As the Nets embark in their first season with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant under contract, the players aren’t the only ones working to establish a new chemistry, as detailed by Brian Lewis of the New York Post.
Kenny Atkinson, Brooklyn’s head coach for the past three years, is known to have strong people skills and a willingness to get to know his players both on the court and off. For Atkinson, this season will be no different.
“I’m trying to personally establish relationships with the new guys, and quite honestly figuring them out off the court and on the court,” Atkinson said, according to Lewis. “We need time to build that relationship.
“You say, ‘Well, haven’t you been watching DeAndre Jordan or Kyrie for a long time?’ It’s just different when they’re in your house and your system and you’re just trying to really figure it out. We’re still in the figuring-out stage. I know we’ve got to move quick. I know this thing goes quick, so we’re trying.”
Despite likely having to play without Durant this season, the Nets have a strong roster led by the likes of Irving, Jordan, Jarrett Allen, Spencer Dinwiddie and others as they look to compete for a spot in the playoffs next spring.
Here are some other notes out of the Atlantic Division tonight:
- Signing Jamal Crawford could make a lot of sense for the Sixers, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer contends. Crawford, who remains a free agent one week into the NBA season, averaged 7.9 points off the bench for the Suns last year. He’s currently represented by agent Aaron Goodwin of Goodwin Sports Management.
- Knicks coach David Fizdale deserves part of the blame for the team’s horrendous start to the 2019/20 season, Tommy Beer of Forbes writes. New York has kicked off the season at 0-3, dropping games to San Antonio, Brooklyn and Boston.
- Celtics center Tacko Fall made his long-awaited NBA debut on Saturday, checking in to cheers from an electric Madison Square Garden crowd against the Knicks, Marc Berman and George Willis write for the New York Post. Fall, a 7-foot-5 center on a two-way deal with Boston, tallied four points and three rebounds in just over three minutes of action.
Atkinson won’t get to know Kaylee so much as he’ll know Kaylee’s agent when Ms. October begs for a trade. 1-2 now. Won’t be much longer.
You re trying too hard.
Unless they can work out a trade with OKC they’re stuck with him.
Tacko 4mp 4pts… new Boban
Ah, poor dynasty, didn’t like being dumped by Kyrie I see. Well, I guess there is nothing else with the fury of a woman scorned!
Of course Fiz has to be part of the blame for the start to the season. Good guy, but subpar coach trying to build a rotation with nine new players, most of which don’t fit well together. Unless the Knicks can turn some of these one year deals into assets through trade, this will be a season only highlighted by a solid rookie year from Barrett.
19-63, here comes the Knicks.
Crawford would be a good bench scorer for the 6ers but they also have Smith Thybulle and Milton that can play SG so that would hurt their devlopment
I still think they should trade Bolden and Smith for Crowder then sign Crawford with the space you created.
Have the star loaded starting 5 with Crowder as a reserve 3/4, Thybulle a reserve defensive stopped at the 2/3, Crawford the reserve bucket at 2, Mike Scott the reserve stretch 4/5 and OQuinn and reserve board man.
Meanwhile the Grizzlies get back a solid young SG and a alright young PF/C
The Knicks’ mess is 100% on the Stooges. Dividing it up among the 3 is difficult, as there isn’t the clearest delineation of responsibilities. Doesn’t matter. If they don’t collectively figure out how to more the team forward, they’ll eventually be sent packing together.