D’Angelo Russell leads a new-look Nets squad.
Pre-season basketball is treated to similar to how other sports pre-season slates are, take the results with a grain of salt. That being said, the nets came into this season with a slew of fresh faces, made up of interchangeable parts and guys who haven’t played much together. This short four-game slate was a time for the team to get their feelers out, a time to see how the team meshes with one another and find the right mix of lineups for Kenny Atkinson to use. In four games, the Nets scored 100+ points in each of the four, going 3-1 in the process. As a team not expected to win much, they will take the wins where they can get them.
After watching the 2016 campaign, it is apparent that the Nets are going to run an up-tempo style and that bodes well as the strength of the roster is in the backcourt. With strong guards, they are able to push the ball in transition, play at a fast pace and create for others. Usually what comes along while playing at a fast pace is a lack of focus on the defensive end of the floor. In a small sample size, the nets had the look of a good defensive team throughout their four games. Although it might not be to the caliber of the late 80’s Detroit “Bad Boy” Pistons, they at least were able to show that you won’t be able to score at will against them this year. That alone will give the Nets opportunities to win games this year if they can be consistent game in and game out.
Now that the exhibition part of the schedule is over, the regular season looms right around the corner. Fortunately for the Nets, they have a fairly light schedule to open their season. Starting with the Pacers, the Nets next three games are as follows, Home games against the Magic and Hawks and a trip down to Orlando to follow. This gives Brooklyn a chance to get off to a hot start, instill confidence in the young roster and really set them off on the right foot as they try to continue to grow as the season unfolds.
How this season transpires, as well as the future of the Nets will depend on the continued growth of their two guards. D’Angelo Russell and Caris Lavert. The sky is the limit between the two and if they can both develop under Kenny Atkinson’s tutelage, they have the potential to be a top-tier backcourt in the Eastern Conference for years to come. Luckily for both, youth and opportunities are both right in front of them. They are going to have every opportunity to become the leaders of the Nets franchise and given the keys to the team if they can prove they are up to the task. Look for the future backcourt to pace the Nets on most nights when you find the Nets on top of the scoreboard.
