Nothin' But Nets
Fansided

Brooklyn Nets: 5 takeaways from preseason opening loss to Knicks

By Phil Watson

BROOKLYN, NY - OCTOBER 3: Caris LeVert #22 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots the ball against the New York Knicks during a pre-season game on October 3, 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 - OCTOBER 3: Caris LeVert #22 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots the ball against the New York Knicks during a pre-season game on October 3, 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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Brooklyn Nets
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 24: Jordan McLaughlin #0 of the Brooklyn Nets poses for a portrait during Media Day at the HSS Training Facility on September 24, 2018 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

4. Not a great night for the guys on the fringe

The Brooklyn Nets have 15 players on guaranteed contracts (read: a regular-season roster), Alan Williams and likely Theo Pinson on two-way contracts and three players looking to either earn a job in Brooklyn or somewhere else in the NBA.

For Jordan McLaughlin, Nuni Omot and Mitch Creek, Wednesday night didn’t do a lot to help their “stay in the NBA” causes.

More from Nothin' But Nets

Creek didn’t play at all, listed as injured with a strained right abductor. Creek, the Australian native, had hoped to get a two-way deal in order to log some time in the NBA while learning the American style of play in the G League, but that chance may be lost now.

McLaughlin played with the Nets in Summer League play in Las Vegas and signed with Brooklyn on Aug. 2 as an undrafted free agent.

An undersized point guard, he was already facing an uphill climb at a crowded spot on the roster, with D’Angelo Russell, Spencer Dinwiddie and Shabazz Napier in front of him.

McLaughlin played the final eight minutes on Wednesday and didn’t do poorly, but didn’t distinguish himself either.

He missed both of his shots, both from 3-point range, had an assist and two turnovers, including one rather embarrassing one where he appeared to simply trip himself and push the ball out of bounds in the backcourt.

Omot, who signed on Sept. 24, scored five points on 2-of-2 shooting, including knocking down his only 3-point attempt. He had an offensive rebound, as well.

But he had two awful turnovers, both products of staring down his target before passing the ball late, a sign he didn’t recognize the opening quickly enough.

That’s understandable. Omot is still relatively new to the game. He got a shot because of his length (6-foot-9) and shooting ability (he hit 43 percent from deep at Baylor as a senior last season).

It would appear likely all three camp players will be headed to the G League (the Long Island Nets will hold their rights if they are waived by the Nets and clear waivers), although Creek is weighing his options with a two-way deal apparently off the table, per Brian Lewis of the New York Post.