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Brooklyn Nets 2018-19 season roundup, awards

By Erik Slater

Brooklyn Nets D'Angelo Russell. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Brooklyn Nets D'Angelo Russell. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Brooklyn Nets Joe Harris. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Most Improved Player: Joe Harris

D’Angelo Russell is the obvious choice for this category, but being that we gave him the MVP award, Joe Harris is a close second.

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This season, Harris established himself as one of the top 3-point shooters in the NBA. The third-year Net led the league in 3-point shooting at 47.4 percent and averaged a career-high 13.7 points per game.

Harris was able to knock down 3s in a variety of ways. He excelled as a catch-and-shoot threat in transition and running off curl or flare screens in the half court.

The sharpshooter was among the most important pieces to Brooklyn’s success this season. With Allen Crabbe sidelined and a lack of shooting in the frontcourt, it was Harris’ scorching hot shooting that spaced the floor.

Harris occupies more than just his man when in the game. Atkinson’s system features constant actions where Harris is running off flare screens. This movement not only occupies Harris’ man, but also the man of the screener and sometimes another defender.

This allows Brooklyn’s guards to operate in the pick-and-roll or beat defenders off the dribble with less help defense.

Harris improved more than his 3-point shot this season. Despite his success from deep, Harris did not settle for 3s.

The 27-year-old also excelled when driving to the basket and attacking defenders, increasing his number of shots from 0-3 feet by 6 percent and converting on 64.6 percent of those attempts.

Hustle plays were also a key component of Harris’ value this season. He frequently came up with big offensive rebounds in key moments. Defensively, Harris elevated his play, hounding opposing shooters and staying in front of slashers in the half court.

Harris’ production was key to Brooklyn’s success this season. This was evident in the playoffs when he struggled to find his shot.

Having a sharpshooter like Harris is a necessity in today’s fast-paced, 3-point oriented NBA. Similar to D’Angelo Russell, Harris made a huge jump this season and will be an impact player in the league for years to come.