Nets Importance Rankings: Who are Brooklyn’s top 5 players?

With Brooklyn’s 2023-24 season fully underway, there’s plenty of room for growth and time for roles to change, but we can’t help but speculate who the catalyst of this Nets team is. The team has many different leaders, and there certainly isn’t necessarily a clear-cut best player on the roster. (or is there?). There are plenty of options, but if the Nets are going to return to the playoffs this year, which player is most likely to lead them there?

Honorable Mention: Cameron Johnson

Johnson, who the Nets acquired from the Suns in the Kevin Durant trade, is an above-average defender with a nice shot. The forward out of North Carolina has only played in one of four Nets games thus far, but when he’s been on the floor throughout his career, he’s effective. Dorian Finney-Smith has filled Johnson’s role nicely, but once he recovers from his calf strain, he should be back as a starter, complementing his teammates nicely.

3-and-D wings are more important now than ever in the NBA, and Johnson might be the definition of one. He shot 37.2% from deep last season, and he’s been assigned to guard some of the league’s best. He can also knock down the big shots if need be.