The Nets could improve throughout the remainder of the season after making several wise transactions.
The Brooklyn Nets traded Royce O’Neale and Spencer Dinwiddie at the deadline, making some wise decisions. In exchange for Dennis Schroder and Thaddeus Young, Dinwiddie was moved to the Toronto Raptors.
Conversely, O’Neale was sent to Phoenix in a three-team trade that included Vanja Marinkovic’s draft rights, Keita Bates-Diop, Jordan Goodwin, and three second-round selections. Since both players had expiring contracts, the majority of Nets supporters anticipated the deal prior to the deadline.
Now, let’s examine how well these two packages fit the club and how they will impact Coach Jacque Vaughn’s setup.
Schroder steps in as a primary playmaker
Since Dinwiddie was traded, Schroder has taken over as the starting point guard. Because Dennis is more of a floor manager than a score-first guard like Spencer, this move will help the Nets offence.
Having Schroder on the team also maximises the production of Mikal Bridges and Cameron Thomas, two scorers. With the Ratpors, the German guard averaged 6.1 assists per game despite facing a guy who controls the ball a lot, in Scottie Barnes.
Cam and Mikal would be more effective if they played more off the ball. They can run through screens and get open looks, and Schroder will be poised to deliver the game-winning ball.
Bates-Diop is a valuable energy player
Throughout his career, Bates-Diop has been an underappreciated role player, but he consistently demonstrates bursts of extraordinary intensity. Coach Vaughn wants Brooklyn to play at a faster tempo, therefore it is essential.
Instead of depending on Nic Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe to lead the fast break, Brooklyn will have a more adaptable roster with more runners in transition and improved rebounding thanks to KBD’s length.
Young provides valuable leadership
With young players making up the majority of the Brooklyn squad, having a player like Thad Young is essential for player development. At 35 years old, Thaddeus is among the most seasoned players in the league, and Brooklyn will benefit from his leadership while he continues to play in a scrappy manner.
Young will be a leader and the other players will catch on to his desire of working hard for the ball to benefit the team. Jalen Wilson, Trendon Watford, and Noah Clowney are just a few of the team’s many adaptable players who will gain from playing under Thad’s direction.
Although the decisions made at this trade deadline were not the ideal, small steps like these can have big consequences. Though the moves also result in better flexibility, general manager Sean Marks wants to maintain building around Mikal, Cam, and Nic because they can produce excellent results…
