Brooklyn Nets: What Lineups Could the Team use if the Playoffs Occur?

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Although Allen started most games at the center position this year, Jordan instead started during each game coached by new head coach Jacque Vaughn. For this reason, Jordan gets the nod rather than Allen for what rounds out as a “default” lineup for the Nets.

But even outside Vaughn’s preference, or even Irving’s if you want to go there, Jordan still seems like the better choice to start as the Nets center during the playoffs.

Allen and Jordan finished with nearly identical numbers this year, but Jordan’s excessive playoff experience from his years with the Los Angeles Clippers gives him a slight edge over Allen. Jordan’s experience and leadership also holds even greater value this year when considering the wacky implications inflicted upon playoff teams due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

At each guard position, both Dinwiddie and LeVert left little room for any debate opposing their roles as starting players all year. Dinwiddie likely earned Brooklyn’s “MVP” award for this year since replacing Irving and averaging a career-high 20.6 PPG. More importantly, Dinwiddie always played the “go-to guy” role down the stretch incredibly well.

By his side, LeVert showed off his own star potential by dropping a 51 point game and earning his first career triple-double during the season’s final week. But even beyond his accomplishments this year, LeVert also appears a likely candidate to elevate his game during the playoffs. Despite missing significant games last year due to injury, he led the Nets with 21 PPG during their series with the Philadelphia 76ers.

This carries extra significance though, as all teams this year continue to endure a “break” prior to entering the playoffs just like LeVert last year.

However, LeVert already proved himself as not just a prominent playoff performer, but one who possesses the ability to do so even after sitting on the shelf for weeks leading up to the playoffs.

Who knows how other teams will deal with this disadvantage imposed by COVID-19? We do know, however, that LeVert not only overcame it last year but thrived beyond it.

Prince playing at the power forward spots fairly enough raises some questions, as the former Hawk seems to annoy yet also amaze Nets fans at frustratingly high levels each night this year. He definitely comes as a “boom or bust” option for the Nets, so although he might start the game, there’s no guarantee he’ll finish it.

Joe Harris instead offers the consistency which Prince withholds, once more shooting above 40% from beyond the arc this year, improving his ability to drive toward the rim, and also serving as an above-average defender.

All too often three-point shooting helps either make or break a team during the playoffs, so keeping last year’s three-point champ on the floor undoubtedly seems like a profitable decision for the Nets.