Brooklyn Nets Roster 2020 Nets Roster

2019-2020 Brooklyn Nets Roster Top 3 Roster Questions

Was signing Kyrie Irving over keeping D’Angelo Russell worth it?

The biggest news that shook the NBA early on was Kevin Durant’s decision to leave the Golden State Warriors and join the Brooklyn Nets. Quick to follow was Kyrie Irving who was essentially displacing D’Angelo Russell as Brooklyn’s starting point guard. Russell had a great 2018-19 season but the Net simply decided that Irving was the better player. While nobody can blame the Nets for attempting to upgrade, was Irving actually worth the change?

Russell broke out last year and scored 21.1 per game while also averaging 7 assists and 3.9 rebounds. By comparison, Irving averaged 23.8 points, 6.9 assists, and 5 rebounds. He might have the better track record and accomplished record but in all honesty, resigning Russell would’ve likely saved some money and kept the team relatively the same. Nevertheless, Irving will now become the clear #1 option until Durant returns and will look to lead this Nets team after a disappointing stint with Boston.

Does Brooklyn have the best bench in the league?

As it currently stands, Brooklyn’s starting lineup should look something like Kyrie Irving, Joe Harris, Taurean Prince, Rodions Kurucs, and DeAndre Jordan. That still leaves them with Kantavius Caldwell-Pope, Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen, and Spencer Dinwiddle to bring off the bench. While those guys could possibly be starters on several teams, they instead reside on Brooklyn’s bench and have the opportunity to do big things next year.

If last year’s stats are the same, we’re looking at 52 points coming off their bench in just those players alone. However, we can’t expect them to receive the same shot volume or playing time as reserves, all 4 of those main bench pieces are capable of scoring in double digits on a nightly basis and should be looked upon as dangerous weapons. If played right, they’ll get open shots and be effective facilitators for the rest of the offense which should thrive and could potentially be one of the best in the league.

Working with DeAndre Jordan and Jarrett Allen

In today's NBA, having a traditional center is not very practical. However, DeAndre Jordan and Jarrett Allen prove us wrong. With the Nets last year, Allen was even better than his rookie season. He averaged 10.9 points and 8.4 rebounds and was highly efficient in 2 points attempts at 62.9% Splitting time in Dallas and New York, Jordan put up yet another statline. He averaged 11 points and 13.1 rebounds per contest as he continued his impressive double-double average streak.

Operating the two center system is virtually unthinkable but the Nets are going to do just that. Jordan will step in as the new center, pushing Allen out of the starting 5. Jordan should be a great benefactor of Irving and the other guards who will look for him as the great interior finisher. Allen will likely substitute him out and be the primary lost post scorer whenever Jordan sits. Defensive switching may be an issue, especially with Jordan, but Brooklyn has enough offense to hopefully make up for it. Whatever happens, the duo will make one of the best pairings at the 5 spot in the entire NBA.