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Former Brooklyn Net Andray Blatche Signs With Chinese Team

By Bradley Popkin

Apr 27, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Andray Blatche (0) reacts against the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter in game four of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Andray Blatche (0) reacts against the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter in game four of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Andray Blatche spent two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets before signing with the Guanghui Flying Tigers of China on Sept. 20.

Blatche signed a one-year, $2.5 million deal according to Adam Zagoria of NBA.com. Blatche had met with the Raptors earlier this month but left without a contract offer. A rift that jeopardized a possible return to Brooklyn between general manager Billy King and Blatche was reported by the New York Daily News’ Stefan Bondy in July.

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There’s no denying the 6’11” Blatche has talent but his defense and effort is often questioned. After averaging 22 minutes during the regular season, the 28-year-old averaged 14 minutes in 12 playoff games. Former coach Jason Kidd only played Blatche four minutes during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Blatche returned to the Nets last season after exercising his player option. During his two-year span in Brooklyn, he averaged 10 points and five rebounds per game on 50 percent shooting. If there’s one player who’s going to miss Blatche, it’s Deron Williams. Williams and Blatche were the top duo on the team in points scored per 100 possessions.

The versatile Blatche also found his way to the basket more last season. Although his shooting percentage beyond 16 feet decreased considerably — from 46 percent to 35 — his averages closer to the basket increased. Brooklyn also benefited from him being on the floor, scoring an average of two more points per 100 possessions.

Mar 1, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Andray Blatche (0) knocks the ball away from Milwaukee Bucks center John Henson (31) in the 4th quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Nets beat the Bucks 107-98. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Andray Blatche (0) knocks the ball away from Milwaukee Bucks center John Henson (31) in the 4th quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Nets beat the Bucks 107-98. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

However, Blatche is also a defensive liablity. Last season, he struggled guarding the pick and roll and was a mediocre defender at best. Despite his size and athleticism, his defensive rating was 105 last season, and while that’s not incredibly poor, it’s not outstanding either. Blatche was also benched last December over conditioning concerns.

Brooklyn lucked out that Mason Plumlee had the type of summer he had, or the decision to let Blatche walk could’ve hurt badly. Plumlee dominated the Orlando Summer League and was called up to Team USA. Plumlee is poised for a bigger role in the rotation, if not a starting spot, with Blatche out of the mix.

Blatche last played in the FIBA World Cup for the Philippines where he averaged 21 points and 14 rebounds in five games. I guess those are the numbers you put up when you finally become the man. Brooklyn and new head coach Lionel Hollins will be better off without Blatche; they have a nice collection of young, veteran big men.

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