Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn Nets: Week 15 Stars and Slackers

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:05 p.m. ET

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Feb 5, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets shooting guard Sean Kilpatrick (6) reacts after a backcourt violation during the second quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The streak is now two winless weeks for our Brooklyn Nets.  Perhaps rather than cheering for victory, we should cheer for defeat.  At least if we pursue the streak for most losses in a row, it would be attainable.  Unfortunately, that is not how our brains as fans are constructed.

ICYMI: Last Week’s Stars & Slackers

The one bright side for this week is that none of the Brooklyn Nets’ losses were by double digits.  Although the score does not always reflect the game flow, seeing a box score that portrays a good fight is encouraging.  With multiple winning opportunities squandered, that silver lining is necessary to keep our sanity.

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The most obvious opportunity to crack the win column was against the New York Knicks.  Considering the struggles and trade rumors within the organization, the stars were aligned for a Nets victory.  Furthermore, a win against their New York rivals would have meant more, as the Nets could have taken peace knowing they are the better team in the city.

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Another disappointment came against the Charlotte Hornets.  With the Hornets losing seven consecutive games, a match-up against the Nets was just what the doctor prescribed as they ended their skid.

Looking at this week, it is hard to imagine a scenario where one should expect a Nets victory.  They have lost to the worst teams and good teams that are struggling.  However, the Nets continue to fight, and we have to acknowledge that.

Feb 1, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets shooting guard Bojan Bogdanovic (44) dunks over New York Knicks point guard Brandon Jennings (3) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Stars

Trade Asset Two: Bojan Bogdanovic

Coming into the season, it was evident the Nets needed to make future-centric trades.  However, the only valuable asset was Brook Lopez.  However, in recent weeks, Bogdanovic has started to make a case for himself.  At 27 years old, Bogdanovic is right in his prime and is having a tremendous year.  With playoff teams such as the Thunder, Wizards, and Pacers in need of a wing, they could be willing to let go of first round picks for Bogdanovic.

RELATED STORY: Why a Bojan Bogdanovic Trade Is Imminent

Although Lopez is a better prospect, there is not much market for scoring centers that can’t defend or rebound.  However, Bogdanovic’s consistent play as we move closer to the deadline has given the Nets another legitimate piece.  If Bogdanovic can continue his consistent play as he did this week, albeit in losses, the Nets could bring in a good haul.

Trade Asset Three: Trevor Booker

The best thing about the Brooklyn Nets is their bench.  With Booker officially out of the starting lineup, he has been an anchor for the second unit.  While many would sulk after being benched, Booker has taken it as an opportunity to eat against second units.

RELATED STORY: Booker’s Tenacity Making Impact on Young Nets

This week, Booker put his skills on full display as he raked in double-doubles against the Hornets and Raptors while playing only a third of the game against the Knicks.  Similar to Bogdanovic, Booker’s production places him as a prime carrot to dangle in the upcoming weeks until the trade deadline.  At 29 years old, he does not add much value to the Nets’ overall mission.

However, considering the role he plays, many playoff teams could look to add him individually or in a package deal.  Either way, the Nets now have some legitimate options for the trade market.

Feb 7, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Yogi Ferrell (11) reacts during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at the American Airlines Center. The Trail Blazers defeat the Mavericks 114-113. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Slackers

Sean Marks

Last week, it was two words: Dion Waiters.  This week, it is two more words: Yogi Ferrell.  There is a saying that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.  How is it possible that the trash for the worst team in the NBA becomes treasure anywhere else?  Apparently, when it rains, it pours.

RELATED STORY: Nets Waiving Yogi Ferrell Wasn’t a Mistake 

Since leaving the Nets, Ferrell has been on a tear.  The undrafted rookie from Indiana is averaging 16 points, five assists, and three rebounds per game since leaving Brooklyn to join the Dallas Mavericks.  This production as a starter earned Ferrell a two-year contract with his high point coming on a 32-point performance against the Portland Trail Blazers.

In Brooklyn, Ferrell averaged just six points and two assists per game in 16 minutes.  In Dallas, he has more than doubled his minutes and is playing with extreme efficiency, connecting on 47 percent of his threes and 95 percent of his free-throws.  As Marks watches his team struggle, he has to have dreams about a backcourt of Ferrell and Waiters.  Actually, they are probably nightmares.

MUST READ: NBN Roundtable, Trade Edition

Kenny Atkinson

The explosion of Ferrell in Dallas makes you wonder.  Is Atkinson maximizing the potential of his assets?  If this were the Mavericks of the past, it could be understandable.  Strong teams have a way of maximizing production of lesser players.  However, the Mavericks are one of the NBA’s worst teams.  Surprisingly, they are leaning on Ferrell to help change that narrative.

Why couldn’t Ferrell help the Nets do the same?  Are Isaiah Whitehead and Spencer Dinwiddie being held back by the system as well?  These are reasonable questions and justly put Atkinson under the microscope.  While players like Sean Kilpatrick, Booker, and Bogdanovic are thriving, the point guard position is struggling.  However, with Ferrell’s recent explosion in Dallas, perhaps the struggles are not about talent.  Perhaps they are about Atkinson’s ability to develop players at that position.

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