Brooklyn Nets - NBA Teams that have made huge strides in the off season – Opinion (Part 5)
2. Brooklyn Nets
Mikhail Prokhorov, the Russian billionaire and the only non American owner of a NBA franchise, has lived up to his words - he has catapulted the Nets into prominence once again. The Nets will be moving to their new home in Brooklyn
this season and had said time and time again in the past that they wanted to bring back the golden days. In order to ensure that, Prokhorov doled out money like water this off season.
The Nets re-signed their star point guard Deron Williams – the most sought after free agent this summer – to a nearly 100 million dollar contract, and then picked up dynamic yet expensive small forward Joe Johnson in a trade with
the Atlanta Hawks. Together, these two stars having the ability to lay the foundation of a new legacy.
Williams is one of the top point guards in the league. He is a slick ball mover, and is one of those 1’s who love to play offense. With Johnson alongside, oppositions will be at odds to control the Nets back court. And we are just
starting. Gerald Wallace was also retained with a 40 million dollar – 4 year deal; Brook Lopez was offered $ 60 million for four years and Kris Humphries was retained for two years in a 24 million dollar deal.
These players pretty much make an intimidating starting lineup if you add Marshon Brooks to the mix, the Nets really look formidable.
The franchise however didn’t limit themselves to star players; they also beefed up the bench big time. C.J. Watson was acquired to back up Williams; Reggie Miller to add a viciously physical rebounder on the glass and Jerry Stackhouse
to provide the veteran experience and know how. Keith Bogans and Josh Childress will also add solidity to the back court, and point forward Mirza Teletovic will give the Nets an element of unpredictability.
Nets also tried hard to go after Dwight Howard, but the Orlando Magic management didn’t like their offers, which were reportedly at least two. Still, they have formed a strong nucleus and have pitched in enough decent players on
the sides to dream about a strong championship run. They might not be a genuine contender just yet, but if the Nets continue on this path, glory will not be far.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not represent Bettor.com’s editorial policy.
Tags: