Brooklyn Nets: How the Nets transformed into a playoff contender

The Emergence of D’Angelo Russell

After struggling with injuries and a diminished role after the all-star break in his first year in Brooklyn, D’Angelo Russell has bounced back in a big way this year and is finally beginning to blossom into the star we all thought he could be when he was drafted by the Lakers second overall in 2015.

The fourth-year guard is putting up 19.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.1 steals a night while shooting 44 percent from the field, 37 percent from 3 and 82 percent from the line. He is posting career highs in scoring, assists, field goal percentage, 3-point percentage and free throw percentage and he is doing all of this in under 30 minutes a night!

The success of the Brooklyn Nets starts with Russell. He is the engine that makes the team go and he is showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, he has only gotten better as the season has progressed. Since Caris LeVert went down with that nasty leg injury back in November, DLo’s numbers have gone up to 20.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.2 steals.

Russel’s resurgence has not only helped make the Nets relevant once more but it has also resulted in his first ever all-star selection. If he keeps up his current trajectory, it will be far from his last.