The Brooklyn Nets became a team on the rise after last season’s surprise playoff run. Now, after agreeing to max deals with two superstars in free agency, Brooklyn has vaulted into future contender status. The Brooklyn Nets season preview shows a team that exceeded expectations last season and rebuilt their roster for this coming season by adding some stars to an already great supporting cast.
Brooklyn Nets 2019-20 Season Preview
A Look Back to Last Season
The Eastern Conference became wide open a season ago as LeBron James departed West to join the Los Angeles Lakers. His move opened the door for new East contenders and surprise teams to jump into the postseason. Yet make no mistake, very few if nobody predicted a roster of young, inexperienced players and aged veterans could secure a playoff spot. Yet that is exactly what occurred out in Brooklyn.
Led by D’Angelo Russell, the former number two pick who struggled to start his career in Los Angeles, the Brooklyn Nets made a surprise appearance in the postseason. Brooklyn increased their win total by 14 and ended their playoff drought of four-seasons much longer than many expected. Caris LeVert, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Jarrett Allen joined Russell (an eventual first-time all-star) in forming a young core booming with potential for the future.
Despite losing to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round, the Nets successfully put themselves on the league’s radar. The change in culture was apparent, and a big summer of free agency could drastically change the future of this franchise if Brooklyn could capitalize on the opportunity. Looking ahead to 2019, it’s safe to say the Nets did just that.
Offseason Changes
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving were among the top free agents, and all the talk pointed to the two joining forces in New York. Many assumed that meant Durant and Irving would play at Madison Square Garden, looking to revive the New York Knicks franchise. Durant and Irving in New York did indeed come to fruition, only the two stars had their sights set on Brooklyn as opposed to Manhattan.
After the Nets agreed to terms with both on max deals, Brooklyn also signed DeAndre Jordan, forming the new Big Three for the Nets. As a result of signing Durant, the Nets agreed to a sign-and-trade with the Golden State Warriors. D’Angelo Russell, who revitalized his career and brought the Nets’ back to relevance, was headed to The Bay with the Warriors. Brooklyn signed Garrett Temple and Wilson Chandler to add to an already impressive bench unit.
Expectations for Next Season
Once again, the Eastern Conference is wide open with the departure of Kawhi Leonard to the Los Angeles Clippers. Kevin Durant is likely to miss the entire 2019-20 regular season rehabbing from his Achilles injury. The Nets won’t be at full strength until he returns the following season, but Kyrie Irving must still prove he can lead this team. After securing the sixth seed a year ago, notching a top-four spot and homecourt in the playoffs is a realistic goal in 2019.
Brooklyn Nets 2019-20 Season Prediction
The Nets will look to build on their above .500 record of 42-40 last season. With new pieces Irving and Jordan (with Durant on the way) Brooklyn can still see an improvement in overall wins. The Nets can achieve 50 wins this coming season, with a top-four seed in mind. Realistically, the third seed is the ceiling this coming season, as the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers are favored for the top two seeds in the East.
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