Nets

Brooklyn Nets Free Agency Primer: Shooting Guards

By Sean Flattery

Posted on April 26, 2016

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.

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Michelle Stoddart is the Senior Vice President of Community Development and Public Affairs for Resorts World New York City (RWNY)