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There is no denying what a disappointment the 2022 season was for the Brooklyn Nets. The team that was regarded as the title favorite for most of the season was recently swept in the opening round by the Boston Celtics. The Nets season was overshadowed by trade rumors, drama with Kyrie Irving, and an overall lack of continuity.
This is sure to be one of the most impactful offseasons for the Brooklyn Nets. The franchise has repeatedly talked about their long-term faith in Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, but the rest of the roster is in desperate need of a makeover. The eventual return of Ben Simmons (hopefully) will make an impact but the Nets must focus on adding connective pieces to their roster. With free agency right around the corner, here are a few ideas on players who could complement the Nets' stars.
4 Nets Early Free Agency Targets
Chris Boucher- PF/C
One of the clear positions in need of improvement for the Nets is at the big man positions. Chris Boucher is not a traditional big man but would provide a nice jolt of athleticism to the roster. The Raptors' big man has continued to grow each year in his career and is shaping into a very effective role player.
In this past season with Toronto, Boucher has averaged 9.4 points and 6.2 rebounds in 21.1 minutes of play. The Oregon product is also effective as a floor-spacer and is a career 33.5% three-point shooter. This spacing at the big man position is essential to providing Brooklyn with the offensive freedom that the team seeks. Boucher is also impactful when switched onto perimeter players. This would help the Nets embrace the positionless basketball that is becoming so common and would be especially impactful next to Kevin Durant.
Markieff Morris- PF/C
If the Nets are looking to add a splash of heart and toughness onto their roster (which they should) Markieff Morris is a good place to start. The current Miami Heat big man was limited to just 17 games this season due to the whiplash he suffered a cheap shot from Nikola Jokic. At 32 years old, Morris is transitioning into the advanced stage of his career but still capable of producing.
Andre Drummond, Nik Claxton, and Blake Griffin are all pending free agents so Morris would be a nice replacement. The added toughness he will bring would help the identiy of the Nets a great deal. Markieff Morris is an effective rebounder and also is capable of knocking down a few three-pointers- even at this stage in his career. Expect a bounce back season from the veteran next year.
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Austin Rivers- SG/PG
Finding a guard to pair with Kyrie Irving is a diffiuclt task. Irving's ball-dominance can make him diffiuclt to play alongside and there needs to be player who picks up his playmaking slack. While Ben Simmons and Seth Curry will do a great deal of this, Austin Rivers would be an awesome guy to bring in the rotation. The 29-year-old journeyman has played for six teams during his career but has found his role in recent years.
In 22.1 minutes per game Rivers avergaed 6 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists this season with the Niggets. He also shot 34.2% from beyond the arc on 3.4 attempts per game. Rivers plays pesky defense and could handle a great deal of the dirty work that Kyrie Irving is unwilling to. He is willing to get under an opponents skin and pick up full court, and content to space the floor offensively.
Caleb Martin- SF
Caleb Martin is an incredibly solid NBA role player. The Nevada product averaged 9.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists this season with the Heat. Martin stands about 6'6 and is a versatile athlete. He also fits what the Nets should be building in terms of switchable, postionless basketball players.
Just about every NBA team could use a player like Caleb Martin on their roster. He makes smart defensive rotations, plays within his role, and is still capable of getting a bucket when the team needs. Martin has been undervalued throughout his entire young career and this is expected to be the case in the upcoming free agency. The 26-year-old's stock is still on the rise and the Nets would be wise to get in now. Martin could make his case to be in the starting lineup and would be a very impactful offseason addition.
The Nets have a tight budget heading into the offseason so don't expect any major splashes to be made. The early exit from the postseason is certainly a disappointment, but the Nets longterm pieces are still in place. The superstar duo of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant is still enough to move the meter and the team is in need of the connective pieces to make them better. Expect for Brooklyn to retool their roster and for this sweep to remain in managements mind in the process.
