Brooklyn Nets – Buy
It is no secret that the Brooklyn Nets are a bad defensive team. Checking in on basically any of their games will make that pretty clear. They have allowed 120 points or more in 11 of their last 12 games. They are on pace to be the worst defensive team of all time while also being on a historic offensive pace. Something has to give.
The aforementioned Al Horford trade feels like the best possible scenario for the team should they be willing to go all the way in (they should, given their starry talent and lack of future draft assets). If the choice to be a little more conservative with trade ideas James Harden’s former teammate PJ Tucker is clearly available and would bring a level of toughness the team is missing.
Bruce Brown and Kevin Durant may be the only plus defenders getting minutes on this team. If the Brooklyn Nets truly want to compete in the playoffs that will have to change. They are a smart team and they will address that. They have already tried by taking shots on Norvell Pelle, Iman Shumpert and Noah Vonleh. That is all well and good but it is not enough. Expect them to take another step at the deadline.