Rodions Kurucs came to the NBA as a small forward but is now being used as a backup center by the depleted Nets, Brian Lewis of the New York Post notes. DeAndre Jordan skipped the Orlando restart after testing positive for the coronavirus, leaving Jarrett Allen as the lone true center on the roster.
“I don’t think it’s going to be my position going forward, but I’m definitely making the best out of it,” said Kurucs, whose rookie contract is guaranteed through next season. Substitute player Donta Hall could also see some work as a backup for the Nets.
We have more from Atlantic Division:
- Kenny Atkinson isn’t considered the frontrunner for the Knicks coaching job, but Jarrett Allen gives the former Nets head man a ringing endorsement, Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News writes. “I came into the Nets and we weren’t making our mark in the NBA and you could see every year I was with him, and every year he coached us we kept getting better and better,” Allen said. “And the players under him kept developing and developing, and bringing us more confidence. So whatever team he goes to, they’re going to get a hell of a coach.”
- The Nets’ Jacques Vaughn is in a tricky spot as an interim coach hoping he’ll get the full-time gig. He’s focused on getting the most of his shorthanded team but says he’s learned a lot since flopping as Magic coach during a 2-1/2 year stint, according to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated. “I’ve definitely transitioned and understand and have a better grasp of today’s player, today surroundings,” he said. “It’s just the maturation of being a young coach.”
- Celtics point guard Kemba Walker indicated that he’s “trending upwards” while working out with the team as he recovers from left knee soreness, the team’s PR department tweets. “It was really fun to get out there with my teammates,” he said. “The knee feels good. I’m trending upwards.”
Atkinson should absolutely be the favorite, but I fear that the hire will be based on rooted connections and/or a faint glimmer of hope that whoever we sign will bring Giannis (it won’t)
I mean, as long as the hire develops the young vets & creates an actual core that we can envision winning one day (way tf off in the future) — then fine.
But if it’s all name & fluff, then we’ll stay in ****’s creek with no paddle.
I would wait until other good coaches part ways
Not hiring now
Backup centers who are 6-9, 230 are becoming quite typical.
Kenny Atkinson to the Sixers in the offseason once Brett Brown fails again and is fired
Kenny has proven himself as someone who builds a good culture, can work well and improve young players, and is well liked by his players.
Look at the former Nets team against the Sixers a few years ago. Yes they lost 4-1 I believe but they really thought they could win and after every loss they thought they could turn it around that’s a great mindset to have. He had DLoading looking like Kyrie Irving and Jarrett Allen looming like DeAndre Jordan. The confidence the players had was amazing. Then off the bench he had Jared Dudley making lots of noise and being disruptive. He also helped develop Spencer Dinwiddie into a near all star. I think he would be perfect for building confidence and a winning culture with Simmons and Embiid. He would help both players actually improve (something Brett Brown hasn’t done).
Small ball is a option. It’s a system you can use. Basketball is not confined by new waves. You can’t teach size. The big man will always be a force in NBA. Today’s game every team should be able to play big or small. You will never replace a great defensive team. Cause that team always has a rim protector. The Celtics played small ball with Russell. 60 yrs ago.
And they won 11 titles, the Warriors also won 3 titles the same way.
The Warriors were bigger than the Cavs overall.