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Brooklyn Nets: Top Preseason Performers By the Numbers

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

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Oct 6, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin (7) takes a shot while being defended by Detroit Pistons guard Ish Smith (14) during the second half at Barclays Center. The Nets won 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

In a jumble of players trying to make the team, which of the Brooklyn Nets player shad the best numbers in the preseason compared to all of the rest?

The Brooklyn Nets had a rough preseason, finishing 1-5. Although the team as a whole may have struggled, there were players that performed well. Some even performed really well. Then there are the others who hardly played and when they did, they stunk up the joint.

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The Nets as a whole did not shoot the ball too great over the six preseason games. The team shot 41.6 percent from the field and 35.6 from three.

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Brooklyn also have a hard time getting rebounds. They averaged under 40 rebounds per game (39.2), which is something that will hinder the team significantly all season long.

On the plus side, despite the relatively poor shooting and rebounding, the Nets averaged 101 points per game through the six games. This shows us that they can still get the ball in the net at a good rate and that they are not afraid to shoot.

Their strategy may not have worked too well in the chaotic preseason for all of the players, hence the roster cuts (and losses), but there are always the players that perform very well.

In the midst of all of that chaos and fighting to make the team, there were three players that stuck out. One was superior statistically this preseason, but they all were strong contributors. The one star of the preseason will be the Nets’ star of the regular season too.

Oct 11, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin (7) dribbles the ball against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Jeremy Lin

The star acquisition, Jeremy Lin, had an absolutely incredible preseason. Lin finished with an average of 17.2 points, two rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. Add in the fact that he accumulated an average of 1.4 steals per game, and you have yourself a nice stat line.

The difference maker here? Field-goal percentage. Lin shot 61.9 percent from the floor overall and 50 percent from three-point-range. That is best on the team by over six percent.

The only downfall? Free-throw percentage. While it is not that low in reality, 77 percent is considered low by many standards, especially when you shoot nearly 62 percent from field-goal range.

If having a mediocre free-throw percentage is the only downfall of Lin, fans should be ecstatic. If Lin can produce over 17 points and over six assists per game, as well as shoot (let’s say for reality’s sake, 54 percent), he will be an All-Star and help the Nets generate some solid victories over some good teams.

Shooting 62 percent and scoring over 17 points per game in the preseason is amazing. Lin is ready to go for Boston this Wednesday night. He is ready for the regular season. He is ready to show the league he is not a one-shot wonder and can lead a team.

Jeremy Lin is Brooklyn, and Brooklyn is going to be Jeremy Lin.

Oct 11, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Joe Harris (12) takes a breather during the second half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Harris

The other player that shone bright this preseason was Joe Harris.

Harris is coming off of foot surgery that sidelined him for most of last season. The foot seems to be feeling pretty good considering how he performed.

Harris averaged 10.4 points per game, second to Lin, and was second to Lin again in field-goal percentage (55.6 percent), which includes a team-high 62.5 percent from three-point range. It is clear he can shoot the ball and score points.

Harris played a lot of minutes this preseason (nearly 20 per game), and is looking like a player the Nets want to have on the floor when a shot needs to be made.

If Harris and his foot can stay healthy, look for him to have a solid year as far as points and field-goal percentage go. He may not get the most assists or rebounds, but he is a sharpshooter. Also, he may develop a knack for assists and getting rebounds as he plays more throughout the season.

Joe Harris will be a necessity for this team; his shot is too sharp.

Oct 11, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Luis Scola (4) is pressured by Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Luis Scola

Luis Scola, the new Argentinean acquisition, had himself quite the respectable preseason. Scola averaged 9.4 points per game along with five rebounds and 3.4 assists.

Unfortunately, he did not shoot too well, as he shot 38.5 percent from the field and 31.6 percent from three-point range.

Despite the mediocre shooting, Scola was a strong contributor. If he was not getting the boards or dishing the ball around, he was taking shots or being a stellar defender. Scola averaged 1.4 steals per game this preseason.

Scola gets down and dirty, and fans should be on the lookout for him and his hustle plays. He has played hard throughout his career and it’s unlikely he’ll stop now.

Luis Scola may not have the most dazzling of numbers, but his hustle, heart, and defense are difficult to miss. Scola will contribute and be a player the fans could get behind because of the way he plays. He is a fighter.

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