Hoops Habit
Fansided

Brooklyn Nets: 3 candidates for a breakout season in 2018-19

By Matt Esposito

BROOKLYN, NY - FEBRUARY 26 : D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets plays defense against the Chicago Bulls on February 26,2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on Drazen Petrovic night. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - FEBRUARY 26 : D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets plays defense against the Chicago Bulls on February 26,2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on Drazen Petrovic night. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
NBA Power Rankings
Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images /

1. D’Angelo Russell

It has almost become an annual tradition for fans to expect the former No. 2 overall pick to become a star. That breakout may finally happen as Russell enters the year healthy for his Brooklyn Nets.

Looking at Russell’s numbers can leave you feeling underwhelmed. Fortunately, this is why YouTube and NBA League Pass were invented. Go watch some Nets film, folks. It will make you feel better about Russell’s low shooting percentages from last year.

More from Brooklyn Nets

Sure, Russell struggled as a shooter last year. Could this be attributed to him finding his rhythm after returning from an injury? Probably. During his two prior seasons in Los Angeles Russell shot 35.1 percent from deep and did so on 5.3 attempts per game. In college he drained 41.4 percent of his triples. Expect the shooting to not only return, but perhaps get better as well.

The most convincing reason for believing Russell will break out is his court vision. Not an explosive player, Russell plays the game at his own pace.

The Nets have to figure out their point guard rotation. Signing Shabazz Napier gives Brooklyn the depth to cash in on trading the much improved Dinwiddie. To fully emerge, Russell needs starter’s minutes. Check out his per 36 minutes numbers for last year.

Per 36 Minutes Table
Season Age Tm Lg G GS FG FGA FG% 3P 3PA 3P% 2P 2PA 2P% FT FTA DRB TRB AST STL BLK TOV PTS
2017-18 21 BRK NBA 48 35 8.1 19.6 .414 2.6 8.1 .324 5.5 11.5 .477 2.8 3.8 4.6 5.5 7.3 1.1 0.5 4.3 21.7

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 9/15/2018.

Do the right thing, Brooklyn Nets. Give this man more minutes. After all, it seems like he wants them more than ever. This quote given to The Athletic displays Russell’s attitude towards the upcoming season.

"“I see my best friend [Devin Booker] sign a max deal. I know where we came from, so that’s plenty motivation that I need. I wake up every morning and go to train, and I feel like I’m in the best shape.”"

Next. Top 10 candidates for 2018-19 Most Improved Player award. dark

Keep an eye on Russell next year. The Nets should take a step forward as a team in general, and Russell could be the catalyst. Being in a contract year never hurts either.

Home/Brooklyn Nets