Adam Armbrecht here, the host of the daily Locked On Nets podcast, with your daily Locked On Nets newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Nets and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Game Notes: Jordi Fernandez wants more for Cam Thomas and Ben Simmons
Oct 14, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez reacts to a play on the court against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images|Gregory Fisher/Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
The Brooklyn Nets are navigating a challenging season, and head coach Jordi Fernandez is focused on player development and strategic adjustments. Following a tough loss to the Detroit Pistons, the team is gearing up for their next game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Coach Fernandez’s insights and expectations for key players like Cam Thomas and Ben Simmons are central to the team’s progress.
Cam Thomas is a pure scorer, and there is little doubt that he can have a long, successful career in that role. Coach Fernandez, howver, is pushing for more than just points. Fernandez has highlighted the importance of Thomas improving his assist numbers and court vision. The coach wants Thomas to evolve into a player who not only scores but also facilitates and enhances team play. This development is crucial for Thomas to align with Fernandez’s vision of a well-rounded player contributing to the Nets’ overall success.
In the recent game against the Pistons, Thomas’s performance underscored these developmental needs. Thomas still put up 17 points, but unlike recent games this season it came with less efficiency. He shot just 35% from the field and just 1-7 from deep. Beyond the percentages, the eye-test also displayed a player forcing the issue, specifically when driving into traffic in the paint and around the basket. Defenses will key-in on Thomas every game, and Jordi Fernandez wants to see his efficiency and decision-making improve in those moments. The challenge for Thomas is to balance his scoring prowess with the ability to involve his teammates effectively, a key aspect of Fernandez’s coaching philosophy.
The other player of note, Ben Simmons, and his role under Coach Fernandez is a topic of ongoing discussion. Despite Simmons’s exceptional court vision, his reluctance to shoot is a significant concern for Fernandez. The coach has been vocal about wanting Simmons to take more shots, aiming for at least ten attempts per game. However, this has yet to be realized, and it remains a critical area for Simmons to address.
Simmons’s hesitance to attack the basket and draw fouls is at odds with Fernandez’s strategy, which emphasizes taking advantage of scoring opportunities. This reluctance not only limits Simmons’s effectiveness but also impacts the team’s overall dynamics. Fernandez’s challenge is to find a way to integrate Simmons’s strengths while encouraging him to expand his offensive contributions.
For Ben Simmons, it is not only the impact in has on his own game, but the way in which Simmons remains shot-adverse impacts the roster overall. Every transition opportunity, every fast break with Ben at the helm comes with disjointed decision making that leaves teammates at a disadvantage.The question, though I cannot see why it remains one, is if Coach Fernandez will move Simmons into a bench role until he proves capable and willing to shoot. The harsher decision may come in benching him entirely to have the message sink in.
In a season that is more about development than wins and loses, it will be interesting to see how far Jordi Fernandez lets veteran players like Simmons go, before younger talent is given a bigger role and opportunity. It was also be worth watching if Fernandez backs up his expectations with a demand for results, something his coaching style and demeanor clearing want in this new era of Brooklyn Nets basketball.
Reflections from Vince Carter’s jersey retirement night
The Toronto Raptors retired Vince Carter’s jersey on Saturday night. The ceremony came during half time of the Raptors-Kings game, where an emotional Carter and his family watched a banner with his number and the iconic photo of him mid-between-the-legs-dunk rise up to the rafters in the arena it all started in for him. That moment marked a culmination. Of a career, of a person’s trepidatious relationship with a city and its fan base, of a distinct era of NBA basketball and identity of a franchise, but also of a month’s worth of moments for Carter.
The Raptors made the announcement at a community basketball court dedication to Carter in late September, where franchise president Masai Ujiri thanked Carter for all he did to inspire the game in Canada and put the Raptors franchise on the map. “Time heals things,” Ujiri told the crowd before he confirmed Carter would be the first player in team history to have their number retired. Carter was overcome and fought back tears as he thanked the crowd, Ujiri and the city.
The tributes continued. Carter had an airplane dedicated to him by one of the country’s major airlines, Air Canada, in a nod to his nickname of the same. A mural was unveiled in downtown Toronto, and it was announced Carter would join as a broadcaster to provide coverage for select games this season — also the Raptors 30th anniversary season.
Given the host of accolades and recognition, I found it telling when Carter sat down in front of assembled media prior to Saturday night’s game for a pre-ceremony presser, and said he wasn’t sure what to expect of the night but encouraged everyone to “live in the moment”. I asked him, in light of every tribute and celebration thus far, how he was doing that or if his perception of the moment changed. He laughed. “I’m fighting,” he admitted.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis Brooklyn Nets coach emphasizes the importance of Cam Thomas passing more to enhance team dynamics and offensive flow. (Sports Illustrated)
Injury Nic Claxton remains under minutes restriction, affecting Nets’ defensive stability amid ongoing recovery concerns. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis Cameron Johnson delivers standout performance, highlighting his potential impact despite Nets’ defeat to Pistons. (Sports Illustrated)
Injury Brooklyn Nets face challenges with multiple players on injury list against Pistons, impacting team performance. (Injury Report) (Sports Illustrated)
Preview Upcoming Nets vs. Pistons matchup preview outlines key betting odds and team dynamics. (Sports Illustrated)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Paul George’s Return Is A Huge Fantasy Basketball Boost
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena.|Photo by Brett Davis-Imagn Images
As we wrap up another thrilling week in the NBA, it’s time to delve into the latest injury updates and player performances that could impact your fantasy basketball strategy. With only three games on Sunday, the anticipation builds for an action-packed 15-game day. Let’s explore the key developments and what they mean for your fantasy lineup.
Injury Updates: Key Players to Watch
Zach LaVine’s shoulder issues continue to be a concern, leaving his status questionable. This ongoing problem could affect his availability, so keep an eye on updates. Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert’s ankle sprain opens opportunities for Naz Reid and Luka Garza, especially in deeper leagues. With Aaron Nesmith out and Andrew Nembhard questionable, Ben Mathurin and Jarace Walker are set to see increased roles, potentially stepping into starting positions or gaining extra minutes.
Lauri Markkanen’s return from back spasms is imminent, which is great news for fantasy managers. In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid’s absence isn’t surprising, but Paul George’s expected return is a significant development. Despite being listed as questionable, reports suggest George is ready to play, albeit with a possible minutes restriction. This isn’t a long-term injury, so expect him to be back in full swing soon.
Player Performances: Who’s Stepping Up?
The Detroit Pistons secured a road win against the Brooklyn Nets, showcasing improved play compared to last season. Jalen Duren stood out with a solid performance, contributing 13 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. His increased minutes were partly due to Isaiah Stewart fouling out, but it’s a positive sign for Duren’s fantasy value.
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