The Brooklyn Nets made some significant changes this offseason, as the front office looks to accelerate the rebuilding process. How will these new pieces gel together?
The Brooklyn Nets made some big acquisitions this offseason, with the front office landing Julius Randle via trade, adding three rookies through the draft, and signing multiple free agents to supplement the bench unit.
On Thursday, Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley ranked all 30 NBA team's starting units, with Brooklyn coming in at No. 26.
"There might be disconnected timelines and competitions for touches here, but there could also be a (relatively) good amount of talent," Buckley wrote about Brooklyn.
The Nets' starting five returns just two full-time starters in Egor Dëmin and Michael Porter Jr., while promoting Day'Ron Sharpe to the starting five and adding Mikel Brown Jr. and Randle.
Randle, who was the most-notable acquisition, is a three-time NBA All-Star with plenty of playoff experience.
He has already begun serving as a voice around the facility, encouraging the media that this Nets team will exceed the low expectations surrounding them.
At Brooklyn's media day, Randle was asked about the reigning NBA champion New York Knicks, who he spent the majority of his career with.
Randle said he was happy for the franchise and the city, while saying that he wants to bring a championship to his new Big Apple squad.
The pairing of Randle and Porter should fit nicely, with Porter benefiting from the physical playstyle of his new counterpart.
Last season was a career-year for the first year Net, with Porter leading the team in scoring and adding 7.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.
Throughout the offseason, Porter has been seeking an extension from the Nets, while affirming that he wants to help the team turn around their recent woes.
But, no common ground has been found, meaning Porter is in line to hit the market next offseason as an unrestricted free agent.
At the Nets' media day, General Manager Sean Marks addressed the negotiations, while saying that
"So for Mike to come in here and own that opportunity that he had and have a great year, I think we’re looking for consistency for him," Marks said. "We’re looking for him to take another step on the defensive end of it, rebounding end of it. Just become more of a complete player."
His increased playmaking was an added element of his game last season, with his willingness to move the ball being notable as the year went on.
With playmaking talents like Dëmin and Brown solidifying the backcourt, Porter will have the opportunity to play more off the ball, and take advantage of his catch-and-shoot ability.
While the Eastern Conference as a whole has gotten very competitive, the Nets could compete for a play-in spot if the new pieces gel.
