The Brooklyn Nets went on the road to kick off their weekend with a game against the Charlotte Hornets. They walked away with a comfortable 111-104 victory behind solid play from the starters.

In what is quickly becoming a troubling trend, the Nets started out very slowly on the offensive end. They only hit one of their first six shots, the one make was Joe Harris of course. He has become a focal point for the offense in the wake of Kyrie Irving’s prolonged absence. His five threes in the first half kept the game close.

Something about this arena…
Joey Buckets already 3/4 from range ?????? pic.twitter.com/wXDmF70APz
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) December 7, 2019

Despite this, the team overall seemed complacent on Friday. There were a few standouts (looking at you, Jarrett Allen), but there was a distinct lack of cohesion, especially amongst the bench unit.

? JA protectin' early ? pic.twitter.com/wPloVqBjEn
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) December 7, 2019

Perhaps it might have something to do with the elephant in the room. Wilson Chandler’s suspension is almost up — he was suspended for 25 and they just finished No. 22 — and there is not an open roster spot for him. Someone is going to have to go, but who will it be?

Tonight for the game grades, we focused on the players who may find their position on the team in danger. These next few games could be crucial for their future with the organization.

While the cohesion was sometimes subpar against the Hornets, the effort was clearly there. They were playing their hearts out, and that energy allowed the Nets to pretty comfortably close out the Hornets. The players are starting to settle into their roles, and it shows in the increased level of play. Still, the question remains: Who will be the odd man out three games from now?

David Nwaba

A

The stats: 13 PTS, 5-9 FG, 2-3 3PT, 1-2 FT, 3 REB, 0 TO, 16 MIN

So, uh… we think it’s safe to say that David Nwaba is sticking around.

.@DeAndre with the backdoor fastball for @dnwaba0 ? pic.twitter.com/pcriizakVa

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) December 7, 2019

He was added to the team for his defense, but his offensive capabilities were on full display on Friday. He made it happen from every spot on the floor while maintaining excellent defensive effort. He had a slow start to the season, but is heating up at the perfect time.

Džanan Musa

C-

The stats: 0 PTS, 0-3 FG, 0-1 3PT, 3 REB, 3 AST, 1 TO, 12 MIN

Dzanan Musa did not impress against the Hornets.

He is shooting 31.7 percent from the field and 17.5 percent from three so far this season. He is supposed to be a ball-handler, but is averaging the same amount of assists as turnovers — 1.3. Last season when D’Angelo Russell went down and the team desperately needed another ball-handler, Musa did not get called up. This season, Nets fans are seeing why.

Despite this, he is still just 20 years old. With a 6’9″ frame, there is a ton of potential for him to grow and he is nowhere near his ceiling. The question is, with the Nets now planning on contending for a title as soon as next year, are they willing to wait for him?

Theo Pinson

C+

The stats: 5 PTS, 1-9 FG, 0-4 3PT, 3-3 FT, 7 REB, 1 STL, 1 TO, 14 MIN

Theo Pinson is the team’s main cheerleader, but is that enough to keep him safe?

QB 8 ↗️ TE 2@tpinsonn: Touchdown! pic.twitter.com/ByoT7fnLQ9

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) December 7, 2019

His value undoubtedly extends beyond the confines of the court, as he is the leader of the bench celebrations that have become so notorious around the league. Some may scoff at that, but it is indicative of his influence on this squad and his proficiency as a glue-guy. There is little doubt that losing him would be a blow to team morale.

Rodions Kurucs

F

The stats: 0 MIN

Rodions Kurucs did not play on Friday night. He has spent more time in the G-League than with the main roster recently, and that is not a great sign.

Kurucs has regressed so far this season. While it is likely that his performance gets better as the year goes on, he also has a court case looming over him. Off- and on-the-court issues are never a great position to be in. If he remains, it is due almost entirely to the potential he showed last season.