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.
Noah Clowney Shines as Brooklyn Nets Struggles Continue Against the Detroit Pistons
Jan 8, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Noah Clowney (21) looks to drive past Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) in the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz/Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
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
The Cavs, the Thunder, and the joy of a job well done
Jan 8, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert (3) during the first half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. | Ken Blaze/Imagn Images
The ESPN broadcast had its usual coach interview at the start of the fourth quarter, but the dialogue was far from typical. Instead of anodyne coach-speak, a smiling Kenny Atkinson marveled at the basketball being played before him.
“What a great basketball game,” the Cavaliers coach gushed. “I wish I could just sit back and watch it.”
As someone who did precisely that, I can say that Atkinson sure wasn’t wrong.
Cleveland/OKC had something for everyone. There were loud dunks, post moves, occasional but far from overwhelming flurries of three-pointers, high-level shotmaking, ping-pong ball movement, and great all-around defense (despite what the final score might indicate).
The major players exerted maximum effort on both sides and played more than their usual share of minutes. Coaches unveiled tactical adjustments at a lightning pace, counters to counters at a rate you usually only see in the playoffs. There was even a lot of zone defense (which, if you read Basketball Poetry, you would’ve been prepared for!). The refs were largely inobtrusive and inconsequential.
Frankly, if you didn’t like this game, there’s not much hope for you.
Something that struck me halfway through an exquisite third quarter: everyone on the court was simply doing their job. I don’t love how that sentence reads on paper; it makes it sound like a dull affair, people clocking in and clocking out before going to a chain bar with flashing neon signs instead of character for their preferred domestic light pilsner of choice.
That couldn’t be further from the truth. What is an NBA player’s job if not to entertain?
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
Analysis A look at the state of zone defense in the NBA. Who’s running it, and who isn’t? (Basketball Poetry)
Must Read NBA greats think this D-II coach is a basketball genius. So why don’t you know who Jim Crutchfield is? (The Athletic)
Analysis Is this the worst rookie class in modern NBA history? Jared Dubin examines box-score production to compare this year’s rookies to the past. (Last Night in Basketball)
Trade As the trade deadline approaches, Nic Claxton finds himself at a pivotal moment in his journey with the Brooklyn Nets, facing uncertainties about his future with the team. (NetsDaily)
Must Read Swingman Jalen Wilson opens up about how he’s approaching things in his second season in the league. (Sports Illustrated)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Must-Add Players and Surprising Drops
Jan 7, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) is defended by Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images | John Hefti/John Hefti-Imagn Images
As we approach the NBA trade deadline, it’s crucial to stay on top of the fantasy basketball waiver wire. Let’s dive into the most added and dropped players over the last 48 hours, and discuss some must-roster options for your fantasy teams.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. tops the list of most added players on Basketball Monster. While he’s had two solid games recently, I’m cautious about his long-term value, especially if Jimmy Butler is traded. Remember, any incoming player in a Butler trade could easily take over his role and minutes.
Ryan Dunn is another popular add, likely due to the Suns’ five-game week. However, he’s not a long-term hold for 12-team leagues. Use him for the extra games this week, but be prepared to move on quickly.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is seeing increased opportunities with Paul George out, making him a solid short-term add. Naji Marshall has also been playing well and is worth considering, despite a recent poor shooting night.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Nets podcasts.
Cam Johnson trade market heating up? How much should Nets hold out for? It looks like there will be multiple teams in on trading for Cam Johnson before the deadline and the Nets could hold out for a sizable trade package.
Brooklyn Nets lose to Pacers with injuries mounting up. Day’Ron Sharpe a monster on the boards The Brooklyn Nets looked like a fully tanking team against the Pacers on Monday, starting Keon Johnson, Tyrese Martin, Noah Clowney, Ziaire Williams, and Nic Claxton. They ended up losing by 14 in a game where they could have lost a lot more.
Cam Johnson’s trade could happen sooner than later? It looks like Cam Johnson avoided serious injury after twisting his ankle last game, and the Nets could be in a scenario where they move on from him in a trade sooner than later.
