The Nets are likely to move away from their approach of spreading the court and could field one of the tallest rotations in the league, writes Kristian Winfield of The New York Daily News. That decision was forced partially by the uncertainty surrounding Kyrie Irving, but Brooklyn focused heavily on the frontcourt in its offseason moves, re-signing Blake Griffin and adding veteran big men LaMarcus Aldridge and Paul Millsap.
Griffin played alongside center Nicolas Claxton with the first unit in Saturday’s practice, Winfield notes, but he frequently started at center after joining the team last season and can be effective at either position. Millsap and Aldridge have spent most of their careers as power forwards, but they will also see time in the middle.
“It’s not a traditional big lineup. Blake can switch a lot. I can switch at times. (Kevin Durant) can do it all,” Aldridge said. “I think it’s a big lineup, but it’s not traditional. You’re going to need that. I think teams can play big and play small, and I think having the ability to do both is nice for us.”
There’s more from Brooklyn:
- The Nets’ decision to give David Duke Jr. their final two-way spot and waive Devontae Cacok was based on their philosophy related to two-way deals, Winfield adds. “I think it’s more development at this point,” coach Steve Nash said. “I think when you look at a team like this, it’s hard for those guys fighting for two-way spots to be guys that are playing in the rotation. So it’s not impossible, but it’s more of a development spot, someone that we can groom and help grow into a piece of this organization’s future.”
- The Nets were determined to trade for James Harden last season because they already had doubts about whether they could trust Irving, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said on his podcast (hat tip to RealGM). Woj added that Brooklyn and Philadelphia haven’t discussed a trade involving Irving and Ben Simmons, and he doesn’t believe the Sixers would have any interest in such a deal. He also said the Nets are preparing to play the entire season without Irving.
- Cameron Thomas put together a strong preseason after being named co-MVP of the Summer League, but he’s still not likely to have a spot in the Nets’ rotation, according to Zach Braziller of The New York Post. Brooklyn has an experienced backcourt after the offseason additions of Patty Mills and Jevon Carter, and there may not be many minutes available for the rookie guard. “I think there’s some ground for him to make up, but we love him as a player and think he’s got a bright future, but it might take some time,” Nash said. “He’s joined a pretty tough team to crack into.”
Kyrie is an awesome player, but he has been a drama queen ever since he demanded a trade from Cleveland. It has been several seasons now that he has done anything in substance on court. He was a distraction in Boston and even worse in Brooklyn. He has gone out of his way to find a reason not to play and still get paid. It’s time that he not only gets traded, but hope that no team will ever give him anything but minimum contract. That way, he will retire. What a waste of talent.
As for Nets, they have enough talent on the team to win. They should just get another solid player for Kyrie and not worry about getting another superstar. Just cut loss and move on.
The over/under for games played for Aldridge and Millsap is probably 25 each. Somebody should sneak up behind Irving and vaccinate him or this could be a nightmare for them.
Kyrie doesnt know it now, but his career is basically over. Nets have rightfully pulled back $187m extension, and no team will offer him one either. Hopefully Kyrie will be dum.b and exercise player option to become FA next offseason.
Exercising his player option would prevent him from becoming a FA next summer. He would need to decline the option in order to become a FA.
You are correct, but I figured he meant opt out. If he’s refusing to comply with local regulations to play in NY, there’s no way he’d opt out thinking he’d get a better deal elsewhere.
Kyrie trade ideas:
1. Irving for Simmons
2. Irving for Bledsloe, Kennard and a first
3. Irving for Russ
4. Irving and Aldridge for Lillard
However Sixers aren’t interested, Brooklyn probably don’t care for Bledsloe and Kennard, can’t see the Russ deal happening but man would it be Interesting and exciting, and the last deal, can’t see Dame moving so late into the offseason or Portland risking it all for Kyrie
Kyrie has literally taken advantage of all the goodwill from Nets organization. It’s really too bad that he has had no sincere intention to live up to his contract. If he were to retire or not play again, he might not even make the HOF. What a waste.
#LetKyriePlay
Let Kyrie fall off the edge of the flat earth. Screw that guy.
Kyrie has been a head case. Since he and Bron won it. He saw Bron get his way in everything. So he wanted the same. So he forced his way out. To prove to Bron. Now he’s become an air head. Doing anything for attention. You gotta be a fool to pay this guy. I agree Nets should cut their loses and move on. They can still win it.
link to sports.yahoo.com
Knicks will fight for top 4. But if Sixers and Nets have issues. Then who knows. All teams move up then Hawks, Bulls, Pacers. Could be an interesting season in the East.
#LetDavidDukePlay