Three stars that would fit on the Brooklyn Nets
After a surprising decision to part ways with head coach Kenny Atkinson just before the NBA’s hiatus in March, and then months of potential rumored coaching candidates, the Brooklyn Nets announced that Steve Nash would officially be named the team’s next head coach.
Interestingly enough, Nash was a name that was never rumored and not even on anyone’s “radar” of potential coaching hires. Nevertheless, Nash will be introduced as the next head coach (four-year contract) for the Nets next week.
Nash will be tasked with elevating the Nets to a contender in the Eastern Conference, with the help of Kevin Durant (who missed all of the 2019-20 season) and Kyrie Irving (who missed the latter portion of it).
Heading into the offseason, Brooklyn has their sights set on adding a third star to their roster in an attempt to round-out a championship-contender roster. We explore three “stars” that would be ideal fits (amongst those that could find their way to the trade block) next to Durant and Kyrie.
Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers superstar started to look like his old self at the end of their run in Orlando. After missing a full year due to tearing his right quad tendon, Victor Oladipo started to piece it back together. He may have not been putting up the All-Star numbers we are used to seeing from him but it was very solid none the less.
Oladipo would be a great fit for the Nets. He gives them another shooter from outside that can also create for himself and others. He can take over ball handling on possessions Kyrie Irving wants to play off the ball. He is also a very solid perimeter defender who is always playing hard.
The asking price for Oladipo is going to be hard to gauge since he does have only one year left on his contract and his sample size post-injury isn’t very big. Also, the Pacers aren’t going to just ship him away for mere pennies on the dollar. The package would have to include either Caris LeVert or Spencer Dinwiddie. I think LeVert would be who the Pacers are more interested in. Package that with Rodions Kurucs and a first-round pick and that may be enough for a deal to get done.
Blake Griffin, Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons seem like they are in full rebuild mode and if this is the case Blake Griffin could be on the open market. Griffin could be a realistic addition to give the Nets some extra star power in Brooklyn. Griffin could offer a lot to the Nets.
Griffin is a multidimensional power forward that has really developed his game into quite the offensive force from his previous rim running game in LA. Griffin has added a decent jump shot and the ability to drive off the dribble to his offensive arsenal. He could give the Nets an extra big who can get their own shot and plays well in the pick and roll game. Also, it’s a plus that rebounds well and would add to the Nets size on defense.
The biggest question mark with Griffin is his health. He has been sidelined with injuries the past few seasons. He missed some time in his only playoff stint in Detroit with a knee injury and missed most of the season this year. This could scare off a team like Brooklyn with his injury past and the fact he is owed around $75 million in the next two seasons with one of those being a player option. It’s a risk but if Griffin could stay healthy it could turn the Nets into legit contenders.
Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers
The Nets could go for another star power forward, but this time they find themselves dealing with the Cavaliers. Kevin Love showed his displeasure with the Cavs last year by requesting a trade. Due to his massive contract, he signed back in 2018, Kevin Love was not traded at the deadline and remains a part of the wine and gold.
Love would be a perfect fit for the Nets offense alongside Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. Love is a tremendous rebounder at his size averaging nearly 10 rebounds on the season. Love also spreads out the floor with his ability to knock down the 3-point shot. Also, Kyrie and Kevin Love already have a connection since they won a title together.
I’m sure the asking price for Kevin Love wouldn’t be too high since the Cavs would love to get off that deal. They could send a package of Caris LeVert, Taurean Prince, Jarrett Allen, and maybe a second-round pick.