21. Brooklyn Nets

8-8 record, plus-0.4 net rating
Preseason ranking: no. 19

The Nets are a solid, competitive team. But they aren’t really going anywhere until they make some moves. One of the reasons is that Mikal Bridges has plateaued as a scorer. Bridges is still extremely good in his role, and remains an excellent defender. But after progressing into a player who can create his own shot, he hasn’t yet become a player who can do it at an elite level.

Bridges is shooting only 35.3 percent out of isolations this season, and with more on-ball reps it means he’s getting fewer chances to do what he does best: cut to the rim, attack closeouts off the catch, and shoot spot-up 3s.

Cam Thomas and Ben Simmons missing games has put too much on his plate, but their return—and eventual roster-clarifying moves—will hopefully lead to Bridges playing a role more suited for him, one that maximizes all of his impressive capabilities.

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I don’t disagree with this analysis at all, but at the same time-- the need to ‘make moves’ also makes me ask “for WHAT, exactly?”

Is the writer really suggesting that we’re only a couple moves away from being a contender?
Becaase that feels a bit over-the-top to me.

Personally, I’ve really been enjoying this season so far, and AFAIK our main goal going in to the break is to see how this collection of players fits together for the long-term. I’m pretty unaware that there’s any pressure on us, or need to make moves. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Thoughts…?

  • johnjohnjohn93B
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    11 months ago

    Mikal is missing a lot of open 3s but I think if he got his 3 ball back he’d be putting up similar numbers to last year. So I’m not too concerned.