Nets Must Clean Up Turnover Bug, Control Pace

The Brooklyn Nets added some significant talent to the roster this offseason through the NBA Draft, trades, and free agency, but it has not yer resulted in wins.

After a bottom-four finish in the NBA last season, the Nets have started the year a dismal 2-8, struggling to put together four quarters of consistency on both ends of the floor.

But, the offensive continuity is something that definitely must improve, as the Nets rank towards the bottom of the league in most scoring metrics.

Turnovers have been a big problem all season, with Brooklyn ranking No. 28 in the NBA with 18.1 giveaways per game.

This has been paired with a lack of effective ball movement and creation, as the Nets also rank No. 28 in assists per game with 23.4.

On Sunday night, Brooklyn traveled to take on the Dallas Mavericks, where the turnover bug once again struck amidst a poor shooting night.

The Nets surrendered 16 turnovers, while converting on only 39% of their shot attempts from the field, and losing by the biggest margin of the season (130-93).

ClutchPoints reporter Erik Slater noted the ball control issues from the Nets' top two players, Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr., following the loss.

"The Nets need Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr. to do a better job taking care of the ball. Randle and MPJ had nine turnovers in last night's loss [to the Atlanta Hawks]," Slater wrote. "They've combined for 57 assists and 56 turnovers this season."

While Porter is not a high-assist guy, too many giveaways have led to offensive spells and big runs against the Nets' favor.

Randle, on the other hand, needs to be better, as he has yet to find his groove in Brooklyn after being acquired just before night one of the draft.

At 4.1 turnovers per game, Randle's giveaway numbers would be by-far his worst of his career, while efficiency and 3-point shooting has been a struggle.

Throughout his career, Randle has shown the ability to fall into offensive slumps, but his relationship and continuity with Porter should be growing and continue to do so during the rest of the year.

Nonetheless, both standout wings remain potential trade targets, as the Nets have reportedly already begun taking calls on their biggest contracts.

Following a 37-point loss in the second day of their back-to-back, the Nets have three days off to recoup and adjust before taking on the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Nets travel to New Orleans on Wednesday, Nov. 11, tipping off at 8:00 p.m.