The Brooklyn Nets, similarly to the Sacramento Kings and the Sam Hinkie-led Philadelphia 76ers, are now a synonym for a dysfunctional franchise. Under former GM Billy King, the Nets were supposed to be an Eastern Conference powerhouse and a legitimate contender for the NBA title.
However, things went in the wrong direction for the whole franchise, and around four years after the infamous Boston Celtics trade, the Nets are in a terrible position. They do not own their own selection in the draft until 2019, yet they are in a position where they will be near the bottom of the conference for years to come — much to the Celtics' delight.
Things did not look that way in 2013, when King pulled the trigger on a move that was supposed to make them contenders against the LeBron James-led Miami Heat. That move came with a price, as they traded their future through the aforementioned picks.
The team, however, looked amazing at the time of the trade. Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce joined the team, while the rest of the starting five was already solid in Brook Lopez, Joe Johnson, and Deron Williams.
Problems arose soon, with Pierce not being happy with Brooklyn as a franchise, Garnett not being happy with the offense and the enthusiasm of the team in general, and Williams not being mentally ready for the pressure. However, the Nets had other issues as well — Andray Blatche.
The former NBA center was known for many off-court problems including sexual solicitation and reckless driving, as well as being called the “cancer” of the locker room for his time with the Wizards. Along with those, Blatche actually showed up to practices drunk while a member of the Nets, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News.
Although Blatche was suspended for these occurrences, the fact is still shocking. Suspensions for Blatche were not a rare occurrence, and most of them came during his stint with the Wizards. Those were mostly for unsportsmanlike conduct, for which Blatche later claimed were lies.
Blatche is now playing professionally in China. Apparently, in the contract signed with Xinjiang Flying Tigers, Blatche wanted a clause put in that he does not have to come to practices. Under that contract, Blatche is earning around $2.5 million.
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