Brooklyn Nets: 4 Role Players That Will Be Crucial in Orlando
By Colin Braun
![NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 29: Joe Harris #12 of the Brooklyn Nets high-fives teammate Jarrett Allen #31 during the fourth quarter of the game against the Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center on January 29, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Brooklyn Nets defeat the Chicago Bulls 122-117. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 29: Joe Harris #12 of the Brooklyn Nets high-fives teammate Jarrett Allen #31 during the fourth quarter of the game against the Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center on January 29, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Brooklyn Nets defeat the Chicago Bulls 122-117. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/25a84eecbdd4e1a1b322934b82d2fe1e0b5521013e6135ca36488eba95c336a2.jpg)
Garrett Temple
A guy often overlooked for his contributions (especially outside of Brooklyn), Garrett Temple has been in and out of the starting lineup all season. Similar to Taurean Prince, Temple operates primarily as a 3 and D guy as he quickly became of the Nets’ premier defenders this year.
With the amount of injuries Brooklyn has suffered this season, it won’t surprise any fan if the basketball gods threw another ailment at the Nets. If any guard has to miss a serious amount of time, or anyone decides they want to sit out when the NBA starts back up, Temple will be forced to be a contributor on both sides of the ball.
With Irving already expected to miss the rest of this season, and guys like Joe Harris and Caris LeVert being more than vulnerable to injury, Temple may be the difference from the Nets getting swept or a first-round upset.
Garrett Temple has bounced around the league for years and for good reason. No one is saying he is the savior that will push the Nets into title contention.
However, every year there are certain overlooked guys who seem to be the difference between winning and losing, especially during the playoffs. Just look at Fred Vanvleet and Norman Powell for the Raptors last year.
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If there is an X-factor for the Nets, fans may need to keep an eye on Temple as that spark.