Trevor Booker is no superstar but what he brings to the Brooklyn Nets is something they have lacked, and that’s a competitive edge and heart
During the offseason, the Brooklyn Nets’ main focus was finding players that were undervalued by other teams, but would also be able to fit into the team’s system of play. Justin Hamilton and Anthony Bennett represent the type of players Brooklyn is looking for, as they’re not big names, but they’re both guys that can play.
Moreover, another individual that belongs to that list is forward Trevor Booker.
Another player that isn’t a flashy signing, Trevor Booker might go down as one of the most underrated moves of the 2016 offseason. Although his stats aren’t flashy, Booker’s play stands out. He plays with a high energy and brings a defensive presence to the court.
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In pick-and-roll scenarios, the roll-man scored 0.90 ppp, while ball-handlers were held to only 0.72 ppp, which was good enough to place him in the 76.4 percentile.
Because of Booker’s foot speed for a big his size; it allows him to guard perimeter players and also the quicker face-up 4’s. That’s how he held his own in isolation situations, giving up a stout 0.77 ppp.
Yet, if that doesn’t show you the type of defender he is, maybe his career high 2.6 defensive win shares last season can help tell the story. But that isn’t to say Booker doesn’t have his weaknesses.
As a rim protector he isn’t the greatest, as he allowed opponents shoot 55.2 percent at the basket, but if he’s going to start alongside Brook Lopez that shouldn’t be a problem.
On the glass, Trevor Booker is a beast. Last season he grabbed 2.1 offensive boards a game, and 74.7 percent of them were contested rebounds. That’s impressive, especially when taking into consideration the guys he beat out in Tristan Thompson (72.0 percent) and Karl-Anthony Towns (71.2 percent.)
But that doesn’t tell the whole story, as defensive rebounding issues have long been one of Trevor’s weaknesses (3.6 defensive boards a game). However, Booker has gotten better as his defensive rebounding percentages (20.4 percent) and total rebounding (16.2 percent) were career highs.
On the offensive side of things, Trevor Booker isn’t known to be a scorer. Yet, he does a lot of things well on that side of the court. Whether were talking about his ability to take the ball inside off of the dribble, cut to the rim (1.15 ppp), or score off of put back dunks, Booker just does a great job finishing near the basket (58.1 percent.)
With the athleticism he possesses it allows him to have that high-octane style of play that he brings to the court. It’s one of the reasons why Booker likes to get out in the open floor and get easy baskets in transition (1.09 ppp.) An it also comes in use when Booker runs to the rim off of screen and rolls (0.98 ppp.)
When it comes to shooting the ball, Booker’s three-point shot is still a work in progress. Over the last couple of seasons, he has started to attempt more jumpers from behind the arc, but it still isn’t something he heavily relies on. Through two seasons he’s only shot 125 three-ball attempts, while making 32.8 percent of them. So he has shown he can make them, now it’s about testing that shot more.
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The Brooklyn Nets have a hole to fill at the 4 spot, and Trevor Booker looks like their best bet to start right now. Although he has never been one to put up eye-popping stats, Trevor Booker does get the job done. But now as he sees an expanded role in the upcoming season he needs to take advantage of the opportunity.