The Brooklyn Nets have wrapped up their final preseason game and will face the Atlanta Hawks on the road on Wednesday to begin the regular season. The Nets finished the preseason going 1-4 with plenty to improve upon. A former 2020 lottery draft pick won’t be around to help improve the team.
Nets Release 2020 NBA Draft Lottery Pick
Opening night in the NBA is just days away, and the Nets face many questions such as whether guard Ben Simmons can stay healthy, and if the team’s chemistry will improve. In previous years, the Nets have frequently made headlines in New York City newspapers and have been a topic of discussion due to chemistry issues, contract disputes, COVID-19 protocols, trade demands, and players refusing to play.
Coach Jordi Fernandez told Brian Lewis of the New York Post,
“I want everybody to have my back. That support is important to build that trust and loyalty between the head coach and the assistants, and then the players can feel it.”
Nic Claxton and Dorian Finney-Smith Set for Season Opener
When it comes to the health of Nic Claxton and Dorian Finney-Smith, Fernandez said that the two will be active and ready to go on Wednesday. Claxton signed a four-year, $97 million contract this offseason. He is one of the very last players left from the Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden era. Claxton had a career high in rebounds last year, averaging 9.9 per game. Claxton’s future with the Nets this year is in question. The Nets could decide to go the route of selling at the February deadline or deciding to keep him around.
After the NBA preseason, players, including two-way players, find out if they made the final cuts to the roster. Guard Killian Hayes, who was signed by the Nets on September 20th after being waived by the Detroit Pistons, has been waived again after less than a full month with the team.
Hayes’ Injury Plagued NBA Career
In 2020, Hayes was drafted No. 7 overall by the Detroit Pistons. He was viewed as a future piece to the puzzle that the Pistons needed for defense. Unfortunately, Hayes has dealt with hip injuries over the course of his career, including tearing his right labrum in January 2021. While playing for the Pistons, the team had some of its worst seasons record-wise, and a decline in fan attendance. In Hayes’ four years with the Pistons, he averaged 8.1 points and 5.2 assists on 38.2 percent shooting in 210 appearances.
Hayes missed the entire Nets’ preseason battling a hip injury. Before Hayes’s release, Fernandez told the media,
“We’re not going to rush him because his health is our priority. No need to risk. He’s done a good job.”
Hayes will continue to rehab his injury and pursue an NBA deal with the Nets’ Long Island G league affiliate, according to Shams Charania.
The Nets Under Watch
With the release of Hayes, the Nets continue to finalize their team. Despite their opening game against the Atlanta Hawks this coming Wednesday, the Nets have yet to announce their finalized roster. All eyes will be on the team this season and whether they will trade players at the deadline.
