The Brooklyn Nets’ recent woes continued as they dropped their third straight game, falling to the Detroit Pistons 113-98. While the loss is disappointing, Noah Clowney’s breakout performance provided a silver lining.
Clowney, the 20-year-old rookie, put on a show with a career-high 29 points on 9-of-20 shooting, including an impressive 5-of-11 from beyond the arc. His 37 minutes of playing time showcased his potential as a key piece of the Nets’ future.
What’s particularly intriguing about Clowney’s development is his transformation into a three-point threat. Coming out of college, he shot just 29% from deep, but he’s now knocking down threes at a 39% clip in the NBA. This improvement is no accident, as Clowney stated post-game that he knew he had this ability and just needed the opportunity to showcase it.
The focus on Clowney’s three-point shooting raises questions about his overall development. While his ability to stretch the floor is valuable, we’re seeing a decrease in other aspects of his game, particularly shot-blocking and rebounding. It’s a trade-off that the Nets seem willing to make for now, possibly as part of a larger developmental strategy.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the Nets balance Clowney’s role. Will they continue to have him bomb away from three, or will we see a more diverse skill set emerge? The coaching staff may look to expand his game, focusing on areas like putting the ball on the deck, defensive versatility, and rim protection.
The Nets’ current struggles are not unexpected, given the team’s direction following recent trades and injuries. The absence of key players like D’Angelo Russell, Ben Simmons, and Cam Thomas has exposed the lack of depth in the roster, particularly in the backcourt.
Looking ahead, the Nets find themselves in an interesting position in the standings. Currently sitting at 13-24, they’re in the mix for a high draft pick. With teams like Utah and Charlotte facing one another on the upcoming schedule, Brooklyn’s position could improve further.
For Nets fans, the focus now shifts to player development and evaluating talent for the future. While the losses may be tough to swallow, performances like Clowney’s provide hope for a brighter future.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Nets’ current situation, tune into the Locked On Nets podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Nets Podcast:
• Analysis of the Nets’ guard situation and its impact on offensive production
• Discussion on potential trade packages with OKC
• Updates on injured players and their expected return timelines
