Brooklyn Nets: 2018-19 NBA season preview

Predictions

Naturally, the most likely scenario lies somewhere in the middle. I was pretty critical of Russell last season, but that’s only because I expect greatness. He really is the key to unlocking this team because of his shot-creation and above-average playmaking.

He fits the mold of the star guard everyone looks for these days.

Coach Kenny Atkinson has really made his mark with developmental acumen. The progress that players like LeVert, Hollis-Jefferson, Dinwiddie and Harris have made is impressive. That alone should give fans hope that Russell can do the same.

After all, his first season with the team was a roller coaster. He was never truly healthy after that knee surgery. Working with Devin Booker over the offseason definitely helped, and word around the league is that Russell put in a ton of work.

After all, this is the same guy who was shooting 3s at 2am mere days after being shipped to Brooklyn.

I do think Russell takes the next step and pushes for an All-Star Game berth. I also think that gives the front office confidence to move on from Dinwiddie, whether it be as part of a big trade or merely a value squeeze.

The veterans the team added will be especially helpful with keeping the youngsters engaged, which will probably help them develop more too. I see incremental improvements coming, especially for guys like Crabbe, Allen and LeVert.

A heavy dose of DLo-Allen spread pick-and-roll looks to be on the docket, which makes sense with snipers like Harris and Crabbe. The ball will be whizzing, and this offense will be a lot of fun to watch.

The defense will be a thorn in Atkinson’s side all season, but the team should make enough 3-pointers to get the analytics nerds to cite them as underrated.

For these reasons, I genuinely believe the team’s most likely outcome leans on the favorable side. I think they win 37 games and push for the eighth seed. I’m going to cautiously leave them juuuuust outside the bracket, but not by much. This team is for real.