Nets – The Brooklyn Game

Brooklyn Nets forward Thomas Robinson (41) shoots a jump shot Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Muscala (31), and forward Mike Scott defend during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Atlanta. Atlanta won 114-86. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Nets

Around The Nets: Atkinson, Robinson, and the Celtics’ great luck

By Benny Nadeau

AP Kathy Willens

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Nets introduce Kenny Atkinson at HSS Training Center

By Elizabeth Swinton

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Report: Nets have approached Lokomotiv’s Malcolm Delaney

By Elizabeth Swinton

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Zagoria: Nets trying to buy a 1st or 2nd rounder

By Benny Nadeau

Sean Marks

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Hamilton: Nets will host a late-May mini-camp for veterans

By Benny Nadeau

Mike Budenholzer

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Nets announce introductory press conference for Kenny Atkinson

By Benny Nadeau

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The Glue Guys: Nets Youth Movement Up Top

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Nets add cap and contract specialist, scouts to front office

By Benny Nadeau

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)

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Andrea Bargnani sought buyout over limited minutes

By Benny Nadeau

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Report: Jacque Vaughn hired as Nets assistant coach

By Devin Kharpertian

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Around the Nets

Around The Nets: Here’s How Much It Costs To Live Above Barclays Center

By Devin Kharpertian

This post is best viewed on a cell phone or tablet. Before anything else, we need to make one thing clear: the Nets will not sign a starting-quality center unless they trade Brook Lopez this offseason. That's probably not going to happen. And the Nets aren't going to waste time pursuing, say, (spoiler alert!) Hassan Whiteside unless they can give him a starting role and gobs of money. But say the Nets find a team that will take on Lopez for a talented wing or point guard. That makes center an immediate need -- and there's a lot of intriguing names that could fill that void. So let's take a look at ten centers looking for a payday this offseason, under the assumption that the Nets could find themselves looking for talent this offseason. For the big-name guys, you can assume they'd only come along if the spot opened up. For the second-tier guys, the question is if they'd accept a backup role -- at what cost, and with what teammates. -Devin Kharpertian Also check out: Point Guards

Nets

Brooklyn Nets Free Agency Primer: Centers

By Elizabeth Swinton

Terrence Jones -- Restricted Free Agent The skinny: An oft-injured enigma, Jones at times looks like the embodiment of a modern power forward. Moments later, he looks like an absolute mess. Jones is promising, and he’s young, but he’s coming off an off-year where nearly all his stats dipped. He’s a little undersized, but he’s quick, can hit the boards, and shows glimpses of a three-pointer. Despite the promise, his most memorable NBA moment was the sullen look displayed as James Harden scored a game-winner against the Warriors to extend a playoff series that looked like a certain sweep. For whatever reason, he’s just yet to put it all together. Jones a fit? I think so. I am sure there are some who see much more promise in Jones than they do in McCullough. He has displayed in flashes all the skills you’d want to see around Lopez. He’s also young, and to a rebuilding team like The Nets, that matters. Worthy pursuit? The Nets do not have a need at this position, but Jones is interesting. And while it’s not “Crying Jordan,” there is some serious meme potential in Jones’ “Why’d you have to hit that?” face. It comes down to price. His stock is down at the moment, and a bargain is a bargain, whether you need it or not. If I’m Marks, I’d kick the tires on Jones if league interest wanes. -Ryan Carbain

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Brooklyn Nets Free Agency Primer: Power Forwards

By Ryan Carbain & Zach Fisch

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Wayne Ellington wins PBWA Citizenship Award

By Devin Kharpertian

Nicolas Batum — Unrestricted Free Agent The skinny: For all the talk of bringing Linsanity back to Brooklyn, the Nets might be better served trying to secure the guy who led Lin's team in assists! That's right: Batum, a 6'8", 27-year-old small forward, led the Hornets with 5.8 assists per game this past season, nearly doubling Lin (3.0) despite playing far more of his minutes off the ball. Batum is a smart, willing passer who often put Marvin Williams and Cody Zeller in positions to score, and is a confident in-control player with three-point range and defensive skills. He was one of just five players to average at least 14 points, six rebounds, and five assists per game — the other four being LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden. Batum a fit? In every sense of the word. As Joe Johnson pointed out earlier this week, the Nets lacked playmakers willing to play team basketball. Batum fits the mold of a modern NBA small forward to a T: he creates for others, hits three-pointers, defends multiple positions, doesn't play for stats, and doesn't rely on explosiveness or quickness enough to suggest his game will sharply decline with age. Like Barnes, the biggest question for Batum isn't if he'll fit on the court — it's if he'll price himself out of Brooklyn. Batum could potentially command a max contract in this free agent market, which would mean the Nets would be on the hook to pay Batum a salary over $30 million when he's on the wrong side of 30. Now under Sean Marks, would the Nets want to get Joe Johnson'd again? Worthy pursuit? Yes. Batum is in his prime and is the type of unselfish player that can make teammates better. He might not be worth a max deal, but if the Nets can get him on a big-but-reasonable deal, he'd be a great fit in their starting lineup and a consistent positive on the floor.

Nets

Brooklyn Nets Free Agency Primer: Small Forwards

By Devin Kharpertian

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

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