With the 2019-2020 NBA season fast approaching, Our First Draft is providing team previews for all 30 NBA teams. These are intended to inform the reader about important roster changes for all teams, as well as summarizing the outlook of the team ahead. This includes the Vegas Over/Under line, OFD’s recommendation on which side to take, as well as a projected record for the team.
Team: Brooklyn Nets
Conference: Eastern
Wins O/U: 44.5 (-110 Over, -110 Under)
Last Year’s Record: 42-40
Projected Roster (Projected Starters marked with asterisks): J. Allen*, W. Chandler, S. Dinwiddie, H. Ellenson, J. Harris*, K. Irving*, D. Jordan, R. Kurucs*, C. LaVert*, D. Musa, D. Nwaba, T. Pinson, T. Prince, G. Temple
Key Offseason Moves: Traded D. Russell for K. Durant, Signed K. Irving, Signed D. Jordan, Traded for T. Prince, Lost D. Carroll, Lost R. Hondae-Jefferson, Lost E. Davis, Lost J. Dudley, Lost A. Crabbe, Signed G. Temple.
Overall Summary: While they were undoubtedly one of the winners of the summer in the NBA, the Nets have some questions to address on the court this season. With Kevin Durant unlikely to suit up in a game this year, the team might look substantially similar to last year’s, with Kyrie playing the role Russell played in the offense. However, the chemistry will be a question, as Kyrie has not always been known as the most supportive teammate, especially with younger players. Internally, improvement should be expected from guys like Kurucs, Allen, and LaVert, with LaVert looking to replicate his pre-injury success last year. While the Nets are not true contenders, they should be slightly better than last year while waiting for KD to return to the court for the following season.
Verdict: For me, this is another stay-away, but if forced to take a side, I would take the slight over. I think the Nets will likely slot in as the 6 or 7 seed in the East, with a projected record of 45-37.
