Brooklyn Nets: 5 reasons to be excited for 2018-19 NBA season

4. Who wants to be a ball handler?

When discussing the Nets offense, their multi-pronged attack is one of the core concepts. From Russell to Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to Caris LeVert, nearly half the roster will get chances to initiate this season.

With the intent to add dimensions to an otherwise 3-point heavy scheme, Atkinson might even make another ball handler out of, say, Joe Harris or Allen Crabbe. It’s more of a “who isn’t” a handler than a “who is?” at this point.

That’s important too. Having multiple ways to attack creates space in isolation on its own, which is even more impactful as we descend down the positional ladder. It’s similar to how having an additional shooter at the 5 spreads the offense quite well.

With how much coach Atkinson wants this team shooting, that penetration will be integral to getting guys open. There’s some serious potential for the ball to whip around in this offense, especially with new additions like Shabazz Napier and Dzanan Musa. They can both slide on or off the ball, nullifying the positional delineation of a “lead guard.”

The amount of drive-and-kick potential on this team now, compared to last year, is a huge jump. With the way the league is going, that’s integral to success. At least four of the five players on the court need to be able to create space to compete with the elites. Look no further than the Houston Rockets, who turned Luc Mbah a Moute into a capable point forward (?!).

If the Nets need to turn to a “death lineup,” they very easily can. A quintet of Russell, Dinwiddie, Graham, Carroll, and Hollis-Jefferson can switch virtually anything and shoot palpably. That’s the kind of versatility this roster has now.