Brooklyn’s expectations have been through the roof since they moved to Barclay’s Center. The Russian has yet to really put a great team on the court. There are even rumors that he’s open to selling the team or arena…a rumor that Nets GM Billy King refuted.
The Nets are without a few familiar faces that moved on this offseason. Paul Pierce and underrated big man, Andray Blatche will certainly be missed. Did King sign adequate replacements?
The Nets have been in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference, but with the Pacers and Heat looking like they could slide, could Brooklyn take their spot as one of the elite teams in the conference?
We will be posting a team preview for every team up until the start of the regular season.
Here is the 2014-15 NBA season preview for the Brooklyn Nets.
2013-14 Win/Loss Record: 44-38
Key Additions: PG Jarrett Jack, SF Bojan Bogdanovic, SG Markel Brown, PF Cory Jefferson, C Jerome Jordan, SG Sergey Karasev & PF Willie Reed
Key Losses: SF Paul Pierce, PG Shaun Livingston, SG Jason Terry, C Andray Blatche, SG Marcus Thornton, C Jason Collins
Projected Starters: Brook Lopez, Kevin Garnett, Andrei Kirilenko, Joe Johnson & Deron Williams
Fantasy Sleeper: C Mason Plumlee – Brook Lopez is made of glass. Brooklyn will need their big men to play as much as possible, but rest Lopez & Garnett as much as possible. Along with Plumlee, Mirza Teletovic could see extended minutes with Andray Blatche playing in China this year.
Team Analysis: The Nets couldn’t be in a better position. Indiana and Miami don’t look like they will be fighting a LeBron James team for the top of the East. Chicago will have Derrick Rose back, but can he stay healthy and/or play in 60 to 70 games?
Unfortunately for Brooklyn, all that might not matter at all. Their team has major flaws that they didn’t address any this offseason. The loss of Andray Blatche (who was an excellent backup for Lopez when he went out with injury) and Paul Pierce (a level-headed veteran presence) did not get addressed. They didn’t sign anyone that could fill those roles. Deron Williams and Kevin Garnett can’t be the voice of reason. That role may end up going to Lopez by default, but can he stay on the court? He’s another player made of glass. Joe Johnson will need a monster season of Brooklyn wants to make the playoffs.
I don’t see them doing much this season and one of the up-and-coming teams like Charlotte may take their spot in the playoffs. Yes, I’m predicting an off-year for Brooklyn and King may need to blow up the team. They are getting old and they lack young playmakers.
2014-15 Wins Over/Under Betting Line: 42.5 (Prediction: UNDER)
2014-15 Projected Win/Loss Record: 36-46 (9th in Eastern Conference)
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About the Author…
Bobby Roberts (otherwise known as Sweetbob) is the creator of ‘America’s White Boy’ and contributor at Project Shanks. His writing has been featured on ESPN’s ‘SportsNation’, Sports Illustrated’s Hot Clicks, Guyspeed, and various other sites. You can follow him on Twitter at @Sweetbob.