During the 2023-24 season, Ben Simmons only appeared in 15 games. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
Lonnie Walker (UFA)Nic Claxton (UFA)
How it ended
The Brooklyn team likely desires to improve quickly, which means they need to get rid of Simmons’ .3 million contract that is causing issues with their budget. Since they have no picks to trade this year, they will have to use their future draft picks, including the ones acquired from Philadelphia in the James Harden trade, to solve this problem. If they are unable to do so, it is probable that they will have a similar amount of talent on their team for the next season.
Without any picks in the upcoming draft and Claxton’s unrestricted free agency, one must question the strategy in Brooklyn. Presently, the situation seems unfavorable.
The Nets have a total of 5 million invested in players such as Simmons, Cameron Johnson, Bridges, Finney-Smith, and Schröder. They hope to keep Claxton, who has a cap hold of more than .6 million and will probably require even more money. This, along with the contracts of the other players on the team, will put the Nets over the salary cap.
Predicted selection order (pre-lottery): None
Estimated draft picks (post-lottery): None
No projected or estimated draft picks before or after the lottery have been determined.
It would be wise for the Nets to bring Claxton back, as they lack depth in their frontcourt. However, their main focus should be on utilizing Thomas more, as I believe he has untapped potential as a playmaker. In March, Thomas averaged 4.3 assists and is only 22 years old. Despite being labeled as a player who takes a lot of shots, this team is in need of someone who can both score and create for others, and Thomas could fill that role if given the chance. – Dan Titus
Biggest offseason need
It goes without saying that having players who specialize in only one aspect of basketball and are unwilling to adapt, will result in a lack of wins. The team’s only hope for a versatile player was Ben Simmons, but he was limited to only 15 games due to a back injury, leaving his future with the Nets uncertain.
Draft focus
Although their spending will not exceed the luxury tax limit of 1.3 million, they can still utilize their entire non-tax mid-level exception, valued at approximately million. This type of agreement will not provide them with a significant game-changing player.Third-year guard Cam Thomas broke out as the scorer everyone expected him to become, averaging 22.5 points on the season in a fairly modest 31.4 minutes per game. He was surprisingly consistent, failing to hit double-figure scoring just seven times all season, showcasing an ability to get up a high volume of both 3-pointers and free throws, which is usually a steady model for offensive efficiency.
Salary cap breakdown
Unfortunately, the team was unable to make it to the postseason and also ended up giving away their 2024 draft pick to Houston. This essentially handed the Rockets a high chance at getting a top pick in the upcoming draft. Additionally, Mikal Bridges did not live up to expectations after his impressive performance last season post-trade. Despite receiving enticing offers for Bridges at the trade deadline, the team chose not to commit to a clear direction.
The standout moment of the season: During the beginning of December, the Nets had an impressive record of winning six out of seven games, bringing their overall record to 12-9 and providing their fans with a sense of hope. Unfortunately, this positivity did not last.Key free agents
Although Thomas had a strong scoring presence, this was a recurring pattern for the Nets as they lacked well-rounded players. Despite Bridges and Claxton’s high rebounding and defensive skills, no other regular player on the team was able to consistently contribute on both ends of the court. Finney-Smith stood out for his defense but struggled in terms of scoring with an average of 8.5 points in 28.4 minutes per game. As for Schröder, who joined the team during the deadline from Toronto, even with his average of 14.6 points and 6 assists, his defensive capabilities were not as noteworthy.
The Nets are not eligible for a draft pick in the current year, however, they may be able to acquire one through purchasing or trading in the second round, should a player become unexpectedly available or if the front office identifies a missing component. – Krysten Peek
:
The objective for the upcoming season:
2023-24 season: 32-50
What can move the fantasy needle
Skill. The Nets do not have the luxury of being choosy, and if they want to team up Bridges with another top player, they must ensure that this player can elevate the entire team to higher levels. The Nets frequently found themselves at a disadvantage in terms of talent and if they want to succeed, this must be addressed this upcoming summer. Bridges, currently 27 years old, is not getting any younger.
Previewing the Brooklyn Nets 2024 offseason: The road to progress won’t be smooth. appeared first on Americano Sports.
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