Post by stache on Mar 13, 2013 4:22:03 GMT -5
Nets Preview 2012-2013
Brooklyn, New York - After
a disappointing season in which the Brooklyn Nets finished two games below five
hundred the future of the team looks very bright. Last season there were
questions all over the team, would Tim Duncan stay aboard while leading the
Nets for the majority of the season before it was announced that Tim Duncan and
the Nets weren’t going to agree, Tim Duncan eventually decided to retire in the
end, but it was enough for the Nets to ship him off to the Rockets. That trade
alone set them up beautifully to the future. From that trade alone the Nets acquired
Chase Budinger, Marcus Morris, Tristian Thompson, and two first round picks.<o:p></o:p>
The
picks impacts no one knows of yet, however the three players already seem to
have made the trade an instant win for the Nets. Outside of Budinger, none of
them are expected to play a major role in the 2012-2013 season but if someone
gets hurt it seems the Nets have been more than open about their abilities to
step in and make more than adequate contributions to the team. Here is the
breakdown of the Brooklyn Nets by Positional Depth.
Center- The depth at Center doesn’t extend deeply outside of a few
names but the names that are there make it easy. Brook and Robin Lopez, they
have been playing together their entire lives. Now they have the chance to take
that bond to the front court of the Brooklyn Nets to help lead the team to
hopefully a NBA Finals Trophy.
Power Forward – This is where the Nets have the most depth as Paul
Millsap projects as the current starter with Brook Lopez as the primary back up
with Robin Lopez taking over the center position when Millsap is off of the
court. The Nets also have depth from Tristian Thompson, Marcus Morris, and not
to mention Tobias Harris, all who could play major roles in the Brooklyn Nets
future as well as of now. Though there
have been rumbles that Morris is going to be developed to fill the role of a
Small Forward no doubt he brings depth to the Power Forward position. Morris is
likely to be the first man in if someone does go down with an injury, but
Thompson following, the Nets hope they won’t have to use Harris to much however
as they hope he develops very well with point guard Austin Rivers.
Small Forward – A week ago people were thinking of the Small
Forward position of the Brooklyn Nets as a joke after a year filled with
struggles by Marvin Williams. Behind him names like Glen Davis and Rodney
Carney were thrown in but they weren’t exactly strong candidates, Davis for
sure was more suited for power forward but was forced into the role. Now it
looks like Marvin Williams will be starting the role on the bench with prospect
Chase Budinger as the new starter. The Nets hope that as a starter Chase can
bring in a strong offensive game to the Nets while Marvin can have a rebound
year on the bench especially with strong defensive play. Marcus Morris is
however to get a major look if either of these two men go down with injury or
struggle during the season.<o:p></o:p>
Shooting Guard – Shooting Guard is probably the weakest division
for this team lead by Josh Childress claimed off of an amnesty bid and
currently expected to be backed up by Marshoon Brooks. Though it is expected
for the Nets to find a more veteran backup due to the young collection of
talent, they seem to feel comfortable with these two as their shooting guard
combo, though it is noted Deron could be looked at the position if need be.
Point Guard – Led by Deron
Williams the point guard system is the key to this team. Last year Deron
Williams struggled and so did the team however this offseason Deron has worked
extra hard to improve his game and to help lead this team during the 2012-2013
season. The depth behind him also looks promising with young guards Deonte
Vaughn and Austin Rivers. Deonte Vaughn is expected to be the primary back up
with his passing ability along as with his strong defensive ability, which the
Nets saw as an area of weakness last season. Austin Rivers seems to be the
future of the position, and the Nets hope he can develop fast so he can
eventually stand in the back court alongside expected mentor Deron Williams.
It’s safe to say the Nets are
vastly improved from last season, defensively and offensively. The Nets hope
that is enough to make sure their season doesn’t turn out like last season when
some expected them to win upward to fifty games. However that is yet to be determined,
is it safe to say they are set up for a better run? Sure, but if we learned
anything from last season nothing is guaranteed. How far can the Nets go now
that they have two brothers, a more confident Deron Williams, and a vastly
improved wing corp? Only time will tell.
