D’Angelo Russell, Brooklyn Nets
If you’ve followed my work – and I honestly don’t know why you would – you know my feelings on D’Angelo Russell. I loved him coming out of college, and don’t blame the Los Angeles Lakers for taking him second overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, but he has left a lot to be desired during his first few years in the NBA.
He was supposed to be the Lakers next star, but then he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets. He hasn’t looked all that impressive with either team, and is on the verge of completely falling off and turning to just another guy.
That’s why this is such a pivotal season for Russell. He has the platform to be great in Brooklyn, but still hasn’t taken full advantage of the opportunity that he’s been given with his new team. He is a restricted free agent next summer, so not only would it be perfect timing for a breakout season this year for the Nets, but also for his bank account.