5 Takeaways From Brooklyn Nets’ Early-Season Play

Brook Lopez is back in uniform for the Nets after only appearing in 17 games last season. Lopez has been hindered by foot injuries throughout his career, but has always been considered a promising offensive talent for the Nets. Through seven games, Lopez is averaging 16.4 points, with no setbacks experienced during that time. If Lopez can remain healthy, the Nets have to feel good about their chances in the East with the big man in the middle.

Thus far this season, Garnett leads the Nets in rebounds, and has started in every game the team has played. As the team’s leader, Garnett set Joe Johnson straight after he took issue with comments the swingman made to the media about the Nets’ selfish play. The Nets are incredibly fortunate to have a player as selfless and uplifting as Garnett, and need to do right by him by having title aspirations worthy of a roster of this caliber.

In 2009, Prokhorov purchased an 80 percent stake in the New Jersey Nets, with the goal of building the organization into a champion within five years. While progress has been made, most notably with a move to Brooklyn, Prokhorov has spent money recklessly to build a contender, and now in Year 5, the Nets are regressing. Just how Prokhorov handles failed expectations will be determined, but the Nets must turn it around fast – or else.

With Lopez back in the fold for the Nets, Mason Plumlee has been relegated to coming off the bench and serving as an insurance policy for the oft-injured center. While the two do share the court together at times, Plumlee, who was a big part of Team USA this summer, is limited in his ability to help the Nets defensively and around the rim. At some point, the Nets must trade one of the two in order to bring back considerable talent in return.

Deron Williams is finally playing like the star the Nets envisioned when they traded the farm to acquire him in 2011. Williams is averaging 18.7 points and 6.4 assists per game, which is a great sign for the Nets after he struggled with foot and ankle issues the past two years. While it’s early for the Nets, Williams must continue his high-level performance, as he’s been paid to play the part and was given the keys to the car long ago.