Why the new-look Brooklyn Nets are guaranteed to surprise

The former Suns’ wing tandem of Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson has always had a powerful bond and relationship. The 10th and 11th overall picks in consecutive years instantly experienced wars and battle tests through an NBA Finals run and beyond. Simultaneously, learning from two of the most prolific guards in league history, Chris Paul and Devin Booker.

The two Pennsylvania natives took their partnership out East to Brooklyn with the sudden escalation of Kevin Durant desiring Phoenix on Feb. 9 after 1 a.m.

With more touches, the two quickly displayed who they were, steering the ship with the ball in their hands. It became the perfect investment exchange for the Nets following an unbelievable era that missed the utmost golden opportunity. Their camaraderie has expanded throughout Team USA’s roster during FIBA World Cup play amongst the duo, further presenting their developing evolution beyond their few months as Nets.

"“They’re just culture guys, and they’re good people. They have a leadership quality about them, but they can play, you know? Cam is as good a shooter as there is in the league, great size. Mikal has expanded his offensive game. I think the trade really helped unleash a side that he hasn’t shown thus far in the league. They just want to win. It’s not about them; it’s about winning.” New Men’s Team USA Managing Director Grant Hill at camp"

Johnson and Bridges are sending a message to the NBA of what the Nets could be this season, as their experience could lift them tremendously.

A potential question mark of what a full season with this group looks like has loomed with plenty of in-house upside. Brooklyn, coming off a nicely productive summer, could be a good show as a playoff team in the East.

Who is this Brooklyn Nets team?

From that night in February on, the Nets finished just a subpar 13-15, but many foreshadowed great potential under full chemistry and continuity.

Jacque Vaughn enters a fresh, first-full season with any surrounding uncertainty, with the team having a positive offseason. They subtracted the barren contracts of Joe Harris and the likes of Patty Mills, opening up cap space and keeping Brooklyn untaxed. The move helped retain Johnson, giving him his security-type salary and showing the Nets’ confidence in the duo’s ceiling.

General Manager Sean Marks has also brought in suitable pieces for the “Twins” tandem. Appropriate versatility to also accompany the team’s core of Spencer Dinwiddie, Nic Claxton, Dorian Finney-Smith, and the restless anticipation of Ben Simmons. Youthful, explosive, and thunderous athleticism in Lonnie Walker IV, Dariq Whitehead, Darius Bazley, and Dennis Smith Jr. They also added Trendon Watford in recent weeks.

2022-23 numbers (post-All-Star break):

24th OFFRTG: 112.6

13TH DEFRTG: 113.8

19TH NETRTG: -1.2

14TH AST/TO: 1.95

T-18TH AST RATIO: 18.3

26TH PTS: 111.8 PPG – 8TH 3PM 13.3 (20TH 3P%) – 30TH FG%

A full year of dynamic, athletic wings that can shoot and defend, led by the blossoming Bridges can fix a lot of those numbers. In his 27 contests, the 26-year-old put up 26.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, shooting 47.5% from the field and 37.6% from three. He is one of the premiere two-way players in this league known for never missing a game, and his month of March was stellar. Bridges put up 28.8 PPG with 49.8 FG/42.5 3P% splits, with a true shooting of 64.1%, giving flashes of an undoubtedly 2024 All-Star campaign.

Johnson also premiered some on-ball dominance. He averaged 16.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2 APG, and 1.4 STL, shooting north of 46% and 37% beyond the arc. At full durability, he is finally showing what he can do with more offensive opportunity, as his improvements were seen in Team USA exhibition play. The two create a new special companionship throughout the locker room in their new chapter as leaders, igniting a team of size and versatility on both ends through their development.

Why the Brooklyn Nets have a bright future

Finney-Smith and Claxton gave trust in anchoring the defense behind Vaughn, and Dinwiddie proved he can not only provide consistent scoring but also his premiere passing capabilities. He was among the league leaders in APG through the final 20 games. But what is arguably the most significant instrument, like a diamond in the rough? Ben Simmons is at full health.

Previously in the summer, Marc J. Spears stated on ESPN’s NBA Today that a source close to the three-time All-Star said he looks as healthy as he did when he last played for Philadelphia, clearing all benchmarks. Ready for training camp, the Nets view Simmons as their primary ball-handler. His presence and what his true game could bring on both ends make it such a luxury to imagine his old dominance meshing flawlessly next to Brooklyn’s new athletic build with the Twins and transition play.

Their positionless style of basketball will be exciting to watch, transforming them into one of the more fun teams in the East. One could argue that Brooklyn’s top seven-eight guys can defend all five positions with the wings and Simmons at the helm. Cam Thomas can also be a great piece if he plays the minutes, and Walker IV can be a rewarding acquisition after his postseason moments in LA.

If Johnson can take that next step, maybe beyond a 20-point scorer with his evolved all-around game next to Bridges’ growth, this Nets team is looking at a really special future and season ahead. Combining this fitting group will come at ease.