National Basketball Association

Brooklyn Nets Weekly Recap: Preseason Week 1

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 8:16 p.m. ET

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Oct 8, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) defends New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

After nearly six months off, Brooklyn Nets basketball has finally returned. Although it is only preseason, Nets fans and NBA fans everywhere are excited for the return of basketball. Here is a look at what went down in week one for Brooklyn.

Nets record for the week: 1-1

Nets 101 – Pistons 94

Nets 98 – Knicks 116

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Thoughts

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With the Nets having a completely revamped roster and staff going into the season, expectations are all over the grid. Most of the media predict the Nets will finish dead last in the NBA this season, but the feeling surrounding the team is that they can make the playoffs. Either way, this week only proved so much. Considering these are preseason games, the Nets, as well as the teams they play, will not be giving their starters high minutes. With that said, now is the time for the Nets to get a feel for who will make the final roster and that’s exactly what they did.

As for where the team has noticeably improved, that would be on the defensive end of the floor. The team looks to be giving 110 percent when on defense. As expected, the team is struggling to find offense. When Brook Lopez comes out, scoring options become scarce. This is where Atkinson’s offensive system will need to shine. Hopefully players are still learning and getting used to the system.

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

Player of the Week: Jeremy Lin

Stat Averages for the Week

21 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 turnovers, 63.6 FG%

Although Jeremy Lin only played in one of the two games this week, he was impressive. Aside from his air ball fast break layup, Lin managed to score 21 points in 17 minutes of play. He shot 5 of 8 from three and had a field goal percentage of 63.6 percent. Those are efficient scoring numbers. Where fans should be concerned is his one assist and two turnovers. That is not something anyone wants to see from their starting point guard. Considering he played only 17 minutes, his assists should increase when the regular season rolls around. Hopefully his turnovers do not increase when playing more minutes. Overall, Lin played well and hopefully we will see more performances like this, well without an air ball layup.

Oct 6, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) goes up for a shot while being defended by Detroit Pistons center Boban Marjanovic (51) during the second half at Barclays Center. The Nets won 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

Where do the Nets need to improve?

As mentioned earlier, this team really seems to struggle on offense. It looks like the Nets are trying to really spread the floor this year by have a five-man shell on offense. Essentially, they are putting every player on the floor behind the three-point line, and then look to swing the ball and have a lot of off ball cuts. In the end, they don’t often get an open look.

A lot of the time, it is a heavily contested two with the shot clock running down. Now there are times when they swing the ball, get the defense out of position, and end up with a wide open look. It may just be the matter of execution. With more practice and more games, the offense will come together once the team gets the hang of the system. Until then, expect a lot of forced shots late in the shot clock.

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