Brooklyn Nets: 3 reasons reaching the 2019 NBA Playoffs isn't farfetched

Brooklyn Nets: 3 reasons reaching the playoffs isn’t farfetched

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 09: Spencer Dinwiddie #8, Jared Dudley #6, and Joe Harris #12 of the Brooklyn Nets react after a basket is made by Dinwiddie during the first quarter of the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Barclays Center on January 9, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

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2. D’Angelo Russell continues to improve

D’Angelo Russell is arguably is the best player on the Brooklyn Nets this year. He led the charge for the Nets in Wednesday’s 19-point comeback with 23 points, four assists and three rebounds.

When the Ohio State product is pushing the ball and looking to score, he can compete with any guard in the league. When he is aggressive, the Nets have a chance to win almost any game.

The one aspect that has taken Russell’s game to the next level is his ability to get other players involved. The 22-year-old was drafted in 2015 and finished his rookie year averaging 3.3 assists per game.

Each year Russell has increased his assists per game and currently is recording a career-high 6.3 per contest. Considering the fact that Brooklyn does not have an All-Star player or superstar, it needs to make sure the ball is consistently moving on offense.

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Over the years, the lefty struggled with maturity and his leadership abilities. Of course, he still has plenty of work to do there, but he is clearly leading by example. This Nets team is at its best when its starting guard is in the lineup.

At the end of last season, the 6’5″ guard averaged 15.5 points, 5.2 assists and 3.9 rebounds while shooting a career-low 32.4 percent from 3-point range. Last year, he only played 48 games due to injury, but he’s already played 42 games this season.

Russell is set to be a restricted free agent this season and the Nets front office has yet to talk to him about a contract extension, according to the New York Post‘s Brian Lewis.

Russell is averaging 18.2 points, 6.3 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game while shooting 35.6 percent from 3. Coupled with a weak Eastern Conference and Russell’s play, the Nets will also sneak into the playoffs because of their ability to score.

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