Brooklyn Nets: Players That Need to Step Up Heading into the Regular Season
Apr 6, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Chris McCullough (1) is fouled while shooting the ball by Washington Wizards forward Drew Gooden (90) in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 121-103. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
As the regular season approaches, the Brooklyn Nets will look to tighten up mistakes made during preseason. This includes analyzing who needs to step their game up before training camp comes to a close.
With fans giving the Nets little chance to make the playoffs heading into the season, every player will need to step their game up in order for Brooklyn to have success. Up to this point in the preseason, there have been a few players with guaranteed contracts who have demonstrated lackluster play.
Want your voice heard? Join the Nothin' But Nets team!
The Nets are 1-4 in preseason games so far. After beating the Detroit Pistons in surprising fashion, Kenny Atkinson‘s squad lost four straight to the New York Knicks, Miami Heat and twice to the Boston Celtics.
More from Nothin' But Nets
While players such as Jeremy Lin (16.3 points per game) and Joe Harris (9.2 points per game) have played above expectations this October, others have decided to put their guard down in these games that ultimately have no effect on overall record. However, as the season draws closer, it is essential for every player to begin developing a focused mindset. If not, then lazy habits could carry into the regular season.
Brooklyn will open up their season on October 26, in Boston. This will be the first time fans will get an opportunity to see their team in a meaningful game in which every player will no doubt, be fully engaged.
Oct 17, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Terry Rozier (12) drives to the basket while Brooklyn Nets forward Chris McCullough (1) defends during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Chris McCullough
Chris McCullough, one of the more ridiculed player among Nets Nation this preseason, has shown little improvement from his rookie season. After missing more than half of the 2015-2016 season due to a knee injury he sustained at Syracuse, McCullough was expected to show consistent improvement in the following months.
McCullough has averaged a mediocre five points per game in 15 minutes per game this October. In addition, his 4.7 rebounds per game fail to impress as his 7’4″ wingspan should result in more success in boxing out.
As he did towards the tail end of last season, McCullough has looked a bit lost on offense in his stints on the court this preseason. His stats reflect this, as a new coach and inexperience may be the cause of McCullough’s mistakes up to this point. Nevertheless, it is expected that a 21 year-old would be progressing as opposed to stagnating in his sophomore season.
McCullough’s play has not been absolutely atrocious. His stat line thus far has been average and his physical tools simply can’t be taught. Yet, McCullough must begin showing signs of development soon to not be considered a failed gamble.
McCullough must take full advantage of these preseason opportunities if he wants any chance of cracking the rotation this season. Atkinson has already stated that him, along with Isaiah Whitehead will spend time with the Long Island Nets periodically throughout the regular season. While a chance to log a large amount of minutes in the D-League may benefit McCullough in the short term, a goal of playing consistent minutes in the NBA should always be strived for.
Nov 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Greivis Vasquez (21) during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Greivis Vasquez
While preseason games may not be the most meaningful of contests for 29 year-old Greivis Vasquez, a complete lack of effort is simply inexcusable. This is a veteran who should be setting a good example for the young guns; not a player who is taking plays off consistently on both ends of the court.
Vasquez has produced a dismal 2.2 points per game on 21 percent shooting from the field. This is not due to a lack of playing time as the seven year veteran has played in every preseason game but one up to this point, averaging 16.3 minutes per night. These stats, specifically his field goal percentage, are unacceptable from a veteran leader who has been touted as a high IQ guard.
As he approaches age 30, this simply could be the start of a decline in Vasquez’s play. This being said, it is very plausible that he could reinvent his game in the later half of his playing years. While his shot and athleticism may be waning, a new chapter of Vasquez’s career could arise in which smart decision making and being the primary ball handler in the pick and roll come to the forefront. From a player who was once thought of as one of the top assist men in the NBA, a simple shift in priorities on offense may be the solution to having continued success in the league.
Vazquez is essentially guaranteed rotation minutes to begin the regular season. Yet, if he puts on a similar showing in the regular season without making an adjustments, then Coach Atkinson would certainly not hesitate in benching him.
Oct 11, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Anthony Bennett (13) shoots over Miami Heat forward Derrick Williams (22) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Anthony Bennett
Anthony Bennett has in large part played below average in the 2016-2017 preseason. Besides having one impressive performance, the 6’8″ forward has shown nothing defensively; something that has been a common theme for Bennett in his disappointing career.
On the offensive end of the floor, Bennett has put up 8 points per game. While this stat may not look awful, he has managed to produce this on 29 percent shooting from the field.
A lack of a true position has mainly contributed to Bennett’s disappointing preseason showing. It is very difficult to learn offensive schemes if Bennett has yet to figure out where he best fits on the court. Standing at 6’8″, most would fathom that he is no doubt, a modern day NBA small forward. However, even after losing a significant amount of weight, Bennett still sits at 245 pounds. This size is only 30 pounds less than Brook Lopez‘s weight, and is very indicative of most power forwards or centers in the league today.
This lackluster performance is particularly crippling for Bennett who may not have another NBA opportunity available if his Nets stint fails. After spending time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors, Bennett may have to look to Europe for his next job in professional basketball. His number one overall pick reputation will not guarantee him an NBA job forever, as demonstrated by infamous busts, Andrea Bargnani and Kwame Brown.