Brooklyn Nets: Underdogs ready to surprise in the 2012-13 NBA season - Opinion (Part 3)
Brooklyn Nets
This has been a summer of change for the Brooklyn Nets.
The franchise is relocating from New Jersey to Brooklyn, has a brand new and lavish arena, and has also built up a roster which many believe is capable enough to make it into the top four of the Eastern Conference this season.
The Nets, after two consecutive NBA Finals appearance at the turn of the century, have been going downhill and failed to make an impact in spite the presence of Deron Williams last season. The point guard however holds the key
to their success, and realizing that, the Nets went all out to sign him to a five year deal this summer, beating the Dallas Mavericks in the process.
Nets have however not restricted themselves to Williams. The franchise traded for Atlanta Hawks forward Joe Johnson and also re-signed Gerald Wallace to a four year deal to form a strong core. Next up for them was the Dwight Howard
scalp, but after intense effort for his acquisition, the Nets ran out of patience and resigned Brook Lopez to a four year contract. Kris Humphries was also handed a two year lucrative deal and on paper, this Nets starting lineup does look intimidating.
The Nets bench also went through a major overhaul. Second year shooting guard Marshon Brooks, who was so inspirational in his rookie season will probably move to the bench now, and will be accompanied by the likes of C.J. Watson,
Keith Bogans and Jerry Stackhouse.
It is not only the reserve back court which packs a punch. The Nets brought in Andray Blatche and Reggie Evans on minimum wages and while Blatche can be a starting centre if he fulfils his potential, Evans is one of the most ferocious
– read dirty - rebounder ever to play the game. Both these players can prove to be ideal backups for Humphries and Lopez, especially the latter, given his poor injury record.
The Nets are looking like a team on a mission, and if they can get over the chemistry issues quickly, they certainly have the firepower to make a deep playoff run this season.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not represent Bettor.com’s editorial policy.
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