By
Andrew Brand on Saturday, September 13
th 2014
Brooklyn Nets
Atlantic Division
Last season's record: 44-38
Roster additions and losses
It was an interesting offseason for the Nets as they were fairly prominent in the NBA news cycle due to the failed power play of Jason Kidd to gain more control in the team which led to his eventual and abrupt departure from Brooklyn. Kidd already skipped a few rungs on the coaching ladder when he landed the Nets bench job and yet he somehow felt that despite mid season antics, a lack of play designing ability and a second-round playoff exit all deserved much more than he was already handed. Normally losing one’s head coach in such a fashion would be detrimental to a team’s psyche and success; however, in this case it is a ‘good riddance’ as Lionel Hollins was brought on board to serve as the new bench boss.
The Nets also lost Paul Pierce in the offseason as the free-agent signed with the upstart Washington Wizards. Losing Pierce isn’t going to be an insurmountable obstacle as the aging forward is more of a contributing piece rather than the focal point given this stage in his career. In addition to losing Pierce, the Nets lost the services of versatile guard/forward Shaun Livingston who took the payday in Golden State. Now losing Pierce will hurt in the locker room and leadership departments, but losing Livingston will have an effect on the court for the Nets.
Keys to Success
This one is easy for the Nets; they must stay healthy. Having a hobbled Deron Williams at point is just a game-killer for the Nets. When Williams is on and healthy he is a top-tier point guard, when he isn’t quite right his shot is horrific and he doesn’t attack the rim. Two big keys to success for the Nets can be found up the middle as Brook Lopez and Mason Plumlee must figure prominently in the offense. With an established inside presence both offensively and rebounding it will force defenses to play the paint and thus open the perimeter for Joe Johnson.
The Nets must improve upon their bottom-third of the league ranking in points, rebounds and assists per game. A healthy front court with Lopez will help the rebounding numbers and so long as Deron Williams is healthy, those team assist numbers will improve as well. The points might be tougher to come by but Johnson must have a resurgence and make up for the loss of Pierce.
Fantasy Roster Impact
Quite simply the philosophy here is to buy low on Brook Lopez. Count on fantasy owners shying away from the oft-injured big man who played a mere five games in the 2011-12 season and only 17 games last year. When healthy, Lopez is a force and with a renewed aggression towards rebounding under the defensive minded Hollins; Lopez will be a fantasy beast this year.
2014 Season Prediction
The Brooklyn Nets will finish a very close second-place to the Toronto Raptors in the Atlantic Division with a record of 42-40. A new Head Coach, new player roles and a few new faces will take time to mesh together and the start to the season will not be without it’s turmoil. Unlike last season though I don’t have the Nets advancing out of the first-round of the playoffs as big-shot Pierce won’t be around to carry them.
Last season Joe Johnson was the team’s all-star representative. This season Johnson won’t get the consideration as Brook Lopez will be the focal point of the club. Expect Lopez to garner an all-star nomination with Deron Williams in consideration for one of the final spots.