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Brooklyn Nets: Pre-free agency roundtable

By Christopher Lavinio

Feb 19, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets new general manager Sean Marks (left) in a suite with team owner Mikhail Prokhorov during the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets new general manager Sean Marks (left) in a suite with team owner Mikhail Prokhorov during the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Nets management has stressed the importance of being “strategic” and “patient” during the rebuild along with the importance of balancing out the roster with some veterans. What “second week of July” move to do you see the Nets making to bring in some experienced vets like they did last season with the likes of Luis Scola, Randy Foye and Greivis Vasquez?

BR:  It’s difficult to pinpoint specific players this early in the process. However, names I could see Sean Marks targeting to fill the veteran void include: J.J. Redick, Ersan Ilyasova, C.J. Miles, Taj Gibson, Thabo Sefolosha and Anthony Tolliver. All of the players I mentioned are lauded for their locker room presence and can definitely help the Nets on the court.

JO:  The Nets’ roster is a little bloated at the moment with players they’re still evaluating, so it’s possible there are no end-of-bench signings on the horizon. They enter free agency this year with 13 players under contract who already know what’s expected of them, and those guys will be able to keep an eye on Russell and Allen. Further to the point, if they add a guy like J.J. Redick in the early stages of free agency, there won’t be much need to add another veteran leader.

JS:  Moves similar to those. Salary dumps and younger free agents with upside should form the core of the plan. Beyond that, look for vets who fit the culture (and the retention of pieces like Spencer Dinwiddie, etc). Nick Collison, if the Oklahoma City Thunder move on, is a good, hard-nosed locker room presence. Udonis Haslem fits that mold if Miami moves on. Two other vets I like are Omri Casspi and Alan Anderson.  And lastly, if decent young pieces like Reggie Bullock and Christian Wood linger, the Nets could make a play.  Finally, I like the Nets taking a look at Mike Muscala.

DB:  Most of these culture guys have earned their money and already chased their rings. Their playing time is starting to falter. Don’t let that discourage you; these vets still have a lot to offer.  For example: a locker room presence, the art of shooting and that good ol’ grit.  A lot of these players have played for some of the NBA’s greatest minds, so not only would it benefit the young core, but also the young staff. In no particular order, here’s my wish list:

FORWARDS:

GUARDS:

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