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Brooklyn Nets: D’Angelo Russell is the face of the ‘other’ NY team

By Connor Cassidy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 18: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots the ball against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on October 18, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 18: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots the ball against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on October 18, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Being granted a fresh start, D’Angelo Russell is now the face of the “other” New York basketball team, the Brooklyn Nets

For years the Brooklyn Nets have been the laughing stock of the National Basketball Association. This season that will all change because of one player. That player is the only man who has ice in his veins: D’Angelo Russell.

This past offseason, the Brooklyn Nets acquired D’Angelo Russell in a major trade, giving away all-star center Brook Lopez in return for Russell as well as big man, Timofey Mozgov. This deal was a HUGE because the Nets finally received that one player everyone can rely on (once again).

Russell will have the city on his shoulders as the GM, coaches, players, and even the fans will be expecting him to lead the way to success for the Brooklyn basketball team – even more so now that Jeremy Lin suffered an unfortunate season-ending knee injury in the season opener. 

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Heading into his third NBA season, D’Angelo Russell has averaged 14.3 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. In Los Angeles, Russell was not considered the go-to guy which was the main reason his stats were so low.

The offense was not revolving around him as he played with other key scorers including Kobe Bryant, Nick Young, Jordan Clarkson, and Julius Randle.

Playing in Brooklyn will be very different and MOST DEFINITELY better for the young point guard. Russell will be the go-to player in crunch time situations. This is exactly what Russell needs; a team that trusts him and wants – and essentially needs – to rely on him.

D’Angelo Russell is a crafty guard who can play both the 1 and 2 position for the Nets. With Lin out for the year, Russell will likely be asked to play more of the 1 moving forward. With his crafty ability to distribute, this shouldn’t be an issue. 

Russell scored 30 points  on 55 percent shooting from the field in the team’s opening game against the Indiana Pacers. He also added five assists.

Despite the opening night loss, and after Lin’s injury, the Brooklyn Nets should be excited for this upcoming season. They have a young roster that can do some damage, and may have a budding star in D’Angelo Russell. 

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Russell is now the face of the Nets organization and it’s going to be interesting to see how he performs this season in an extended role. This could be a make-or-break year for the 21-year-old. Although, the Nets also could be the perfect organization for him to excel.

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