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Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The 2019-2020 NBA season starts October 22nd and to get you ready for tip-off, Off the Glass is previewing all 30 teams. Today we look at the Brooklyn Nets.
2018-2019 Record: 42-40, 4th in the Atlantic Division. Lost 1-4 to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs.
Season Recap: The Nets were one of the feel good stories of the league last year. They finished with an above .500 record and made the playoffs behind a career season from D’Angelo Russell and an assorted cast of characters that played their roles to perfection. Joe Harris, Spencer Dinwiddie, Jarrett Allen, and DeMarre Carroll just to name a few. Caris LeVert was looking great to start the season averaging over 18 points per game before being sidelined by injury that kept him out for 42 games. When the Nets were at full strength they were a tough team to beat in the East and gave the 76ers a surprisingly competitive series although the 4-1 loss might not look that way.
Key Losses: DeMarre Carroll, F; Ed Davis, C; Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, F; Jared Dudley, F; D’Angelo Russell, G; Alan Williams, F/C; Allen Crabbe, G/F; Shabazz Napier, G; Treveon Graham, F;
Key Additions: Wilson Chandler, F; Kyrie Irving, G; Kevin Durant, F; DeAndre Jordan, C; Henry Ellenson, F; David Nwaba, G; Garrett Temple, G; Taurean Waller-Prince, F;
Preview: Despite the success of the foundation that was built by the front office for the Nets they were willing to demolish it the moment that Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant were interested. They were even willing to pay DeAndre Jordan to come along for the ride. The Nets traded everything they built for superstars that promise the opportunity to win championships, even though Durant will not debut for the team until next season. This season is considered by many to be a throwaway. If the Nets do poorly, it will be due to missing Durant, but if they are able to win, it just gives their fans more excitement heading into next year. All eyes will be on Kyrie Irving this season and it will be up to him whether or not the Nets are able to succeed in Durant’s absence. There is a great deal of turnover on this roster, but with LeVert, Harris, Dinwiddie, and Allen next to Irving, the Nets look to be a team that could surprise people in the East. The Nets took a huge gamble by making such huge moves and this season is going to be very important for their franchise.
Player to Watch: Kyrie Irving, G
Team X-Factor: Team Chemistry
Worst Case Scenario: Kyrie Irving is the same guy that he was in Boston and the season for the Nets turns into a nightmare. The team struggles horribly and misses the playoffs.
Best Case Scenario: Kyrie Irving fits in perfectly with his new teammates and despite the absence of Kevin Durant, the Nets are able to make a run at a top four seed in the East.
Actual 2019-2020 Prediction: 44-38, 3rd Atlantic Division