Brooklyn Nets: Projecting rotation with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant

Guards

Kyrie Irving is a fantastic talent, but two factors will likely limit his minutes next season. First, his history with nagging injuries has led him to reach 70 games played only three out of his eight seasons.

This may make the strategy of “load management” appealing to the Nets’ coaching staff and performance team, especially after the Toronto Raptors’ success in that regard with Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard.

Second, even with a healthy D’Angelo Russell, Atkinson has always been wary of doling out too many minutes to his top players.

Russell and Joe Harris topped the rotation last season playing 30.2 minutes per game and one would not envision Irving playing many more minutes than that nightly.

Starting alongside him will be Caris LeVert. He will be 25 at the start of the season and entering his fourth year, LeVert will be asked to share ball-handling responsibilities as well as use his athleticism to break down opposing defenses.

His lethal first step off the bounce was showcased against Philadelphia in the postseason and if he can improve the consistency of his outside shot, his minutes should climb into the 30 range.

The next pivotal piece in the guard rotation is explosive sixth man Spencer Dinwiddie. His scoring punch off the bench will be crucial, especially with the depth likely a bit thinner. Also, with Irving likely to get some nights off, he will find himself starting double-digit games.

These three guards will take up a majority of the backcourt minutes, mixing and matching combinations. The remaining time is up for grabs.

Dzanan Musa will compete for wing minutes and if he can stretch the floor with his smooth jumper and show his improved passing, he has a chance to carve out a role off the bench.

Additionally, some new signings will be in competition as well. I would be in favor of bringing back Shabazz Napier for cheap as a third point guard, as he was a good spark plug scoring option.

Other cheap options could include a veteran like Tim Frazier or Cory Joseph, but the best bet may be sticking with the lengthy and athletic Theo Pinson, who showed confidence in his limited opportunities last season.

And with a full offseason under Atkinson’s tutelage, he could take another strong step in his development.