Don’t tell Chad Bauman, even though this was in reference to the NFL it should apply all over, but the Brooklyn Nets are my team out east. These are exciting times to be a Nets. Since their move to Brooklyn, this fan base has not had much to cheer for. We all know what a colossal nightmare and failure the trade with Boston was. Then came along D’Angelo Russell, who was pegged to be the face of the franchise. But now the keys belong to Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant when he comes back from a devastating Achilles injury. Needless to say, the future is bright in Brooklyn.
Key Additions: Kyrie Irving, DeAndre Jordan
First, before y’all start throwing fits, I’m not adding Kevin Durant because I highly doubt he sees the floor this year. So how is he an addition to this season? With that out of the way, Brooklyn nailed free agency this year. The signings of both Kyrie Irving and DeAndre Jordan tells the Nets fan base that they are all in on winning and they want to do it now. I’ve always loved Irving’s game, the way he handles the ball, his passing ability but mostly the way he can rise up and hit shots late game. Lebron still owes you a thank you for winning him his title in Cleveland. DeAndre Jordan brings low post defense and rebounding abilities. He will clean up the glass and catch every lob that comes his way and put it back. He will be vital in the absence of Kevin Durant.
Key Losses: D’Angelo Russell
D’Angelo Russell is one of my favorite players in the league. He started his career off very rough: the incident where he snitched on Nick Young, never having the faith from the front office to be a leader (I bet you hate yourself for that one, don’t you Magic), and being trusted into an offense that he didn’t entirely fit into. But since his move to Brooklyn, he has molded into a composed leader of his squad. Russell made his first all-star game this year while a member of the
Expectations and Prediction
While the expectations should be fairly high in Brooklyn this year, let’s pump the brakes just a little. This team will be great, yes. But just wait until next season when Kevin Durant comes back at 100% and this teams big three hits the floor. That’s when the fun begins and they take the Eastern Conference by the throat and don’t let up until they want to. This Brooklyn Nets team has underrated depth in Caris Levert, Jarrett Allen, Spencer Dinwiddie and a solid veteran in Wilson Chandler. This team could make some noise in the east, but don’t expect them to make a conference final push.
Official Record Prediction: 49-33
