Brooklyn Nets: Looking back at the D’Angelo Russell era

It appears a brief, enjoyable, era in Brooklyn Nets history is drawing to a close, as it is likely D’Angelo Russell has played his final game at a Net.

With the Brooklyn Nets likely soon to land a commitment from Kyrie Irving, one thing is crystal clear. This team would’ve never had a shot at landing a superstar free agent without the D’Angelo Russell era in Brooklyn.

When Russell was first announced as a Net, some cheered, but most laughed. At the time, both the Nets and Russell were a laughing stock around the NBA.

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From Russell’s social media disaster with Los Angeles Lakers teammate Nick Young to the Nets placing consistency at the bottom of the NBA, this pair seemed primed for another year at the bottom.

Soon after, we noticed the chip on Russell’s shoulder and the fact that he was determined to make the most of his chapter in Brooklyn. Magic Johnson traded Russell in for Lonzo Ball, kicking the 20-year-old to the NBA’s curb.

It’s often said that New York City makes people grow up too fast and it certainly had that effect on DLo. Russell embraced NYC, playing in Dyckman Park, a local summer tradition for ball players all over the city.

He hit game winners, talked trash and wore cool outfits, all of which immediately gained the respect of New Yorkers.

Russell embraced the Nets developmental culture and made the most of working with Kenny Atkinson and Sean Marks. Checking his ego at the door, DLo was benched multiple times behind Caris LeVert and Spencer Dinwiddie and patiently waited for his turn.

When fans called for a tank job in Brooklyn, Russell took it personally. When analysts laughed at the Nets’ playoff chances, Russell took it personally. Lastly, when the league laughed at All-Star votes heading Brooklyn’s way, Russell took it personally.

Now, it’s crazy to realize the run that D’Angelo Russell led the Nets on. From rock bottom to All-Star recognition and the playoffs, the Nets would not be where they are today without No. 1.

It’s bittersweet in the Nets community and we could look back at letting Russell walk as a huge mistake. Adding superstar talent with Kyrie Irving is exciting, don’t get it twisted, but without Russell the Nets would not be where they are today.

Hopefully Kyrie takes this team even further, but for now a huge shout out goes to D’Angelo Russell.