Ways the Nets can Look to Improve the Roster
Sean Marks has done a solid job so far in terms of rebuilding the Nets but there’s still a lot of work to do
Despite the fact that it’s not going to really show on the team’s record, Sean Marks has done a solid job of reinventing the Brooklyn Nets. However, there’s still a ton of work to do before the team can truly get back on track after the infamous Celtics trade back in 2013.
As of this writing, the Brooklyn Nets are currently 13th in the Eastern Conference with a record of (16–28). Two of their key point guards (D’Angelo Russell & Jeremy Lin) are currently out due to injuries. The backcourt is developing but still a work-in-progress. The front court is the team’s biggest weakness. They struggle for rebounds and can’t keep opponents out of the paint. They rank 28th on defensive rebounds according to Team Rankings.
They also can’t seem to take care of the ball since they average 17 turnovers per game.
Keep in mind: postseason was never really on Marks’ radar. He’s more worried about putting together an effective, competitive roster to compete for the future than a decent team looking to get bounced out of the first round. Word around the league is that Sean Marks is looking to make another crucial move for the Nets “very soon.” However, no one knows exactly what he plans to do. Only he has an idea as to what the future holds.
Assuming the Nets front office hasn’t come up with any ideas for moves to help the roster going forward, here are a few suggestions that the Nets could look into:
1.) Make a trade for Stanley Johnson
The Nets are in dire need of more defensive players who can guard multiple positions. Stanley Johnson is a young player who can fit that mode.
Known more as a defender than a scorer, Johnson is currently in the doghouse back in Detroit and currently has fallen out of love with Stan Van Gundy. This is more than likely due to the fact that Van Gundy is pushing for the postseason and is relying more on veteran players who can impact the game immediately and has no patience for a young player still developing.
Brooklyn is the perfect place for him to redefine his game and be a huge contributor to the team. He can play multiple positions and much like his peers from the 2015 NBA Draft class (Russell and Jahlil Okafor) would look to improve his game. Atkinson is known for getting the best out of his players and definitely would utilize him in crucial lineups. His offense can develop as he comes along.
What would Nets give up? Well, they could trade Joe Harris.
With Nik Staukus, Isaiah Whitehead, and Allen Crabbe on the roster, they don’t really need to keep him as far guard rotations. They have plenty of wings who can step up and when Jeremy Lin comes back, that makes him all the more expendable. Johnson is a first round talent who could greatly improve the Nets.
2.) Start Jahlil Okafor
Okafor has grown more and more comfortable with his role on the Nets. Although his deficiencies as a player occasionally rear their head (poor defensive stops, slow foot movement, etc.), he’s still shown he can score at will and matchup against any big that comes his way.
Atkinson can start him as a means of having a legit low post scoring threat that can put the ball into the hole at will. He can use him the same way Gregg Popovich uses LaMarcus Aldridge or even Brad Stevens as to how he uses Al Horford (although I’m not saying he’s anywhere near their skill sets).
Okafor is continuously looking for ways to expand his game. Giving him the starting minutes can allow him to start building chemistry with the starting unit.
Not to mention, Okafor would probably want to continue to grow as a player and would like to be back with Brooklyn come free agency.
3.) Use the Disabled Player Exception on Jeremy Lin
Lin is not coming back anytime soon. The Nets might as well seek additional talent to help assist the team.
The Nets could scout the G-League as they have done in the past. There are plenty of options for guards but I recommend the Nets seek front court help on the defensive end since that is a position more in need than anything else.
4.) Trade Tyler Zeller
This is cruel considering he just got here but the smartest general manager looks to improve the roster through shrewd moves and not get attached in terms of feelings. It’s nothing personal. It’s just business.
Zeller has reinvented his game with the Nets and, much like Joe Harris, could be used as a means of acquiring additional, younger talent. Zeller is 27 years old and could be used to improve a bench of a playoff team. Nets could use him as a cheap contract to pick up a player that teams are looking to trade.
5.) Start Spencer Dinwiddie and D’Angelo Russell Together
Atkinson may not have decided who should start when Russell returns, but it’s probably for the best if he were to the start two point guards together.
With Dinwiddie starting as the lead guard, Russell can play the shooting guard position since he’s no doubt the team’s best scorer. Dinwiddie can control the pace of the game and allow Russell to do his thing without having to overthink things. This is the lineup that Atkinson initially wanted between Russell and Lin. Dinwiddie can take Lin’s place while he recovers from his injury. In many ways, these are good problems to have for the Nets.
Again, these are all suggestions. The great thing about the Nets is that they are right where they need to be in terms of player development and are a few pieces away from being a solid, competent, and competitive roster. Marks knows he has his work cut out for him. Let’s see what he plans to do with the team now.
*credit to NBA.com/Stats, Team Rankings, Basketball-References
