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Brooklyn Nets: 2017-18 NBA season preview

By Josh Cornelissen

GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally altered) Jarrett Allen of the Brooklyn Nets poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally altered) Jarrett Allen of the Brooklyn Nets poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Stephen Pellegrino/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Stephen Pellegrino/NBAE via Getty Images /

Predictions

Every year a team needs to generate hype, and despite their limitations in talent and draft capital the Brooklyn Nets have managed to accomplish that. Evaluations of the Kyrie Irving/Isaiah Thomas trade consistently devalued the Nets’ draft pick because Brooklyn was slated to improve.

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Prognosticators across the league are focusing on those teams falling down to earth in Chicago, Atlanta, and Indiana and seeming to assume the Nets would be better. D’Angelo Russell, Allen Crabbe, DeMarre Carroll — with these additions, the team should take a huge leap forward.

The problem with that assumption is that this team’s talent level didn’t necessarily change much. Brook Lopez is good, and to lose him is a huge blow. Carroll and Crabbe did not do much to help their teams win. Jeremy Lin could be good if he is healthy, but how much can the Nets play both he and Russell?

Despite the hype, this season will quickly become what it needs to be — a lost year for competing that instead focuses on evaluating and developing the team’s young talent. It’s more important for Russell, Jarrett Allen, Caris LeVert, and this team’s other young players to grow then it is to give Cleveland a “worse pick.” That should and will be the organization’s focus.

Better injury luck and a softer Eastern Conference will result in more wins, but not enough to change this team’s general outlook. Russell will be better-than-advertised, but that means a small step forward, not a bound.

Next: Phoenix Suns: 2017-18 NBA season preview

The Brooklyn Nets will finish with a record of 25-57, fifth in the Atlanta Division and 14th in the Eastern Conference. D’Angelo Russell will garner a handful of votes for Most Improved Player, and this team will focus on 2018-19.

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