Nothin' But Nets
Fansided

3 Nets players who clearly deserve more minutes

By Jordanna Clark

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 25: Head coach Steve Nash of the Brooklyn Nets reacts to a foul call in the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on December 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 25: Head coach Steve Nash of the Brooklyn Nets reacts to a foul call in the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on December 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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Brooklyn Nets, Kessler Edwards
Kessler Edwards, Brooklyn Nets. (Photo by: Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

1. Kessler Edwards

While the Nets’ other three rookies all got playing time against the Grizzlies, Edwards did not. That’s strange, considering that Brooklyn was struggling to score, and the two-way rookie has proven that he can do just that.

The 21-year-old’s played in five games for the Nets and has started in one of them. He’s averaging 8.6 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. Edwards’ best game of the season game against Toronto, where he finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds in 44 minutes. He shot 58.3% from the field and 50% from the 3-point line.

Edwards entered the health and safety protocols on Dec. 23 but cleared them on Dec. 31, however, Nash didn’t see it fitting for him to play him any in the team’s next two games.

What makes Edwards so special is his versatility. For a first-year player, he has a good shot and can play defense, too. In December, he proved that he was capable of being a regular figure in the rotation, but Nash needs to see that.

Now that Irving’s back, the Nets will be able to turn to him on the nights where the team’s shots aren’t falling. When that happens at the Barclays Center, though, Edwards has shown that he’s a viable option.

Arguably, between Brooklyn’s four rookies, Edwards deserves the most playing time. He can impact the game on both ends of the floor. Once again, Sean Marks deserves a nod of appreciation for snagging Edwards in the second round, but it’s time we see why he was drafted in the first place.