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Brooklyn Nets’ Strategic Conundrum: Winning Games and Tanking Dilemmas
Jan 14, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard D’Angelo Russell (1) reacts to a call during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images | Soobum Im/Soobum Im-Imagn Images
The Brooklyn Nets recently pulled off an impressive 132-114 victory against the Portland Trail Blazers, a game that highlighted the team’s ongoing strategic conundrum. With General Manager Sean Marks emphasizing strategic decision-making, the Nets find themselves in a peculiar position—too competitive to tank effectively, yet not quite playoff material. This win, while exciting, underscores the challenges of balancing immediate success with long-term goals.
The Return of Key Players
The return of D’Angelo Russell and Cam Johnson to the lineup was a significant factor in the Nets’ performance. Russell, despite a modest shooting night, demonstrated his value as a floor-raising point guard. His nine assists and four steals in just 21 minutes showcased his ability to orchestrate the offense and elevate his teammates’ play. Russell’s methodical approach to the pick-and-roll game and his court vision are assets that the Nets can’t overlook.
Johnson’s return also added depth to the roster, contributing 24 points and providing a much-needed boost to the team’s offensive capabilities. His presence, along with Russell’s, complicates the Nets’ ability to lose games consistently, a key component of any tanking strategy.
Navigating the Tanking Dilemma
The Nets’ current situation is a classic example of being stuck in “no man’s land.” With 14 wins on the season, Brooklyn is too good to secure top draft odds but not competitive enough for a realistic playoff push. This middle ground frustrates fans on both sides of the tanking debate. Those hoping for a higher draft pick see the team’s competitiveness as a hindrance, while those wanting to see the team succeed are left wanting more.
The addition of Russell and Johnson’s return makes it challenging for the Nets to fall to the bottom of the standings. Their presence, along with the improved play of young talents like Noah Clowney and Ziaire Williams, forces the front office to reconsider its approach as the trade deadline approaches.
As the Nets navigate this complex landscape, they face a difficult schedule. Games against contenders like the Clippers, Lakers, and Thunder loom large. How Brooklyn performs in these matchups could significantly influence their strategy leading up to the trade deadline.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Brooklyn Nets’ strategic conundrum, tune into the Locked On Nets podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Nets Podcast:
- Cam Johnson’s impact on the team’s performance
- Noah Clowney’s development and shooting prowess
- The Nets’ upcoming schedule and its potential impact on trade decisions
- The role of young talents like Ziaire Williams in the team’s future strategy
Have potential contenders figured out the Celtics?
Jan 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) fouls Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the first half at TD Garden. | Paul Rutherford/Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
It’s always risky, doubting the Celtics. Not for Celtics fans, but for the rest of us. On Friday night, at home, Boston fans booed their team as they let the Kings take an uncontested rebound and take (then make) the same 3-point attempt. The Celtics lost, recording their 11th of the season. That’s only four games more than this time last year.
Going back, Boston recorded most of their losses last season in the winter stretch leading up to All-Star Weekend, the same stretch they’re in now. I would chalk a lot of those losses up to fatigue and deft competition who could sense the Celtics easing up on the gas, if briefly. The Nuggets, Bucks, Cavaliers and (then) white hot Pacers took advantage of those minor slumps. The losses now, though coming this season within the same stretch with the same fatigue taking a portion of the toll, have to do more with opponents figuring out how the Celtics tick.
This season, the Celtics are a known quality. Their brand of basketball last year overwhelmed the majority of their opponents, teams not built to withstand a barrage of incessant 3-point shooting backed by a quick and smothering defence without a moment to recalibrate or catch their breath. Most teams spent entire games, and all their energy, trying to chase Boston off the line. This season the Celtics have slipped to a 7th overall (from 3rd) defensive rating, and are currently 3rd overall (from 1st) in offence — teams have figured them out.
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
Trades Here’s the latest on the NBA trade deadline and rumblings around the league. (The Athletic)
Roster Does Cam Johnson have the best contract in the NBA? (Sports Illustrated)
3peat (ICYMI)
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