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Brooklyn Nets: Brooklyn Needs A Franchise Player, Like Yesterday

By Steve Krebs

Jan 21, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Mason Plumlee (1) drives to the basket against Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Mason Plumlee (1) drives to the basket against Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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In all the muck and mire surrounding the Brooklyn Nets future, one glaring question seems to be ignored, who is the face of the franchise? Fans in any sport, played on any level, need to stand behind the at least one player who takes the reigns as the leader — ah, but that is where the problem fully resides, I am not sure we even have one.

What the Brooklyn Nets do have, is pretty much an island of misfit toys, with the exception of two, maybe three, individuals — whether these players are not wanted because of age, salary, or injury-risk, depends on the player, but no matter the reason, Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, and Brook Lopez, are not building blocks for the future.

What seemed like the perfect opportunity for Mason Plumlee to take a step forward, following a solid showing in Summer League action, the FIBA World Cup, and in preseason, seemingly culminated in averaging only 23 minutes per game, with a usage rating of 20 percent — albeit, an increase from last year’s 17 percent.

Still, the fact remains this is certainly not a hook remotely large enough for fans to hang there hat on, and unless coach Lionel Hollins decides to increase his floor time, we may never know the full extent of this young man’s potential.

Up until a few weeks ago, I felt Jarrett Jack could at the very least be a long-shot candidate to compliment Plumlee moving forward, (even if only for two more years max) but that ship certain sailed when the Brooklyn Nets were reportedly dangling the nine-year veteran in front of other teams before the trade deadline.

Though, even more so recently due to a regression in minutes, which may or may not be attributed to still recovering from a sore hamstring that he sustained in early February, forcing him to miss two games.

Either way it’s a situation that does not scream optimism for Jack as of now, or moving forward, especially when Deron Williams has been playing as well as he has, as of late (16/7/4, since All-Star break) .

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It appears as though if the Brooklyn Nets fans are going to get behind someone to pave the way for greener pastures, that person is not on the team at this very moment.

For the team, that paints a very murky picture, because the only shot to keep this slice from turning into a gash is by completely blowing up the team this off-season, and starting from square one.

This will most likely include a new coach as well, unless the organization builds around the notion that they are going to assume the identity of a slow-paced offense, who rely on their defensive prowess, rather than scoring.

Now it’s your turn, do the Nets currently have an individual on their roster that the fans can get behind as a leader, and alter this rocky path? Let your thoughts and keystrokes be seen in the comments.

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