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Aren’t these Brooklyn Nets ridiculous?
Even with Kevin Durant still sidelined, the Nets are 29-14 and boasting the most efficient offense of all time. At their healthiest peak, the Nets can trot out a lineup of three MVP-level playmakers that somehow get along (prayers up to this year’s Point God, James Harden).
Even scarier, while all three are lethal shooters, they aren’t even the best on the team, as the Nets also feature possibly the best catch-and-shoot player in the league in Joe Harris.
Finally, with the signing of Blake Griffin and a veritable mob of secondary playmakers on the bench, Brooklyn can use that last spot on the court however they like.
Bruce Brown is a super-small Tayshaun Prince. Griffin is a semi-small 5 who can also play on the perimeter. Jeff Green is similar. The Nets can go supersized with DeAndre Jordan or the emergent Nic Claxton.
In short, this team is the ultimate version of the phrase “pick your poison.” How do you want to die today on defense? Because it’s looking like this team can morph itself to do the job in every way.
However, in that same vein lies the Nets’ only weakness: defense.
You can’t stop Brooklyn on defense. They will score. But if you can take the hit and counterpunch well enough, they are a beatable team.
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Now, granted, the team has stepped up its defensive effort over its past hot streak. What was possibly the worst defense of all time rose to about the middle of the current NBA pack over the past 15 or so games. Situationally, they are very good as well and always seem to ramp up their intensity to close games.
But there are weaknesses to shore up. This team simply can’t win the championship this year if it gets in too many shootouts. Another troubling sight is the fact that James Harden leads the team in rebounds.
In short, the Nets’ biggest need as the NBA trade deadline approaches, and even afterwards, is the same thing that they’ve always needed: defense and rebounding.
The Nets have one trade chip left in the injured Spencer Dinwiddie, and while it would break fans’ hearts to see him go, there’s no reason why Brooklyn shouldn’t if he offers enough value.
Plenty of big men are on the market if the Nets need a stopper. JaVale McGee is a popular name being floated at the moment. Nerlens Noel and former Net Ed Davis are other intriguing options. Another former Net that Brooklyn might like is Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who is much more switchable than the other three. Andre Drummond could find his way to the buyout market.
The most important thing is that these Nets make moves to win now. GM Sean Marks has been busy building a titan in Brooklyn, and his work has culminated this year. It’s time to go all in.
