Sports Opinions Podcast with Alex and Scoop B, visit here.

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