The Nets are ready for a brand new beginning in Brooklyn. They have a new name, new jerseys, a new state of the art arena, a new city, and a new team.
The Brooklyn Nets open their 2012-2013 season tonight at their new home in Brooklyn at the Barclays Center. They bring in a completely revamped roster and one that is suited to be a playoff contender. Here's a preview of the Nets upcoming season.
Point Guards
Nets GM Billy King brought back the most pivotal piece to the Nets success this season, Deron Williams. The All Star point guard signed a 5-year deal to lead the Nets backcourt in their new home. Williams is one of the best point guards in the NBA and one of the more versatile players in the league. Williams will gel well with the new team in the new city this season.
The Nets also signed C.J. Watson to back up Williams this year. Watson is a formidable backup and did a good job filling in for Derrick Rose or the Bulls last season.
Brooklyn also drafted Tyshawn Taylor out of Kansas in the second round of the draft. Taylor gives the Nets a third option at point guard if Williams or Watson goes down with injury.
Shooting Guards
Brooklyn's big splash this offseason came when they acquired All Star shooting guard Joe Johnson from the Hawks. Johnson joins Williams in arguably the best backcourt in the NBA. He gives the Nets a threat from three point range that they desperately needed. Johnson won't have to run the show in Brooklyn like he had to do in Atlanta. Expect a big season from Johnson with the Nets this year.
MarShon Brooks returns for his second season after an impressive rookie season. Brooks can average double figures off the bench and knocks down shots. The Nets have two guys in Johnson and Brooks that can make shots at will.
Small Forwards
Gerald Wallace returns this season at small forward for the Nets after they acquired him at the trade deadline last season. While his scoring might go down this season with the additions the Nets have made this offseason, Wallace is one of the Nets best defensive players and rebounders. Look for the 30-year-old to be successful in this starting lineup.
Brooklyn also added small forward Josh Childress to come off the bench. Childress played overseas last season.
Power Forwards
The Nets bring back Kris Humphries after he averaged a double-double last season. Humphries has been one of the best rebounders in the league and is a guy who can block shots. The Nets will need his presence in the post this season.
Another guy who can pull down some rebounds is Reggie Evans. The Nets added Evans this offseason as a tough defensive presence in the paint off the bench. He's an offensive liability, but he will rarely touch the ball on the offensive end.
Mirza Teletovic is one of the Nets many people don't know much about entering his first season in the NBA after playing overseas. The 6'9" forward can shoot the ball from downtown making him a big piece to shit team.
Centers
Brook Lopez is back this season as the Nets starting center. Lopez signed a max contract this offseason after the Nets failed to make a trade for Dwight Howard. Lopez is one of the most underrated players in the league. He's a guy who scored 20 points a game two seasons ago and is a top five center in the NBA. Lopez needs to improve his rebounding, but the Nets will definitely look for Lopez to score down low.
Another addition the Nets made that has been overlooked is the addition of Andray Blatche. The 7-footer scored 17 PPG just two seasons ago and will be a key guy coming off the bench.
Prediction
This Nets team has finally become relevant leaving New Jersey and coming to the greatest city in the world. Billy King has completely changed the face of this team making them a playoff contender this season and down the road. The Nets have the talent and they have the depth to be a top five team in the East this year. They have a great leader in Coach Avery Johnson. The key will be if they can all gel together and how long it will take. Expect a big season in the first year in Brooklyn from the Nets.
The Nets will finish the season 48-34 and the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference.
No comments:
Post a Comment