Brooklyn Nets: 2018-19 NBA season preview
By Alec Liebsch
Storyline 3: Playoffs?
The improvements that could emerge from the first two storylines are also huge catalysts for making this third one happen.
As a result, this is a legitimate question to ask about the Nets, contrary to popular belief. Despite losing 54 games last season, they are not too far off from a legitimate push for a back-end playoff spot. In the LeBron James-less East, anything is possible.
For reference, let’s outline the inferior half of the league real quick. The Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors occupy the top tier without much question.
Giannis Antentokoumnpo and his new coach Mike Budenholzer make for an intriguing dark horse with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards are too talented to fall off without injuries (or in Washington’s case, locker room implosions).
After that, there’s a void. The Detroit Pistons have more aggregate talent, but will they space the floor enough for their star bigs to flourish? The Miami Heat have a similar roster to Brooklyn: lots of good players, but no defining star (Hassan Whiteside defenders can stop reading).
The Cleveland Cavaliers have Kevin Love, but who else?
That gap is where the Nets can strike. They need internal improvements across the board, but they aren’t too far from a playoff spot. The team is deep, flexible and fun.
If Russell can prove to be a legitimate first option and Allen can hold down the fort for 30 minutes a night, this offense can really open up.
In that way, the Nets are a unique team. Their bookend positions are the most questionable, while the bridges between them (the wings) are quite reliable.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson made strides as a staunch defender and point-forward last season, while Joe Harris earned his new contract as more than just a sniper.
Lest we forget, Caris LeVert is the Swiss army knife every team needs, while DeMarre Carroll is the bulky 3-and-D wing every team also needs.
Sometimes the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. With enough marginal improvements, this team can make some real noise in the East.