NBA Power Rankings: Each Team’s Starting 5 On Paper

Apr 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) shoots the ball against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

22. Brooklyn Nets

Starting Five: Jarrett Jack, Joe Johnson, Bojan Bogdanovic, Thaddeus Young, Brook Lopez

Starting Five Rating: 16

The Brooklyn Nets actually graded better than I – and probably you – expected them to. Although, a lot of that could be attributed to their security blanket of Joe Johnson and Brook Lopez. If it weren’t for that solid duo, who both turned in good seasons last year, I’m not sure where the Nets would be right now.

As a playoff team last season, the Nets surprised the masses by taking the Atlanta Hawks to six games. We later understood why – the Hawks in the playoffs were a shell of their regular season selves. Regardless, the Nets should be in contention again for a playoff spot in the East.

Next: Milwaukee Bucks