The Brooklyn Nets reach the NBA All-Star break with a mix of good and bad. Time to dive into what's working and isn't.
The Brooklyn Nets hit the NBA All-Star game ready to recalibrate.
Or they can stick with the current plan, which leads into a potential top three pick in the NBA Draft Lottery.
Brooklyn under Jordi Fernandez as head coach and Sean Marks as general manager have constructed a roster that looks more ready to pursue the top pick in the draft. And that's a mix of good and bad -- the former meaning a new intriguing talent is coming but the latter indicating a restless fanbase.
Is the Nets' rumored tanking philosophy among the things going right or wrong?
Launching a new series here called "three things going right, three going wrong" for the Nets. Let's dive in:
What's Gone Right: Rookie Impact Not Limited to One
Marks and Fernandez are making good on this element: Smart rookie draft decisions.
Egor Demin is the leader here as an extra developing sharpshooter. Nolan Traore gained new confidence following his double-double versus the Chicago Bulls. Even Danny Wolf and Drake Powell have flashed when called upon -- the latter especially with his dunks.
What's Gone Wrong: Not Handing Nolan Traore More Minutes
Yes, there's been injuries that forced Traore into the starting lineup.
However, Fernandez ran the risk of diminishing Traore's confidence early by keeping him on the bench. This also came during a time Cam Thomas was attempting to earn minutes. With Thomas gone, there are fans believing Traore should've earned more extensive time anyway even with rookie mistakes likely to come.
What's Gone Right: Keeping Michael Porter Jr.
For what it's worth, it became smart to keep Porter.
One, he provides a strong veteran scoring presence and leadership. Two, it would've meant that the Nets should've never traded for Porter back in July in the first place. Obviously Marks will probably revisit this, but the Nets play so much better with MPJ on the floor.
What's Gone Wrong: Not Handing MPJ Shooting Help in Trade Deadline
All Marks added was depth and defense.
While it's not a bad strategy, it still creates more pressure for MPJ to handle the scoring load while Demin and Traore take their lumps on the court.
What's Gone Right: Nic Claxton Versatility
"Clax" brings a stout presence as a rebounder and post scorer.
But Traore even raved about his passing in the paint -- helping open up the offense.
What's Gone Wrong: Fernandez's Lineup Rotation
Fernandez has looked like a disorganized coach with how he rotates his lineup.
While we can agree he should avoid an all-rookie starting five, he still hasn't created consistent chemistry between the vets and rookies. The head coach is likely better off having Porter, Demin, Traore and Claxton as the main four with Noah Clowney the fifth.
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