National Basketball Association

Brooklyn Nets: Four Takeaways From Open Practice

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 26, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin (7) poses for a portrait during media day at HSS Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports

The Brooklyn Nets held open practice this past Saturday, and they showcased their new talent through a series of events ranging from drills to yes, even a dance-off. However, the main event of the day was the scrimmage, in which we were able to get a glimpse of the new Nets offense.

The scrimmage hopefully serves to be an accurate representation of what the Nets’ offense could possibly be. The fluidity of the offense–one that involves every player rather than a select few–is what will enable the Nets to succeed this season. We saw a mixed-breed of the San Antonio Spurs and Atlanta Hawks offense; the Brooklyn Nets will be the next team descended from the lineage that fosters and promotes ball movement, team chemistry, and high character.

Sep 26, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin (7) poses for a portrait during media day at HSS Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports

1. Heavy Ball Movement

Differing from previous years, this Brooklyn Nets’ offense did not have many isolation-type plays. What we saw instead were two teams that relied on passing and moving the ball. Led by Brook Lopez and Jeremy Lin, there were instances of the pick-and-roll offense being used.

Mainly, however, the ball was passed to the open man, regardless of who the face was. The Nets’ revamped methodology of approaching the game is evident.

The emphasis on team chemistry is indisputable, and Kenny Atkinson has already begun leaving his mark as head coach.

Mar 29, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic forward Jason Smith (14) defends during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

2. Threes… and Attacking the Glass

In this new era dominated by jump-shooting, the two sides restrained themselves from taking long threes and rather went for the easy two near the rim by taking a layup or close bucket. Ironically, one of the first threes we saw in the beginning was by Brook Lopez. Are the Nets training him to shoot the three? It took him five years to shoot his first three pointer in the NBA – remember this?

We haven’t seen many at his length and size do the following, and he’d be part of the new generation of big men that successfully master jump-shooting both inside and outside the arc.

Apr 13, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) drives through Toronto Raptors defense at Barclays Center. Toronto Raptors won 103-96. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

3. Turnovers and Improved Defense

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Despite the fast pace of both sides during the scrimmage, bad passes quickly became common. This is the first time the team played together in public, and it could’ve been a bit nerve-wrecking playing in front of their fans. Nevertheless, each player is still getting to know each other, so we need to be patient with the process.

There were several moments when turnovers dominated the game on both ends. But the aforementioned can be seen in two ways. The downside is that the offense needs some improvement, but on the other hand, the upside is that the defense has improved significantly. Rondae Hollis Jefferson, especially, has the opportunity to emerge as the best defensive player on the Nets this season.

Feb 13, 2015; New York, NY, USA; World Team head coach Kenny Atkinson of the Atlanta Hawks (far right) instructs center Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz (27), guard Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks (34), guard Andrew Wiggins of the Minnesota Timberwolves (22), and forward Nikola Mirotic of the Chicago Bulls (44) during the second half against the U.S. Team at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

4. New Beginnings

We received our first sneak peak of the Brooklyn Nets, though there is still room to improve. Ball movement is a great bonus to have, but they need to watch out for miscommunication. Reducing turnovers is another issue they need to tackle. By placing an emphasis on getting easy shots, their ability to attack the rim has significantly improved. If everyone gets involved, they will only get better from here on out. They need to continue to support and look out for each other in order to perfect their team chemistry.

Given that this was a scrimmage, we do not yet know the full potential of the offense or defense at this point. All we can say is that Kenny Atkinson and the rest of the front office has definitely put both the time and effort into developing this Nets squad, and the upcoming season will be an entertaining sight to see. It’s refreshing to see that the Nets have moved on from the past and started anew.

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