Not being able to exceed championship expectations last season, the Nets enter this season with less pressure. After losing to the Miami Heat in 5 games during the 2014 playoffs, some key pieces departed in the offseason. Some familiar faces will also be returning to the squad this season.
The Changes:
-Jason Kidd is no longer the head coach. After being denied more control over the team, Kidd was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks for a second round draft pick.
-Paul Pierce left to Washington. Once becoming a costless agent in July, Pierce signed a two-year deal with the Washington Wizards
-Shaun Livingston signed with the Golden State Warriors. Having had one of the best seasons of his career, the Warriors signed him to a three-year, $16 million deal.
-Andray Blatche is playing in the Chinese Basketball Association. Blatche would opt out of his contract, and sign a one-year deal with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers.
-Nets acquired Jarrett Jack in a three team trade involving the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics. Marcus Thornton was included in this deal as he was sent to Boston.
-Lionel Hollins is the new head coach. After last coaching the Memphis Grizzlies in 2013, Hollins signed a four-year deal with the team this past summer.
The Non-Changes:
-Kevin Garnett will be in a Nets uniform this season. After being undecided whether he would return or retire, KG will be entering his 20th season in the league. He will play out his final contract year
-Andrei Kirilenko opted in to his second year contract with the Nets, therefore staying with the team for at least one more season.
-Alan Anderson is back, after signing a two-year deal this offseason. A player option is included in the second year
-The Nets enter the league still being the team with the highest payroll for the second consecutive year.
-Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Brook Lopez, Mirza Teletović, and Mason Plumlee are some key players still under contract
Injuries were a major problem for Brooklyn last season. Garnett and Kirilenko missed several games due to injuries. Even Jason Terry, who was with the team early last season, missed several games. The injury that hurt the Nets the most, however, would have to be the one Brook Lopez suffered. Brooklyn struggled to get points in the paint last season and would focus their scoring on outside shots. Lopez’s inside scoring would have done much damage to the Heat during their playoff match due to Miami's struggles against big men. Much of how this team finishes will be based on the health of Lopez.
After the departure of Livingston, the Nets were able to secure a back point guard in Jack, who can be a playmaker and also put up solid scoring numbers. Bringing back Anderson seemed like the correct move after he came off a solid season with the team. Also with the departure of Pierce, the Nets will need all the help they can get at the small forward position.
Mason Plumlee is coming off a great summer. Having won the gold medal with Team U.S.A should be a huge boost for him. Making the All-Rookie First team and having a gold medal on his resume should help continue to expand his talent and confidence. Plumlee, one of the few young guys on this team, should look to get many minutes, especially now that the team is without Blatche.
The type of player Deron Williams turns out to be this season is also going to play a major impact on how this team does. During the Toronto Raptors playoff matchup, he received much criticism for not having playing to his full potential. He does have a history of injury problems, and many think he can no longer be the great point guard he once was with the Utah Jazz. If injury problems continue to affect Williams, the Nets best choice might be to consider trading him.
Joe Johnson should continue to pick off where he left off last season. Having played one of his best seasons as a Net, Brooklyn will continue to rely on their All-Star. When games come down to the final minute, look for Johnson to have the ball a lot. Johnson has been known to be a clutch shooter and will not be afraid to take the final shot of the game when it's tied. Having a closer on the roster is a big boost for any team.
Lionel Hollins comes to Brooklyn with a good resume on hand. While his time in Memphis, he went 183-129 while also helping the Grizzlies win their first ever playoff series in franchise history. During his last season with Memphis, he took the team to the Western Conference Finals. With the experience Hollins brings, one can only imagine he will bring good moments to Brooklyn.
As the Eastern Conference got stronger this past season, the Nets will look to make every game count. Although they're not the team they were last year, Brooklyn will have to get it together quick if they hope to make the playoffs. Some departures that occurred this summer should affect this team, but with the return of Lopez and a very experienced coach, the Nets have the chance to start off fresh and make some noise in Brooklyn.