The Brooklyn Nets can finally reap the benefits of having a collection of superstars on their team. The likes of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving will be able to use their ability to recruit top talent in order to fill out the rest of this roster.
The Nets’ biggest issues lie at the center position, as the alternatives that they trotted out last year were simply inadequate when it came time to lock horns with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks in the postseason.
During his pre-Nets tenure with the Cavaliers and Celtics, Irving came across plenty of old faces who could end up coming to Brooklyn with him this offseason with the goal of improving their rebounding and interior defense.
These 3 former Irving teammates could end up joining the Nets this offseason, as the allure of competing for a title in Brooklyn might be too strong for these standouts to turn down.
3 former Kyrie Irving teammates the Brooklyn Nets should pursue.
3. Daniel Theis, Chicago Bulls
Theis spent several seasons as a teammate of Irving’s in Boston, but some trade machinations last year forced him to end up in Chicago. Given more offensive responsibility than he normally has been privy to, Theis showed what a quality center he can be on both ends of the floor.
Theis averaged 10.0 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in his time with the Bulls, and he once again proved he is one of the better defensive big men in the game by earning one All-Defensive Second Team vote. In fact, he would fix plenty of problems that managed to sprout up on Brooklyn’s roster last year without costing an arm and a leg.
Daniel Theis received one 2nd-team vote. https://t.co/V7WfxuPnzo
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) June 14, 2021
Daniel Theis could give the Nets some excellent defense.
Theis has proven in the postseason that even players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid will have to bring their lunchpail if they are matched up against the German sensation. His lack of a varied offensive game outside of the paint might concern some teams, but not the Nets.
All Theis needs to do to justify a contract with the Nets is rebound, block shots, and be a pest on the defensive end. Brooklyn CLEARLY has enough scoring to offset Theis’ issues in that area, making him the perfect role player for Brooklyn.