Brooklyn Nets: Star power lands as Nets look to rise in 2019-20

Storyline 3: Development vs. winning

The 2018-19 season was enormous for the Brooklyn Nets; that part is obvious. But will the elements of last year’s leap continue into this season?

A huge part of their ascent last season was built on internal development. Virtually every young guy who played major minutes took a step forward, as they were allowed to play through their mistakes.

That won’t be as prevalent in 2019-20. How Kenny Atkinson balances the impetus to win with the need to grow the youngsters will be critical to the team’s long-term sustainability.

The front office prepared for this conundrum by only targeting specific types of veterans. Garrett Temple can play on or off the ball without sucking on defense, which allows him to play next to Spencer Dinwiddie and/or Caris LeVert. DeAndre Jordan’s role has already been discussed and Wilson Chandler isn’t taking minutes from anyone now that he’s suspended 25 games.

LeVert, Joe Harris and Taurean Prince will be the regular starters next to Irving and whoever the 5 is. Dinwiddie will be the sixth man, with the backup 5, Temple and Rodions Kurucs following suit. Dzanan Musa and Theo Pinson will both fight for minutes after their success in the G League last season and both can play complementary roles.

David Nwaba is a low-risk flier who may help if needed, but also isn’t a priority to develop.

With real expectations for 2019-20, Kenny Atkinson has a full slate to manage. Injuries throughout the season may reduce the mouths he has to feed on a nightly basis, but overall he has a young and deep roster once more.