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This season, the Brooklyn Nets have found themselves in an unusual circumstance in which their role players have had to step up more than they would have expected. Kyrie Irving is still only playing on the road, and Kevin Durant's knee injury isn't helping matters.
Fortunately for Brooklyn, they were able to bring in several high-level role-players throughout the off-season, and while they still lack some depth at times, they have had a few guys really step up this season with all of their issues.
A team with three superstars, such as the Nets, may win simply because of their star power, yet despite their big three, Brooklyn has a few key players. Let's take a look at the three most underappreciated players on the 2022 Brooklyn Nets roster.
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Nets Unsung Heroes 2022
3. Patty Mills
When the Nets signed Patty Mills this season, everyone predicted that it would be one of the top offseason signings, and they were absolutely correct. Mills is now shooting 42.5 percent from 3-point range and has made a significant impact on the teams' success. He's one of those players who knew he'd have to come up big in Kevin Durant's and Kyrie Irvings' absence, and he's done just that. He's been really impressive this season, and he's someone the Nets will have to look for in the playoffs.
Last season, Joe Harris did not have the playoff series against the Bucks that he had hoped for, and this was a major reason why the Nets were unable to win the series. Despite being ailing against Milwaukee last season, Brooklyn had plenty of opportunities to win, but Joe Harris had one of the worst shooting series in his career. This season, having a backup in case Joe Harris' postseason difficulties persist will be beneficial because Patty Mills has been in the league for a long time and will be under no pressure when things get serious.
Everyone expected him to be a tremendous addition to this Nets team when he arrived, but he has certainly exceeded expectations thus far. They will be hoping he can keep performing like this for the rest of the season since he will be a crucial part for them come playoff time.
2. Lamarcus Aldridge
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LaMarcus Aldridge was acquired by the Nets, but due to a heart condition, he was unable to participate for the remainder of the season last year. Aldridge was clearly in a very dangerous scenario, and it's great to see that he's back to the floor, and not only has he returned to the court healthy, but he's also playing at a high level for this Nets team.
Aldridge keeps hitting his mid-range shot at one of the highest levels ever seen in the NBA. He's one of those players who's been in the game for a long time and simply goes out and does everything an NBA player needs to do. This season, he isn't going to amaze anyone with his stats, but he has still managed to average 13.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. He also has a top-30 PER in the NBA, and at 36 years old, he has shown to be a valuable asset to this Nets team.
1. Nic Claxton
Nic Claxton has only played in 20 games this season, but he has been a significant bright spot for the Nets when he has been on the floor. It's expected that he will return soon, which would be a huge boost for the Nets, who are currently dealing with a lot of injuries.
Nic Claxton may not be able to contribute in the same manner that Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant can, but he can still play a significant role for this team, which he has done all season when healthy. The progress he's made from the time he first entered the league until now is astounding, and he will be someone the Nets will have to keep an eye on in the future. If Claxton continues to improve, the Nets might win the NBA title much more easily than many people imagine.
Despite the fact that they are still the favorites, Brooklyn could utilize him more in terms of rim protection, which he has done much better this season than a year ago.
Brooklyn must accept the fact that if they want to win an NBA title, they have to beat the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo. If they make it too easy for a player like Giannis, he may score 40 points every night and lead the Bucks to a win in the series.
They will need Nic Claxton to keep playing at a high level of defense like he has this season, or at the very least, make it difficult for him in the playoffs.
