Brooklyn Nets: D-Russ take the wheel, for better or worse

Although the biggest story of an otherwise forgettable Brooklyn Nets season has revolved around cult hero Spencer Dinwiddie, the most crucial piece to the franchise’s success will revolve around another high-profile guard.

Anyone who follows the Brooklyn Nets is aware that the current roster lacks many high-upside prospects. One player who does fit this bill, however, also happens to run the offense. Most would consider a player in this role to be integral to a team’s success (and failure).

That man is D’Angelo Russell. As a former top-five draft pick, people naturally dub Russell with more potential than most. Yet unlike most high draft picks, the story runs deeper than that.

Square peg in a round hole

For those unaware of my philosophies, one concept I preach is how the positional delineations of the game have changed. Positional names like “shooting guard” and “power forward” are trivial in the modern NBA.

These rigid identifications are only useful nominally. The ushering in of small-ball has thrown conventional positions to the wayside. Yet, some players are still miscast in such inflexible roles, often to everyone’s detriment.

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This is a problem Russell faced with the Los Angeles Lakers. He spent his rookie season in the shadow of Kobe Bryant‘s iso-heavy farewell tour, which forced him to cede touches. His role was of the “shoot and shut up” archetype.

When said shots did not go in, then-coach Byron Scott ostracized him from the rotation entirely. It doesn’t take a basketball genius to know that a young player cannot develop or get better without playing. As a result, D-Russ was less than capable when he did play, and the cycle repeated itself.

His sophomore season was slightly better in terms of role, but only marginally. New coach Luke Walton still used Russell strictly as a conventional “point guard” with little creative license. Because ball-dominant guard Jordan Clarkson was a mediocre distributor, Russell was tasked with the dirty work. His skills as a superb scorer were seldom showcased. Despite this, he exhibited his skills as a tattle tale quite well.

Combined with the hype around future draftee Lonzo Ball, all signs pointed to Russell being ousted. Disregard the fact that two passers with scoring chops and exceptional size can actually coexist. The Lakers deemed such a pairing unfavorable strictly because of positional labels.

Nets general manager Sean Marks pounced at the opportunity to snag a player of Russell’s caliber. His potential as an on-and-off-guard were clear to him and Atkinson. He did not fit the traditional profile of point guard or shooting guard, and was more of a bridge between the two.

Breaking norms

Giving him free rein over Atkinson’s attack was the best way to unlocking his potential. Russell is both a scorer and a distributor, so he must be featured in a role that utilizes both traits.

In Brooklyn, he uses high pick-and-rolls and a fearless shot profile to create space. When he creates space on the perimeter, it opens up new dimensions to the offense. All it takes is one mistake from the defense to cede an open shot, and Russell is a great passer capable of finding that open man.

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He also comes off screens and uses catch-and-shoot opportunities more than most “point guards,” which allows him to stay engaged without the ball in his hands. Forcing a defender to follow him all over the court is just asking for trouble.

All these deployments have resulted in visible improvements in his game. He is still averaging mediocre numbers that would make one think twice about his progress. But on a team as egalitarian (and bad) as the Nets, statistical expectations are relatively low.

His handle has improved since moving to Brooklyn, which was arguably his most frustrating weakness. Maintaining ball control is vital in a high-octane offense like Kenny Atkinson’s.

For the pick-and-roll to work well, all Russell needs is a competent roll man, which the Nets have found in Jarrett Allen. His athleticism and long arms make for a Clint Capela-like accessory.

Russell being able to create his own shot is another crucial element to the attack, which opens up passing lanes and shots with ease. Because the Nets’ roster is weak, however, those shots rarely go in, which makes Russell’s statistical output look worse. As the team puts the right pieces around Russell, those 3-pointers off pick-and-rolls will rip twine, and the offense will function like clockwork.

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Until the Nets can locate a second star to pair with Russell, the franchise will put a lot of weight on only his shoulders. To stay sane, it’s important to realize context. Appreciate what Russell does despite unfavorable outcomes from the other four teammates’ actions.