Brooklyn Nets: Starting lineup locks, fringe and potential break-ins

Locks: Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, De’Andre Jordan, Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen

Kyrie Irving

After missing in action since an injury occurred back in February and only having played 25 games for the Nets, Kyrie Irving is back. He is going to bring Uncle Drew back to the hardwood and remain one of the most recognizable point guards of this generation.

The point guard is well-known around the league for his competitiveness and vocalness about winning, as well as his personality on the court as a primary dribbler and unstoppable shot creator. Irving is going to be a great fit for the Nets, which we got a look at last season before the injury.

This year is going to be different in that Kyrie has to take on more of a leadership role and also recognize his surroundings: he is in Brooklyn with Steve Nash as his coach and Kevin Durant as his teammate. The Nets have a chance to win a championship, and that would be good for KD, Kyrie, Steve Nash and the rebuilding Nets organization.

Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant is back as well. Durant has missed 552 days ever since going down in Game 5 of the 2019 Finals as a part of the Golden State Warriors. Durant’s tenure with the Warriors was an exciting venture, but short-lived.

This is expected to be different in Brooklyn, and also Durant’s style of play might change. We might see him change positions with his new team, develop a post-game, turn clutch in the final minutes and alter into a different ego like the great Kobe Bryant, Black Mamba.

Now in his 13th season in the league and still only at 32 years old, Durant has a lot left to give on the floor and more to prove after suffering through injuries. Brooklyn will be a lot like KD’s time in OKC, but with a more fruitful outcome full of championship rings and memorable highlights.

De’Andre Jordan

De’Andre Jordan is no longer 25, but he is close to it at 32 years old. The 6’11” center used to play for the Lob City LA Clippers with Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, so he’s got some experience in big games alongside big-time teammates.

Perhaps this is what the Nets saw in Jordan in wanting to bring him in as a third option alongside KD and Kyrie. The big man will, as expected, be a great addition to Brooklyn’s new team as shown in the preseason. He looks healthy and happy, and ready to go.

Jordan will likely have to take a backseat on the lobs and overzealous running down on the fast break to help his new team win games in a real playbook ran by Steve Nash, but he certainly hasn’t missed a step and doesn’t have to slow down on this skill and knowledge of the game. You will likely find DJ down below blocking shots and looking for a bucket.

Spencer Dinwiddie

Things get interesting at this point for Brooklyn. What are the Nets’ options besides KD and Kyrie? Point guard Spencer Dinwiddie has an answer for you. Dinwiddie has been with the Nets since the D’Angelo Russell days, having played as a backup to him and he had impressive scoring performances then. D-Lo heavily vouched for Dinwiddie, and it’s easy to see why.

If Spence can keep that up, he’ll land him a starting spot right as a shooting guard in the backcourt next to Kyrie Irving, or as mentioned, he could come off the bench still as a backup PG and still be effective. Dinwiddie is locked in because of his ability to score. As a scorer, he’ll add minutes and numbers, which is a great option behind KD and Kyrie. They don’t have to go out and search for depth when they have it right in their face with Dinwiddie, who’s also known for his high IQ and gaming knowledge on Twitter. Spencer Dinwiddie is a lock for Brooklyn for the future.

Caris LeVert

Caris LeVert is also a special asset for Brooklyn. With Caris’ youth and talent, you could probably see him joining another rebuilding squad and not having to help carry a load for the KD-and-Kyrie Nets, but he is for sure going to help carry it with his athleticism and talent. At 6’6″, LeVert is a scoring swingman who can defend and still deserves his starting spot when he returns this season. He’ll be great as part of a Big Three behind KD and Kyrie.

Caris can play his game and let the game come to him as he often does. KD and Kyrie should be happy to have him on their new squad, and he’s going to add some highlight plays for the duo at the shooting guard or small forward position.

Jarrett Allen

Jarrett Allen can be a likely candidate for Sixth Man of the Year this season. Allen can be seen coming off the Nets bench, running the floor and blocking shots. He also has a great touch under the basket for scoops and slams. Allen is an all-around skilled big man, and he should remain with the Nets as their go-to big man behind Jordan.