Nets’ Defensive Identity Has Shifted in the Preseason

Hustle, physicality and intensity form the Brooklyn Nets' new defensive identity this preseason, as they forced 20-plus turnovers in back-to-back games.

Brooklyn has forced 46 turnovers against the Charlotte Hornets (25 turnovers) and the Philadelphia 76ers (21). Some of these mistakes can be attributed to rust and teams not treating the preseason seriously, but the Nets are treating these games like the regular season.

Julius Randle guarded LeBron James full court and Moritz Wagner is comfortable defending the perimeter against other big men. Randle even dove and saved a loose ball in Brooklyn's six-point win over Philadelphia.

The 30-year-old is bought in to helping the Nets win in any way possible. He's never been known as a defensive-minded player, but the young guy's infectious energy and has rubbed off on him.

Wagner had four steals against the 76ers, most coming at the perimeter while guarding Joel Embiid. The 29-year-old fits the disruptor role he prefers, but couldn't play with the Orlando Magic.

Brooklyn's backup big acknowledged he's not an elite shot blocker like Anthony Davis or Victor Wembanyama. Those two don't just protect the rim; they are the rim deterrents, forcing drivers to reset the offense at the perimeter.

Wagner said Brooklyn is "super aggressive" defending ball screens. That entails blitzing the ball-handler or switching the big man, Wagner, onto the guard.

Quick turnovers turn into easy fast-break points, and improving the team's pace. The Nets were the lowest-scoring offense, averaging 105.9 points per game and totaling 97.06 possessions per 48 minutes (25th in the NBA).

A slow pace leads to more half-court offense, and with an extremely young roster, the youth dealt with some growing pains. The Flatbush Five showed flashes last season, but struggled to create opportunities consistently.

Elite transition teams often finish top 10 in offense. The Miami Heat, Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons and Utah Jazz finished in the top 10 in fast-break points and points per game.

Brooklyn should strive to become an elite transition offense, and it's built on the turnovers it generates.

The Nets have a plethora of two-way talent on the roster. Keon Ellis could be the team's point-of-attack defender; Josh Minott and Drake Powell have near 7-foot wingspans that help shut down the passing lanes and hound perimeter ball handlers.

Fernández's squad had the No. 1 defensive rating last December. He wants to build on that 11-game sample size and raise the team's defensive floor.