The Brooklyn Nets had a thrilling and strategically beneficial weekend. Facing off against the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Nets played with heart and intensity, taking both games down to the wire(and Overtime in Boston’s case). Despite the losses, these games were a testament to the team’s approach to the season, even as they improved their draft odds.
The Nets, despite being underdogs, showed they could hang with the Celtics and Cavaliers. It should always be the case that once the jump ball is thrown if your team plays the style of basketball capable of winning games, you root for that victory. There has been, however, a weird contingent of fans that fear strong development and play.
As a lifelong Giants fan trust me - ineptitude, even with the promise of Draft pick glory, leaves you numb and dejected. After the buzzer sounds and the game is lost, the “silver lining” can commence - with improved lottery odds at every losing turn.
It’s a unique situation where the thrill of the game and the long-term strategy align, making each match a win-win for fans. The Nets sit outside the lottery based on playoff seeding, but their record falls into the 8-10 position by most projections.
The weekend’s games also highlighted Cam Thomas’ developmental flow so far this season. Friday night was the offensive output fans have come to expect from Thomas.
However, it is notable that his perimeter shooting is a career-low 32% at the moment, even while his overall scoring has remained near his typical numbers. Saturday was a mixed bag, where Thomas tied a season-high six assists but also matched it with six turnovers.
His overall game has been exactly what we expected to see, and the pre-season defensive focus has clearly translated to the regular season. Now, the question becomes if his overall offensive game can continue to expand or if fans will need to “settle” for a dynamic scorer who may never fully add elite playmaker to the resume.
Ben Simmons remains a topic of debate among fans. His performance has been inconsistent, and while he shows flashes of brilliance, his overall impact on the team is questionable. Simmons’ plus-minus stats are concerning, and his reluctance to shoot limits the team’s offensive potential.
Despite his elite vision and passing ability, his presence on the court often coincides with the team’s struggles. It’s a complex situation, as his minutes seemingly contribute to the team’s strategic losses, aligning with the broader goal of improving draft odds.
The coaching staff, led by Jordi Fernandez, seems to recognize the limitations of playing Simmons alongside Nicholas Claxton. The two don’t complement each other well, and the team’s performance improves when Simmons is off the court. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the coaching staff manages Simmons’ role and minutes.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Brooklyn Nets’ strategies and player performances, tune into the Locked On Nets podcast for this and much more.
