Brooklyn Nets: 2018-19 NBA season preview

Storyline 1: Which guard to keep?

It’s possible that both D’Angelo Russell and Spencer Dinwiddie can coexist, but at this point, they have not done so very well. This isn’t necessarily a shock considering their play styles, but it is a disappointment.

This conundrum brings benefits and costs. On one hand, they are both free agents after the season, so they can choose between either if it comes to that. On the other hand though, both are very good players and it stings to lose either.

If the decision becomes clear early, however, there is a solution. Dinwiddie can be extended anytime after Dec. 8, which means the Nets could ship him off either to a team willing to extend him or to a team willing to let him play it out for his next deal.

Or they could play out the season with him and Russell running the show. It will be difficult to retain both guards, but it’s not far-fetched if they can’t reel in one of the big fish.

Truth be told, Russell hasn’t exactly earned anything yet. He is the player with the highest potential, but he’s only exhibited flashes to this point. His first season in Brooklyn was tainted by a knee injury, but when he’s fully engaged on both ends, he can be a real problem.

If Russell starts off like he did before the injury last season, Nets fans could be in for a real treat. Ideally he makes a case to represent the weaker conference in the All-Star Game, which would answer this question with ease.