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.
The early NBA landscape could make a difficult trade market for the Brooklyn Nets.
Feb 29, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets General Manager Sean Marks speaks to a group of people prior to the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports|Wendell Cruz/Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
The NBA season has kicked off with a surprising twist, and the Brooklyn Nets find themselves in an unexpected position. As we dive into the early dynamics of the league, it’s clear that the landscape has shifted, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the Nets.
The Brooklyn Nets have begun their season with a 4-4 record, placing them among the top teams in the Eastern Conference. It is a reflection of the Nets early success, but also of the chaotic state of the East.
With teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics leading the pack, the Nets’ performance has been better than anticipated. Meanwhile the 1-6 start for the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers has, for the moment, thrown playoff favorites into the conference basement.
However, this unexpected start raises questions about their strategy moving forward. The Eastern Conference has not unfolded as expected, with only four teams, including the Nets, boasting a .500 or better record.
While it is unlikely that the Nets overall all plan to tank and land a high draft pick, will be impacted by the their current performance, their ability to maximize assets via trades could take a significant hit.
With several teams in the Western Conference performing well, the demand for veteran players may not be as high as anticipated. Teams like the Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder have started strong, reducing their need for additional firepower.
Even the Golden State Warriors have gotten off to an unexpectedly hot start. Meanwhile, the aforementioned Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers struggles, raise questions about their willingness to invest in trades to turn their seasons around.
The current state of the league however is not as favorable for unloading veteran talent at premium prices, as many teams are either satisfied with their current rosters or lack the assets to make significant moves.
Sean Marks has set a historically high bar when it comes to trades, leading to players like Dorian-Finney Smith remaining on the team. Now, teams looking to improve may not be those with championship aspirations but rather mid-tier playoff seeding - a goal that can shift how far a front office will go to improve.
This does not mean the Nets are without options. The Orlando Magic, struggling with a league-worst three-point shooting percentage, could be a potential destination for some of the Nets’ perimeter players. Similarly, the San Antonio Spurs, aiming to build around their young talent, might be interested in acquiring a player like Cam Johnson to improve their shooting capabilities.
The Nets must navigate these trade possibilities carefully, considering the limited number of teams that might be willing to pay a premium for their assets. The challenge lies in finding the right partners who see value in the Nets’ offerings and are willing to make a deal that benefits both sides.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Brooklyn Nets’ season and trade strategies, tune into the Locked On Nets podcast for this and much more.
We’re about 10% of the way through the season, which means we’ve seen enough of the rookie class to make iron-clad judgments on them that will never change. First impression, last impression.
Kidding, of course; sample sizes are still small, and both we and the debutants themselves are learning a ton. Watching this class take their first baby-giraffe steps in the league has been a blast, so I’ve selected four rookies worth discussing.
1) Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies
Edey’s performance has been predictably up-and-down. On the one hand, he’s started to figure out how to defend without fouling. After infamously fouling out in just 15 minutes in his NBA debut, Edey hasn’t accrued more than three infractions in any of his last six games (although he did pick up three in just 15 minutes last night). Opponents are shooting just 55.6% against him at the rim, a better number than Anthony Davis or Rudy Gobert, and they take fewer attempts at the rim when he’s on the court. There’s a slight deterrence factor already at play.
Edey had a game where he went 11-for-12 from the field, but most of his damage has been done on putbacks and dump-offs. He has only generated 13 points on his 21 post-up possessions, a terrible mark, and his beloved hook shot has abandoned him.
Most peculiarly, a man I predicted might lead the league in screen assists has not been nearly as impactful a screener as I expected. Part of that is the Grizzlies leaning a bit away from the pick-and-roll-centric attack they’ve heavily featured in the past, and part is on some junior-high-school-level chemistry with Ja Morant (see here, where Edey whiffs on the screen and then can’t get to the lob quick enough). That said, he’s already mastered the rolling Gortat screen, a key tool for creating space for Morant. Now, he just needs more reps.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Personnel Owen Phillips of The F5 examines whether a coach can translate their styles between different teams. For example, what trends and principles has Kenny Atkinson instilled in the Cavaliers that we first saw in his Nets tenure?
Analysis ESPN’s Kevin Pelton looks at some early trends, such as the impact Jeremy Sochan’s injury might have on Victor Wembanyama’s offense, the Thunder defense, and more.
Must Read Joseph Casciaro and Joe Wolfond of theScore have 10 observations on the young season, including a look at the Bulls’ blistering pace, KAT’s defensive issues, and much more.
Injury Nic Claxton and Ben Simmons participated in practice, potentially returning from injuries, boosting the team’s depth. (New York Post)
Analysis Brooklyn’s roster changes aim to improve their defensive strategies, focusing on integrating new players effectively. (NetsDaily)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Zaccharie Risacher’s Big Night Brings Fantasy Basketball Questions
Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) shoots over New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) during the second half at State Farm Arena.|Photo by Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
In the world of fantasy basketball, player performances can fluctuate wildly, and Wednesday’s games were no exception. While Zach Edey had previously dazzled fans with a standout performance against the Nets, his recent outing was less than stellar. Facing tougher competition, Edey managed just eight points and seven rebounds in 15 minutes. This game served as a reminder that while Edey has potential, consistency is key, and fantasy managers should be cautious about overcommitting to him based on a single strong performance.
On the flip side, Zaccharie Risacher delivered a performance that turned heads and could have significant fantasy implications. Starting for the Atlanta Hawks, Risacher exploded for 33 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. His shooting was on point, and he contributed across multiple categories, making him a hot commodity in fantasy leagues. With De’Andre Hunter still sidelined, Risacher’s role in the starting lineup seems secure for now, and his ability to fill the stat sheet makes him a valuable asset.
Risacher’s breakout game highlights the importance of monitoring player roles and opportunities. While his previous performances were inconsistent, this game showcased his potential when given the chance. Fantasy managers should consider adding Risacher, especially if he continues to see significant minutes and usage.
As always, staying updated on player performances and team dynamics is crucial for fantasy success. Keep an eye on how these players develop in the coming games, and adjust your fantasy strategies accordingly. For more insights and analysis, be sure to follow the latest episodes of the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Nets podcasts.
Cam Thomas dishes six assists, a sign of things to come? Jordi Fernandez had called out Cam Thomas some following the loss to the Detroit Pistons on Sunday, effectively saying Cam had to get more players involved in the offense.
Brooklyn Nets beat the Grizzlies! Is the tank in trouble?
The Brooklyn Nets beat the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday in another wild game. The Nets are now 4-4 on the season with the fifth best point differential in the Eastern Conference. Wild times indeed.
Nets lose to Pistons. Cam Thomas needs more assists, Ben Simmons needs more shots, and more
The Nets lost to the Pistons on Sunday after jumping out to a big lead early. Is the tank safe? Maybe for now.
