The Brooklyn Nets finished the 2015-2016 season with a 21-61 record, which was good for second-to-last in the Eastern Conference. Although the future of the franchise still remains in question, the organization took a step forward this off-season by hiring Sean Marks, formerly of the San Antonio Spurs, to be their General Manager. Marks went on to bring in Kenny Atkinson, who had spent the previous four seasons with Atlanta, to be the team's head coach.
*Just like our Knicks article, we will be reviewing the Brooklyn Nets free agency, then giving a preview on the contributions that each player is expected to give*
PG Jeremy Lin
Age: 27
Previous Team: Charlotte Hornets
Acquired: Unrestricted Free Agent
Contract Details: 3 year deal worth $38.3 million
Summary:
It is safe to say that Jeremy Lin has bounced around ever since he lit up New York back in 2011-2012. Since that magical season, he has seen time with the Rockets, Lakers, and Hornets. In that time, he has been regarded as a steady, durable player that can provide a spark off the bench. With the Nets, however, Lin will be given the starting nod and run the offense.
In 78 games for Charlotte last year, Lin had 11.7 PPG with 3.0 AST while playing primarily at the shooting guard position. Out of those 78 games, he only started 13, but managed to carve a niche in the rotation of an improving Hornets club. Brooklyn officially introduced the six year veteran today, and he will be given the opportunity to play under his former Assistant Coach, Kenny Atkinson, as the two had worked together with the Knicks.
Finally, in terms of finances, the Nets didn't do too bad here, as $38.3 million isn't too large of an investment in today's market.
Grade: B
PF Trevor Booker
Age: 28
Previous Team: Utah Jazz
Acquired: Unrestricted Free Agent
Contract Details: 2 year deal worth $18.5 million
Summary:
After dealing power forward Thaddeus Young to the Indiana Pacers, the Nets had a huge void to fill. While Booker is nowhere near the player of Thaddeus Young, he is still a serviceable role player who will give Atkinson quality minutes.
He has been in the NBA for six seasons, including four with Washington and the most recent two with the Utah Jazz. Booker was predominately a bench player for Utah, starting just 7 of his 158 games with them. In that span, he put up a combined 6.5 PPG with 5.4 REB while shooting roughly 33% from the three point line.
Standing at 6'8" 228 lbs, Booker has the perfect body to be a power forward, but does not possess the ability to man center, thus providing little versatility. It is currently unknown what role he will play going forward, but he may be given the starting nod come preseason.
Grade: C+
PG Isaiah Whitehead
Age: 21
Previous Team: Seton Hall (NCAA)
Acquired: 2016 NBA Draft, 2nd Round Pick
Contract Details: 4 year deal worth $4.5 million
Summary:
Whitehead, originally drafted by the Jazz with the 42nd pick, was sent to Brooklyn in a deal that sent young guard Marcus Paige to Utah. As a Brooklyn native, he will be the first player in Nets history to be from the local area, oddly enough.
Standing at 6'4" 210 lbs, he had been with Seton Hall for the previous two seasons, but really took charge this past year when he helped take his school to the Division I Men's Basketball Tournament. Despite being eliminated by Gonzaga in the first round, Whitehead was unanimously selected to the All-Big East first team. Additionally, he was given the Haggerty award, which is handed out each year to the New York area's top men's Division I basketball player.
At the end of the year, Whitehead finished with 18.2 PPG with 5.1 AST and 3.6 REB. He shot 36% from downtown and 76% at the free throw line. Overall, the Nets did an excellent job with this selection, as he provides a youthful spark to a team that is struggling to find an identity.
C Justin Hamilton
Age: 26
Previous Team: Valencia (Euroleague)
Acquired: Unrestricted Free Agent
Contract Details: 2 year deal worth $6 million
Summary:
Ever since being drafted in the 2nd round of the 2012 NBA Draft, Hamilton has been labeled as a journeyman in the league. He has seen limited time with the Heat, Timberwolves, and Bobcats, as well as several teams overseas. With Brooklyn losing youngster Willie Reed to the Miami Heat in free agency, Hamilton projects to replace his role on the roster. That role will essentially be backing up Brook Lopez, who is the team's best player by a large margin.
Although there were likely better options out on the open market, Hamilton is not a horrible pickup. In 2014-2015, after being dealt from the Heat to the T-Wolves, he averaged 9.0 PPG and 5.1 REB in 17 games.
Grade: C+
PG/SG Greivis Vasquez
Age: 29
Previous Team: Milwaukee Bucks
Acquired: Unrestricted Free Agent
Contract Details: 1 year deal worth $4.3 million
Summary:
Like Hamilton, Vasquez has had trouble finding a true home in the NBA. Originally drafted by Memphis in 2010, he has suited up for the Grizzlies, Hornets, Kings, Raptors, and most recently the Milwaukee Bucks. In 23 games for Milwaukee, he averaged 5.7 PPG with 4.0 AST while shooting a weak 24% from the three point line.
I like this deal for the Nets since $4.3 million isn't a huge investment in someone like Vasquez. Although it was four seasons ago, he managed to put up 13.9 PPG as a member of the New Orleans Hornets, and shot at above-average levels. The 29 year old guard will likely be slated to back up Jeremy Lin once the 2015-2016 season unfolds.
PF Luis Scola
Age: 36
Previous Team: Toronto Raptors
Acquired: Unrestricted Free Agent
Contract: 1 year deal worth $5.5 million
Summary:
Although Scola has bounced around quite often over the last four seasons, he was once regarded as an above-average forward in the league. His best years were from 2007-2012, averaging 14.5 PPG with 7.7 REB for the Houston Rockets. Since that point, he had played with the Phoenix Suns, Indiana Pacers, and most recently, the Toronto Raptors.
Scola was an important piece to the Raptors last season, as he started in 76 of the team's 82 games, averaging 8.7 PPG and 4.7 REB. Despite being a far cry from his Houston Rocket days, he has been a steady, reliable player who almost always stays on the court. For a one year commitment, and with a strong need at power forward, the Nets did well with this signing.
SG Caris LeVert
Age: 21
Previous Team: University of Michigan
Acquired: From Indiana Pacers
Contract: 2 year deal worth $3.1 million
Summary:
LeVert is someone that I paid a close on going into this year's NBA Draft. He had previously been a vital part of Michigan's success but the last two season's were hampered with serious injuries. The Pacers originally took the shooting guard with the 20th pick in the draft, but he was quickly dealt to Brooklyn in exchange for PF Thaddeus Young.
Many projected LeVert to fall to the 2nd round, so perhaps the Nets reached here, but this still may be a gamble worth taking. Nicknamed "Baby Durant", the 6'7" 205 lb guard averaged 16.5 PPG with 5.3 REB in just 15 games last year. In his last full season, 2013-2014, he put up 12.9 PPG with 4.3 REB.
Initially, LeVert may struggle to see playing time with a Nets team that is stacked with veterans who will likely have the first crack at claiming their rotation spots. However, the Nets invested quite a bit in him, as Thaddeus Young was a big part of last year's squad, so we figure to see him get a decent look sometime before season's end.
Grade: B
PF Anthony Bennett
Age: 23
Previous Team: Toronto Raptors
Acquired: Unrestricted Free Agent
Contract: 2 year deal worth $2.1 million
Summary:
Bennett has been a figure of some controversy ever since he was selected with the first overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. After one sub-par season, the Cavaliers quickly shipped him off to Minnesota in the Kevin Love deal, where he continued to under-perform. Most recently, he inked a deal with the Raptors, playing in 19 games, averaging a measly 1.5 PPG with 1.2 REB.
Although much of the Raptor front office had concerns about Bennett's attitude and work ethic, I still believe this is a good move for the Nets. Granted, Bennett probably shouldn't have been chosen with the top pick in the draft that year, but he is still just 23 years old and the tools for success are there.
Standing at 6'9" 245 lbs, he projects to be a power forward in the league, and could space the floor if he works on his three point shot. The Nets are currently jammed with players who can man the power forward position, so playing time could be tough to get. Time will tell if Bennett can finally get his career going after three very disappointing seasons.
SG Randy Foye
Age: 32
Previous Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
Acquired: Unrestricted Free Agent
Contract: 1 year deal worth $2.5 million
Summary:
As the 7th Overall Selection in the 2007 NBA Draft, Foye has made a name for himself in the league. Playing for Minnesota, Washington, Los Angeles (Clippers), Utah, Denver, and Oklahoma City, he has averaged in 10.8 PPG in his 10 year career.
Foye started the 2015-2016 year with Denver, but was shipped to the Thunder in exchange for D.J. Augustin, Steve Novak, and two second-round picks. He averaged 21.2 minutes with Thunder, resulting in 5.6 PPG and shooting just 31% percent from downtown. For comparison sake, he is a career 37% shooter from the three point line, so his shot took a significant step back.
Foye will represent yet another veteran that the Nets hope put up a solid comeback season. As a one year commitment, Brooklyn could conceivably ship him off in mid-season to a contender in need for guard depth.
Other Notable Signings Include, but are not limited to:
- SG Joe Harris
- PG Yogi Ferrell
- SG Beau Beech
I like this deal for the Nets since $4.3 million isn't a huge investment in someone like Vasquez. Although it was four seasons ago, he managed to put up 13.9 PPG as a member of the New Orleans Hornets, and shot at above-average levels. The 29 year old guard will likely be slated to back up Jeremy Lin once the 2015-2016 season unfolds.
Grade: B-
Age: 36
Previous Team: Toronto Raptors
Acquired: Unrestricted Free Agent
Contract: 1 year deal worth $5.5 million
Summary:
Although Scola has bounced around quite often over the last four seasons, he was once regarded as an above-average forward in the league. His best years were from 2007-2012, averaging 14.5 PPG with 7.7 REB for the Houston Rockets. Since that point, he had played with the Phoenix Suns, Indiana Pacers, and most recently, the Toronto Raptors.
Scola was an important piece to the Raptors last season, as he started in 76 of the team's 82 games, averaging 8.7 PPG and 4.7 REB. Despite being a far cry from his Houston Rocket days, he has been a steady, reliable player who almost always stays on the court. For a one year commitment, and with a strong need at power forward, the Nets did well with this signing.
Grade: B
SG Caris LeVert
Age: 21
Previous Team: University of Michigan
Acquired: From Indiana Pacers
Contract: 2 year deal worth $3.1 million
Summary:
LeVert is someone that I paid a close on going into this year's NBA Draft. He had previously been a vital part of Michigan's success but the last two season's were hampered with serious injuries. The Pacers originally took the shooting guard with the 20th pick in the draft, but he was quickly dealt to Brooklyn in exchange for PF Thaddeus Young.
Many projected LeVert to fall to the 2nd round, so perhaps the Nets reached here, but this still may be a gamble worth taking. Nicknamed "Baby Durant", the 6'7" 205 lb guard averaged 16.5 PPG with 5.3 REB in just 15 games last year. In his last full season, 2013-2014, he put up 12.9 PPG with 4.3 REB.
Initially, LeVert may struggle to see playing time with a Nets team that is stacked with veterans who will likely have the first crack at claiming their rotation spots. However, the Nets invested quite a bit in him, as Thaddeus Young was a big part of last year's squad, so we figure to see him get a decent look sometime before season's end.
Grade: B
PF Anthony Bennett
Age: 23
Previous Team: Toronto Raptors
Acquired: Unrestricted Free Agent
Contract: 2 year deal worth $2.1 million
Summary:
Bennett has been a figure of some controversy ever since he was selected with the first overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. After one sub-par season, the Cavaliers quickly shipped him off to Minnesota in the Kevin Love deal, where he continued to under-perform. Most recently, he inked a deal with the Raptors, playing in 19 games, averaging a measly 1.5 PPG with 1.2 REB.
Although much of the Raptor front office had concerns about Bennett's attitude and work ethic, I still believe this is a good move for the Nets. Granted, Bennett probably shouldn't have been chosen with the top pick in the draft that year, but he is still just 23 years old and the tools for success are there.
Standing at 6'9" 245 lbs, he projects to be a power forward in the league, and could space the floor if he works on his three point shot. The Nets are currently jammed with players who can man the power forward position, so playing time could be tough to get. Time will tell if Bennett can finally get his career going after three very disappointing seasons.
Grade: B-
SG Randy Foye
Age: 32
Previous Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
Acquired: Unrestricted Free Agent
Contract: 1 year deal worth $2.5 million
Summary:
As the 7th Overall Selection in the 2007 NBA Draft, Foye has made a name for himself in the league. Playing for Minnesota, Washington, Los Angeles (Clippers), Utah, Denver, and Oklahoma City, he has averaged in 10.8 PPG in his 10 year career.
Foye started the 2015-2016 year with Denver, but was shipped to the Thunder in exchange for D.J. Augustin, Steve Novak, and two second-round picks. He averaged 21.2 minutes with Thunder, resulting in 5.6 PPG and shooting just 31% percent from downtown. For comparison sake, he is a career 37% shooter from the three point line, so his shot took a significant step back.
Foye will represent yet another veteran that the Nets hope put up a solid comeback season. As a one year commitment, Brooklyn could conceivably ship him off in mid-season to a contender in need for guard depth.
Grade: B
Other Notable Signings Include, but are not limited to:
- SG Joe Harris
- PG Yogi Ferrell
- SG Beau Beech
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