Brooklyn Nets: What is the Ceiling of the Young Guns?
Brooklyn Nets fans may not have a lot to look forward to this season. However, there could be some redeeming qualities that come from the 2016-17 Nets roster.
A majority of the roster has not hit their prime yet. In turn, if the Nets’ young guns are able to develop and show potential, then the future will look a little less bleak at the corner of Atlantic and Flatbush Avenue.
While most may think Sean Marks is being set up for failure in his first season as general manager, he is in fact cleverly putting in place a solid foundation for the Nets. He handed out several cheap contracts to low-risk, high-reward players. Although the Nets don’t officially have a draft pick until 2019, these players who are calculated risks are the equivalent to those lost draft picks.
With ample cap space and some young players already showing flashes of brilliance, Nets fans will be praising Marks and company as miracle workers by the end of the season.
Anthony Bennett
Nov 10, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Anthony Bennett (15) with the ball against the New York Knicks at Air Canada Centre. The Knicks beat the Raptors 111-109. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Anthony Bennett has become notorious for being one of the most surprising picks of all-time. Bennett was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the number one pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. This in turn has led to casual fans mocking the Nets’ signing of Bennett in July. However, many fail to remember that Bennett was still projected to be drafted in the top 10 in 2013. The Nets are indeed getting a solid, lottery talent whose confidence is, understandably, a little shaken after being booted out of Cleveland and Minnesota.
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Bennett has the potential to turn into a very good stretch four, something that is crucial to have the modern day NBA. He shot 37 percent from behind the arc in his career at UNLV, which shows that he is capable of knocking down an outside jump shot. This is a skill that is already established in Bennett’s game, making him a known commodity on the offensive side of the ball.
His defense has notably been an issue due to lack of athleticism. However, having former U.S. Navy Commander Zach Weatherford as his strength and conditioning coach will only improve his conditioning. If Bennett is able to improve his agility and stamina, then he has the potential to be a reliable scoring threat off the bench.
Bojan Bogdanovic
Mar 15, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Bojan Bogdanovic (44) during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Barclays Center. Brooklyn Nets won 131-114. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Some may argue that Bojan Bogdanovic has hit his peak at the age of 27. However, this is hard to believe after his impressive performance in Rio and an increase in all statistical categories from his first year to his second year. Bogdanovic has the tools to be a solid sixth man on a contending team. His 44 point outburst towards the end of last season demonstrates that he can get hot and stay hot throughout a game. Bogdanovic’s destiny in the NBA is to provide offensive firepower off the bench in crucial playoff games, similarly to how Ben Gordon provided a spark for the Bulls in their several playoff runs.
Chris McCullough and Caris LeVert
Nov 13, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Caris LeVert (23) goes to the basket in the first half against Northern Michigan Wildcats at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
There are few who doubt that Chris McCullough and Caris LeVert wouldn’t have been lottery picks if it wasn’t for a string of injuries they both sustained in college. These players share one trait that defines their true potential in the NBA: athleticism. When healthy, LeVert and McCullough have a supreme ability to move their feet and keep up with virtually any wing in the NBA.
LeVert and McCullough are also similar in the aspect that they both have a consistent three point shot. In college, LeVert shot at 45 percent behind the arc, while McCullough shot at 38 percent in his rookie year. McCullough’s ceiling is a starting caliber, Channing Frye type power forward, while LeVert’s potential could lead to him being a solid, all-around starting wing like Khris Middleton has been for the Bucks.
Isaiah Whitehead and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
Mar 22, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) falls after being fouled by Charlotte Hornets center Cody Zeller (40) during second half at Barclays Center. The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Brooklyn Nets 105-100. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
It is seldom that second round picks turn into rotation players. However, Isaiah Whitehead’s unique skill set makes him primed to rise above expectations. Whitehead will need to play point guard in Brooklyn for him to succeed, as he is too small to match up against most NBA shooting guards.
Although he did not run the point that much at Seton Hall, Whitehead’s size advantage in the NBA may end up being his biggest asset. His 6-foot-4 frame would be able to overpower point guards in the NBA with ease. It will allow him to utilize his best skill: making plays at the rim. This unique size advantage would allow him to have a ceiling of a Matthew Dellavedova type player.
Lastly, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson perhaps has the highest ceiling of any player on the Nets. Of course, all Nets fans would love for Hollis-Jefferson to have a similar fairytale story arc, like Kawhi Leonard. Leonward was a defensive-minded wing drafted outside of the lottery who couldn’t shoot then. He quickly became a franchise player under Gregg Popovich’s system in San Antonio.
This is a long shot for Hollis-Jefferson, but not completely inconceivable for the 21-year-old. Hollis-Jefferson would have to develop a premier jump shot, improve his basketball IQ greatly, and put on a lot of muscle to even be considered in the same class as Leonard. Not to mention, he will not have one of the best coaches of all-time carefully watching his development. Loul Deng is a more realistic comparison for Hollis-Jefferson’s fate as an NBA player.
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