Brooklyn Nets: 5 goals for Dzanan Musa's rookie season

Brooklyn Nets: 5 goals for Dzanan Musa’s rookie season

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 22: Brooklyn Nets Draft pick Dzanan Musa speaks at the Post NBA Draft press conference on June 22, 2018 at the HSS Training Center in Brooklyn, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michelle Farsi/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Photo by Kostas Lymperopoulos/NBAE via Getty Images /

4. Defend competently

One of the most difficult things for NBA rookies to develop early on is their defense. It requires a combination of intelligence, positioning, athleticism, strength and effort to become a plus defender in this league.

Because Musa came from the Adriatic League, he’s going to be tested athletically from day one. The contrast between that league and the NBA, in terms of average athleticism, is stark.

Additionally, the way NBA teams play defense is different from Europe. Switching is much more commonplace, which will be a difficult transition for Musa. The traditional adage that “your position is based on who you guard” has been thrown out the window since the Golden State Warriors broke the NBA.

Each individual defender is responsible for so much nowadays, while also needing to fit the team scheme and create synergy with teammates. Over time, cerebral players like Musa tend to figure out the kinks; in the short-term though, the ringer they have to go through is no fun.

His intelligence as an off-ball defender should translate, and his length will give him a presence in passing lanes. However, the NBA is on a whole different level physically.

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