D’Angelo Russell is in his second stint with the Nets after being traded back to the team in late December. As he becomes a free agent this summer, Russell’s future in Brooklyn is uncertain. However, he hopes to remain with the team and serve as a mentor to the younger players.
Russell’s Future With Brooklyn Nets In Question
The Nets hold a 26-55 record with two games left before their regular season ends on Sunday. Seeded 12th in the Eastern Conference, the team will miss the playoffs. Their focus shifts to rebuilding for the future. Offseason decisions include re-signing Russell and/or Cam Thomas, as well as potentially trading Nic Claxton and/or Cam Johnson.
As discussions center on Russell’s potential re-signing during the off-season, he is averaging 12.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists this season since rejoining Brooklyn. However, he has missed four consecutive games due to an ankle injury.
Russell’s Future With Brooklyn
Russell believes his contributions this season made a difference and wants to be a part of the Nets’ rebuilding. He told ClutchPoints, “This group had a lot of good wins before I got here, and then when I got here, we beat a lot of good teams as well.” Russell added, “I think just what the future holds with this group [is why I want to be back]. Obviously, what Jordi [Fernandez] and Sean [Marks] are creating, I’m familiar with it. Being somewhere familiar is something I’m definitely prioritizing.”
Mentors Needed As Nets Rebuild
Although the Nets rebuild focuses on younger players, C.J. Holmes of the New York Daily News highlighted Russell’s veteran experience. Holmes noted that Russell could serve as a mentor if the Nets chose to re-sign him.
Coach Jordi Fernandez acknowledged the importance of veterans on the team, the benefits of mentorship, and Russell’s effectiveness this season. He said, “I think mentorship is always important. And you’ve seen it from Dennis [Schroder] from [Dorian Finney-Smith] from [Cam Johnson] from D’Lo. Those guys, even though I consider them still very young and in their prime, are able to talk to the younger guys and help them and hold them accountable when they have to.” Fernandez continued, “They’ve done a great job. All of these guys. Unfortunately, some of them are not here anymore. D’Lo’s had this role where he’s been vocal because he has experience, he’s gone through the process, he understands what we’re trying to do. He’s been very helpful for everybody else, and he’s been very good himself in his role.”
Throughout his career, Russell has played alongside NBA legends like Lebron James, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green. During his rookie season, he was mentored by the late Kobe Bryant, whose guidance still influences him today. Earlier this season, Russell appeared on The Backyard Podcast and reflected on the advice Bryant gave him when he entered the league. Russell said, “I remember Kobe saying like the passion that you have for basketball, put that passion into something else that you really love too. It’s the same thing. He said that to me before.”
Building A Contending Team
Owner Joe Tsai and general manager Sean Marks aim to build a contending team. In addition to deciding whether to re-sign Russell, the team must plan for the draft and determine their approach to free agency this offseason. With 31 draft picks over the next seven years, the Nets have substantial opportunities for growth. They must also decide if they will spend aggressively, as they currently lead the league in salary cap room for next season.
Russell, a fan favorite, has demonstrated his wanting to help the Nets become contenders. He controls the court and is a great passer. If re-signed, he will likely remain a starter and continue serving as a vocal leader. Although Russell hopes to remain with Brooklyn, the organization’s direction remains uncertain.
Photo credit: © Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
