While the Brooklyn Nets didn’t add talent to their roster via the draft like the Cavaliers or the Pacers, they were able to add rookie talent during the offseason. While the newest Nets are talented, they each have questions that they must address during the coming season. Here is a question that each incoming rookie on the Nets has to answer during the 2024-25 NBA season.
1 Question For Each Brooklyn Nets Rookie
Yongxi Cui
Question: Can Cui Improve His Shot Selection?
Yongxi Cui signed a two-way contract with the Brooklyn Nets in late September after going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft. However, he did play with the Portland Trail Blazers during Summer League before joining Brooklyn. As a player, Cui plays on the wings as a swingman who can reliably knock down threes and defend. Not only can Cui shoot from three, but he can also attack closeouts and hit shots in the mid-range. Additionally, Cui is a smart cutter, which adds further value to his off-ball game. He has also shown some flashes as a passer. On defense, Cui has great feel when operating as a help defender and can be solid when defending on-ball. Cui didn’t have a good outing at Summer League, but he didn’t get much time to show what he could do. Regardless, Cui has demonstrated what his skills are playing in China.
Cui has developed many skills conducive to team-oriented basketball, including his three-point shooting and defense. However, Cui has shown a tendency towards poor shot selection. At times, he would settle for taking a mid-range jumper instead of finding a better shot. Thus, the big question for Cui is whether or not he can improve his shot selection. There’s no doubt that the Brooklyn coaching staff will work with Cui to iron this element out of his game. If Cui can do it, then it will make his offense much more effective. Furthermore, it would make his offense flow better within the overall Nets offense. With luck, it won’t take long for Cui to improve his shot selection.
Jaylen Martin
Question: Can Martin Improve His Shooting?
Jaylen Martin signed a two-way contract with the Brooklyn Nets in February of last season. He originally went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft and signed a two-way contract with the New York Knicks before being waived twice during the 2023-2024 season. He never played in an official NBA game for either team. As a player, Martin utilizes his athleticism to be a force in transition and on defense. He loves going downhill as a slasher and utilizes his defense to generate turnovers, allowing him to get out in transition. He didn’t necessarily pop out during his time at Summer League, but he did have moments where his best attributes shined.
While Martin has shown impressive skill as a slasher and defender, his shooting ability is still lacking comparatively. As a wing, it is crucial for him to develop as a shooter. So, the big question for Martin is whether or not he can improve his shooting. If he can throughout the season, then it will be easy to see a spot for him in the rotation for Brooklyn in the latter half of the season. Not only that, but it will cement a place for him in the league. Hopefully, Martin can take the season to improve as a shooter.
