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D'Angelo Russell seemed to be unwanted by his previous team's front office, but the young superstar has emerged as an important piece to his current team.
The Brooklyn Nets advanced to the playoffs for the first time in four seasons. Russell's emergence is considered by many around the league as the main factor in Brooklyn's resurgence. The former Ohio State standout is also viewed as a difference-maker inside the organization, according to Michael Scotto of The Athletic.
D'Angelo Russell had a breakout season. He averaged career-highs of 21.1 points, 7.0 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. The 23-year-old was also named an All-Star for the first time in his career.
Russell was selected second by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2015 NBA Draft. However, after only two seasons, the Lakers virtually gave up on him and dealt him to the Nets. In his second season with the Nets, he has established himself as a legitimate star and will now have playoff experience to tout.
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“I think it's another star on his resume,” Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson said of Russell making the playoffs. “He's more than just a scorer. He's more than just an elite passer. You're a winner. To me, you make the playoffs you put that on your label on your locker. It’s so hard to make the playoffs.”
Teammate Joe Harris said this about D'Angelo Russell:
“DLo obviously was recognized by the league, All-Star appearance, and I think he’s honestly played at an All-NBA level,” Harris said. “He has been the main focus for us all year long. The things that he’s done for us offensively… our offense goes as far as DLo takes us.”
The Nets are the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference after finishing with a 42-40 record. They will face the Philadelphia 76ers in the opening round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs, which will start on Saturday.
