Sean Flattery – The Brooklyn Game

(AP Photo/R Brent Smith)

Nets

TBG Player Previews 2016-2017: Sean Kilpatrick

By Sean Flattery

DeMar DeRozan, Player Option The skinny: From Straight Outta Compton to We the North, DeRozan’s star has shone brighter in each year of his career. Now 26 in his seventh season, DeRozan is the leading scorer for the 56-win Toronto Raptors team who pose a legitimate chance of reaching the NBA Finals this year. The 6’7” long and dynamic guard has improved on his shooting every year since being drafted by Toronto in the first round in 2009; his athletic skillset has become a nightmare for opposing defenders and there’s still room for improvement. This season, DeRozan averaged 23.5 points per game and made the All-Star Team for the 2nd time. Consistency, which once eluded him, has become one with him. DeRozan a fit? Joe Johnson showed the value of a competent shooting guard in Brooklyn, and the Nets' big man duo of Thaddeus Young & Brook Lopez are the only consistent scoring threats signed for next season. So yes, DeRozan’s offensive ability entering his prime would be worthy of a max contract if Marks and company see him as a long-term piece. Worthy pursuit? DeRozan has made it very clear his affection for Toronto and his willingness to stay there. Backcourt mate Kyle Lowry has said he believes DeRozan will opt out but only as a business decision, not a plan to leave. The Nets should kick the tires on DeRozan, but only if Marks and Coach Atkinson feel he would be a key building block. Max contracts require thorough deliberations, and they might not want to put all those eggs in DeRozan’s basket.

Nets

Brooklyn Nets Free Agency Primer: Shooting Guards

By Sean Flattery

Andrea Bargnani (9) defends Philadelphia 76ers' Jahlil Okafor (8) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015, in New York. The Nets won 100-91. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Nets

Nets (finally) end their lengthy road trip tonight in Philladelphia

By Sean Flattery

Nets

Nets take on Karl-Anthony Towns and the Timberwolves

By Sean Flattery

Nets

Nets look for Rocky Mountain high against the Nuggets

By Sean Flattery

Nets

Kobe Bryant will sit for his last game vs. Nets

By Sean Flattery

Nets

Nets aim for two in row against the Jazz

By Sean Flattery

Nets

Nets begin long road trip against the scorching Blazers

By Sean Flattery

Nets

Nets take on Hornets before hitting the road

By Sean Flattery

Nets

Nets kick off second half against Knicks

By Sean Flattery

Nets

Nets try to keep good vibes going against Grizzlies

By Sean Flattery

Nets

Nets look to break losing streak against Pacers

By Sean Flattery

Nets

Anthony Davis’ status in question as Nets take on Pelicans

By Sean Flattery

Nets

Nets visit Deron Williams and the Mavericks in Dallas

By Sean Flattery

Nets

Can Brook Lopez and the Nets pounce on the Heat?

By Sean Flattery

Nets

Streaking Thunder plow into Brooklyn looking for eighth straight win

By Sean Flattery

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