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Brooklyn Nets: 5 keys to making the 2019 NBA Playoffs

By Alec Liebsch

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 11: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets wears a uniform matching arm sleeve during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on January 11, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 11: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets wears a uniform matching arm sleeve during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on January 11, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images
Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images /

3. Improve on D

A typical deficiency with young rosters is on the less glamorous end, as a lot of it is disciplinary and intellectual. The Nets are not as putrid as they once were on defense, they’re still bottom-10 in that department, ceding an average of 111.9 points per 100 possessions.

A lot of players on the roster are one-way guys, who contribute as either an offensive or defensive plus, while being deficient on the other end. From Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to Jared Dudley to Allen Crabbe, the Nets were constantly robbing Peter to pay Paul no matter the lineup combination.

Kurucs’ versatile play on both ends has alleviated that problem, but the backcourt leaves a lot to be desired. The offensive system is heavily reliant on the guards, so this is expected to a degree, but Russell isn’t gonna earn $20 million per year as a one-way threat.

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As the strategic coach Kenny Atkinson is, he has figured out a creative way to flummox opposing offenses: the zone defense. Typically, the pick-and-roll creates a dilemma for the two defenders involved in the action. However, with a zone in place, that roll man is already accounted for, and the other three defenders can cover until the two being attacked can recalibrate.

This strategy was executed beautifully against the Boston Celtics, and is a nice supplement if the other team isn’t shooting the lights out. However, it can’t be the trump card.

Like it eventually does for every team, the Nets’ personnel will decide their defensive fate. If Russell and Dinwiddie can improve as defenders and LeVert gets back to what he was pre-injury, the perimeter fortress could be solidified.

Jarrett Allen has the back end covered, as he has amassed a 2.6 Defensive Box Plus-Minus to date, and also rejected several opposing superstars along the way (most recently James Harden). The wings have been solid with Kurucs in the lineup, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s defense off the bench will be necessary down the stretch.

It all comes down to the guards.

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