Brooklyn Nets: 3 bench players who must step up in 2021-22

The Brooklyn Nets have a solid roster and starting lineup that’s building by the week. But who needs to step up from the bench to enhance the squad this season?

The Brooklyn Nets have been on a roll this past year and some change. They’ve been able to build, advance and make a name for themselves over the duration of the 2020-21 season, despite their premature exit from the NBA Playoffs.

Despite this too-early exit, they’ve been able to keep the hype going in the offseason, adding more necessary players and removing those who may not be as essential to the team. The squad made major moves, such as removing DeAndre Jordan and acquiring Patty Mills, a quality rotation change that will increase depth across the board.

However, just because the starting lineup has a strong emphasis on Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving doesn’t mean there aren’t high expectations for the bench. Which parts of the depth chart are about to be tested most?

3. Patty Mills 

Patty Mills’ stellar performance in the Olympics made a great case for Brooklyn to acquire the sharpshooter. But will we be getting the international version of the aging guard.

While in Tokyo, Mills racked up 22 and 42 points respectively in the semifinals and bronze medal game. This was a far cry from his performance with the Spurs, where he scored just 10 points per game in his last season with the team. His performance overseas shows that he has the right energy and drive to join the Nets as a role player and relief to Harden when necessary.

Mills could become an asset from anywhere, as long as the rest of the team’s stars are hogging the defense. Despite his underwhelming 10 points per game, he was still able to shoot 42 percent from the field. This will come into play when the Nets want to play the perimeter, or go small with Harden and Irving to provide relief for Durant. Mills will need to step up to prove he can adequately carry the load and relieve Joe Harris.

But who else could be an asset in this area of expertise?