Despite having a beyond remarkable and borderline historic off-season, there are still plenty of concerns among the fan base of the Brooklyn Nets. Let’s look into some of them.
Earlier this week, we took to Twitter to ask Brooklyn Nets fans what concerned them the most about the upcoming season. Here are some of the responses:
I am concerned what happens if the team gets off to a slow start. Will Kyrie take a strong leadership role? How will Kenny handle it?
— backto2019SZN (@RuFan130) September 18, 2019
What may be most important to note about this one, is that under head coach Kenny Atkinson, the Brooklyn Nets went from a 20 win team in 2016-2017, to a 42 win team just a season ago. This implies Kenny’s ability to right the ship in a relatively quick manor when things take a turn for the worse. If that time table is too long for you – use last season as an example. The Nets got off to an abysmal 8-18 start, and had just lost eight consecutive games. The team followed that up with a 20-6 record over their next 26 games, and began to take shape as a legitimate playoff contender.
As far as the leadership of Kyrie Irving goes, that’s a tough call. If the Nets do find themselves in the proposed situation, fans may have legitimate reason to be concerned as we have seldom seen him rise to the occasion and will his team to any meaningful victories. However, with the absence of Kevin Durant, it’s clear now more than ever that this is Kyrie’s team. This is where he grew up, this is where he wanted to be, this is the moment to shine.
Biggest concern is chemistry (last years team had a ton of it) and the players taking the leaps forward that we expect too (ala Lavert, and Allen)
— MannylivesWW (@MannylivesWW) September 16, 2019
There has been a recent emergence of expectations for the upcoming season for both Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen from both the fans and within the organization. This is something that could hinder the two from developing as the expectations may grow beyond what they’re currently capable of, or it’s something that they’ll feed off of and they’ll thrive. Whatever the case may be, Caris will likely be more productive this season than he’s ever been. The worry for Jarrett is that DeAndre Jordan getting the starting nod over him may stunt his growth if minutes aren’t divided equally.
As for team chemistry – with a revamped roster that’ll always be a concern.
That the Nets have 0 PF depth
— Brandon ®️ (@BLCity5) September 18, 2019
Production from the PF spot. Plus scoring from the bench, I love Spence but will it be enough?
— Brooklyn Nets Fans (@BKNNetsFanPage) September 16, 2019
This is far and away the biggest concern. The Brooklyn Nets very quickly went from having one of the more underrated second unit’s in the entire league, to reeling – fast.
With the suspension of Wilson Chandler for the opening 25 games of the season, as well as the news breaking around Rodions Kurucs, (via the New York Daily News.) the Nets have severly limited options at the four spot. The former, Wilson Chandler was expected to see a majority of his minutes at power forward, but now the Nets will likely have to search elsewhere for productivity off of the bench.
Enter – Carmelo Anthony.
As for production off of the bench, if nothing is done to amend the current situation (which is unlikely but remains plausible.) then no, Spencer Dinwiddie will not be enough. But assuming it’s either Caris or Joe Harris that comes off of the bench along with Jarrett Allen or DeAndre Jordan, you’re still looking at a serviceable second unit.
Playing the #Pistons. 😏
— PistonPowered (@PistonPowered) September 16, 2019
In 2018-2019 the Brooklyn Nets were 2-1 against Detroit. Next.
All in all, these are all growing concerns for fans, and everyone is increasingly anxious to get the ball rolling on the new season. The biggest concern of them all however, may be the ambiguity of Kevin Durant’s return.