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Brooklyn Nets: 5 major takeaways from the preseason

By Collin Helwig

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 13: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles the ball against Thomas Bryant #13 of the Washington Wizards as DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Brooklyn Nets and Jeff Green #8 of the Brooklyn Nets look on during the first half at Barclays Center on December 13, 2020 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 - DECEMBER 13: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles the ball against Thomas Bryant #13 of the Washington Wizards as DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Brooklyn Nets and Jeff Green #8 of the Brooklyn Nets look on during the first half at Barclays Center on December 13, 2020 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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) /
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Spencer Dinwiddie #26 of the Brooklyn Nets (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

2. Adjustments for Dinwiddie and LeVert

How will Caris LeVert and Spencer Dinwiddie be utilized?

Perhaps the most notable change with Nash now at the helm came at the shooting guard spot, where Nash inserted frequent Sixth Man of the Year candidate Spencer Dinwiddie into the starting lineup during both games, while pushing Caris LeVert back to a role off the bench. Although Nash briefly mentioned his intentions to run the team’s second unit through LeVert earlier this week, it still took some getting used to once it came to fruition.

For Dinwiddie, he undoubtedly took the floor with less control over the team’s offense normally given to him, but that comes as no inconvenience with Durant and Irving there to do so instead. Still proving his worth even as a secondary scoring option for the team, Dinwiddie adjusted well, averaging seven points and five assists per game.

Having played as an offensive focal point during the NBA bubble restart, a bit more familiarity came LeVert’s way beside this new role. That likely factored into his performance against the Celtics, where LeVert absolutely shined, putting up 18 points in only 21 minutes of play.

https://twitter.com/BrooklynNets/status/1340107291689934849?s=20

Considering how well things worked out for Dinwiddie, LeVert and the team, expect this rotation to remain intact throughout the season. Additionally, keep an eye out for LeVert’s name regarding the Sixth Man of the Year award, likely to challenge for it like Dinwiddie before him.

LeVert averaged 23.1 points, 7.8 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per contest during bubble play. Those numbers tower over Montrezl Harrell’s from last year, who won the award after averaging 18.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. If LeVert puts up totals anywhere close to that, the award is as good as his.