Gary Vasquez-US Presswire
The Brooklyn Nets have brought in tons of new talent this offseason, from high profile All-Stars, to low key reserves. While All-Stars Deron Williams and Joe Johnson were the main stories this summer for the Nets, a solid backup snuck his way onto the roster without making too much noise.
The Nets were extremely lucky to snag Tornike Shengelia late in the second round of this year’s draft. One of the four European players on the Nets, “Toko” brings to a style of play that is similar to that of his teammate, Mirza Teletovic.
Standing at 6’9” (like Teletovic), many would agree that the best aspect of Shengelia’s game is not a skill, but rather, a physical talent. Shengelia has an uncanny motor, especially for a European player, considering the lack of athleticism that European players have shown in history. With this great motor, Shengelia is able to play a tough, aggressive brand of basketball that every coach loves.
Other than his intangibles, Shengelia finds ways to contribute on the boards, and occasionally on offense, although he is not well known for being an offensive player. A large portion of Shengelia’s offensive game depends on his jumpshot, which has been inconsistent for the most part in his career. A fix to that blemish would maximize Shengelia’s potential on the offensive end.
All in all, Shengelia, if nothing else, will become an energy-giver this season for the Nets. Alongside high energy, hustle players like Gerald Wallace, Kris Humphries, and Reggie Evans, Shengelia would fit in perfectly.
Nets fans shouldn’t expect too much from Shengelia this year, but at the same time, shouldn’t be surprised if he has a phenomenal year.
