$5 Reasons Why the Brooklyn Nets Won\'t Make the 2016 NBA Playoffs$

5 Reasons Why the Brooklyn Nets Won't Make the 2016 NBA Playoffs

By Chipper Murphy

5 Reasons Why the Brooklyn Nets Won't Make the 2016 NBA Playoffs

Brooklyn Nets — The Nets finished as the No. 8 seed last season after clinching in their last game. Following a disappointing 38-44 record in coach Lionel Hollins' first season, Brooklyn did nothing of note to improve. The Nets finally parted ways with Deron Williams, and after being the subject of numerous trade rumors, Mason Plumlee was finally moved in a draft day deal. Their additions are not expected to make any significant contributions.

5. The Eastern Conference Will Be Better

Brooklyn Nets Lionel Hollins

5. The Eastern Conference Will Be Better

Brooklyn Nets Lionel Hollins — The injury ravaged Indiana Pacers and Miami Heat missed out on the playoffs in 2014-15. That will not be the case next season with a returning Paul George and Chris Bosh. The young Orlando Magic will undoubtedly improve from last year's 25-win season with a coaching change, and Boston improved their roster through free agency and trade. Brooklyn will be staring up at all four of these teams when the season ends.

4. Lack of Depth

Brooklyn Nets Andrea Bargnani

4. Lack of Depth

Brooklyn Nets Andrea Bargnani — Brooklyn's bench is filled with unreliable players and question marks. In their defense, they didn't have any money to spend. They took a risk on Thomas Robinson, a five-star recruit coming out of high school who hasn't lived up to the hype since. Shane Larkin struggled with the Knicks and wasn't asked back. Unless Andrea Bargnani has the career resurgence Brooklyn is hoping for, they could have the worst bench in the league.

3. No Starting Point Guard

Brooklyn Nets Jarrett Jack

3. No Starting Point Guard

Brooklyn Nets Jarrett Jack — After buying out the contract of starting point guard Deron Williams the Nets were left with two options at the position: Jarrett Jack and Shane Larkin. Buying out Williams was the right move, but they don't have a starter at the position. Jack is a very good career backup, but he is just a backup. His defense prevents him from playing starter's minutes. Larkin proved with the Knicks, but he is definitely not a starter.

2. Joe Johnson's Decline

Joe Johnson Brooklyn Nets

2. Joe Johnson's Decline

Joe Johnson Brooklyn Nets — Joe Johnson, 34, is coming off his worst scoring season since 2002-03 at just 14.4 PPG. Johnson can't be counted on by Brooklyn in the same way anymore. With a miserable expiring contract, he has been the subject of numerous trade rumors and will continue to be during the season. Johnson has value off the bench for a contender in a scoring role. As a starter, however, his days are numbered.

1. Brook Lopez's Health

Brook Lopez Brooklyn Nets

1. Brook Lopez's Health

Brook Lopez Brooklyn Nets — Having a seven-footer who can shoot is vital in today's NBA. Brook Lopez is a huge asset for the Nets, not to mention he is their star and franchise player. Unfortunately, he is tough to count on. His health problems make it impossible to believe he will play a full season, and with him out for 10-15 games, Brooklyn will struggle mightily. You want to believe Lopez's ankle can hold up for a season again, but until it happens there's no reason to.

Chipper Murphy is a Beat Writer for the New York Knicks on www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChipperMurphy “Like” him on Facebook.

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