The opportunity to frequently play off the ball was the selling point that convinced Shabazz Napier to sign with the Nets, according to Anthony Puccio of NetsDaily.com. Napier would seemingly have a limited role on a team that already has D’Angelo Russell at Spencer Dinwiddie to run the offense but coach Kenny Atkinson plans to give Napier the chance to play both guard spots. Napier was the primary backup guard with the Trail Blazers last season and shot 45% on catch-and-shoot 3-point attempts and 37.7% overall from long range, Puccio notes. “I don’t need to be on the ball,” Napier said. “I proved that when I was in Portland.”
In other news concerning the Nets:
- Speculation that Dinwiddie could be dealt is reasonable, given his modest contract, but the Nets like him a lot and may re-sign him, according to a Net Income post. The Suns are searching for a starting point guard and the chance to acquire Dinwiddie, who will make $1.65MM during the upcoming season, on an expiring contract would be attractive. However, the Nets could also offer Dinwiddie a four-year extension in December or try to re-sign him next summer at a bigger number than others can offer due to owning his Bird rights.
- Forward Kenneth Faried pled not guilty on Wednesday after being charged with unlawful possession of marijuana in the fourth degree last month, Michael Scotto of The Athletic tweets. Faried was arrested in Bridgehampton on the misdemeanor for allegedly possessing more than two ounces of the drug. The Nuggets traded Faried and his expiring $13,76MM contract to Brooklyn in mid-July.
- Should the Nets give Russell an extension? We examined the pros and cons in our Extension Candidate series. Check it out here.
The answer on Russell is no. He hasn’t proved to be overly healthy, mature or effective so far in his career. There’s obviously talent in the kid, and he did make some strides last year, but if the Nets want to take the next step, save the cap space for next summer, chase a couple of max-FA’s and hold the possibility of resigning D’Angelo in your back pocket.
Who can they realistically get though? Russell is still very young, not often you’ll find a point guard with his size who can play the 1 or 2 not to mention his game is not predicated on athleticism and skill more. His shooting is a skill, he’s a superb ball handler and he has got himself in very good shape. I think you re-sign him and make a run at Zion this coming draft.
I tend to agree, it isn’t like there’s another promising PG that’s going to fall in their lap like Russ did..
Maybe they could end up getting Kemba, but that’s unlikely, plus I happen to like D-Lo’s upside. I think he’s going to have an excellent season this year, and the sooner they can lock him up the better, his best years are definitely still ahead of him.
Totally agree with Dionis & bravesfan88. His potential & age are worth it. But also I cannot see any of the big FA’s signing in Brooklyn, so why do you need to keep so much, cap space? Also his cap hit is smaller if he resigns than if he is a RFA, doesn’t make any sense. The one I would hold on before signing in Dinwiddie, he is not worth 50MM/4, is only had one decent season, not even as good as D’Lo despite his injury problems.
I think they should go the restrictive route with Russell. He needs to show maturity before a commitment.!
to be fair if you got traded to the nets you would want to get blazed too.
DLo is immature and h has low IQ. Something Byron Scott was stressing during his Laker Days. Net should save cap space for future free agents or players. Why sign DLo to huge contract when that money can be used in the future. Just because the Nets have money doesnt mean they have to spend it. DLo has good upside but I dont think the Nets benefit from it much. DLo probably adds 1.5 wins to the Nets. I like Spencer!!
I would extend him now at 5/$80 mil similar to Capelas extension. I don’t think they get a big time FA either, more likely a Khris Middleton or Julius Randle type or RFA like Trey Lyles. Spend the money on DLo and if they can get Spencer to extend for 4/$40 mil or less you do that too.