Without an incentive to tank last season, the Brooklyn Nets became the home of reclamation projects. Who are this year’s breakout candidates?
The Brooklyn Nets may finally be past the disastrous ramifications of that infamous 2015 trade with the Boston Celtics. In fact, there may be a quick turn around in Brooklyn in the not so distant future. Earlier this year, The New York Times‘ Marc Stein reported that the Nets plan to pursue Kyrie Irving in the next offseason.
Before any Irving rumors start circulating even more, the Nets must focus on internal improvement. After all, they displayed glimpses of hope last year. For instance, Spencer Dinwiddie and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson each enjoyed career years. Rookie Jarrett Allen showed flashes of being a rim-running monster.
Which Brooklyn Nets player will be next to take a leap forward? There are some logical candidates. There are also candidates fans has been waiting on to live up to their draft day hype. Are these players that could truly break out? Or are they players we simply want to break out? Perhaps a bit of both?
As of now, Sean Marks, the general manager for the Brooklyn Nets, has done a great job drafting. Allen already looks like a steal with the 22nd pick of the 2017 NBA Draft. Caris LeVert fell in his draft, but Marks was able to snag him. Given the limitations of his drafting positions, we should be impressed with Marks so far. Who will prove him even the wiser by breaking out next season?