{"id":11236,"date":"2017-11-27T09:05:49","date_gmt":"2017-11-27T14:05:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnba.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=11236"},"modified":"2017-11-26T20:24:26","modified_gmt":"2017-11-27T01:24:26","slug":"brooklyn-nets-continue-respectability-quest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2017\/11\/27\/brooklyn-nets-continue-respectability-quest\/","title":{"rendered":"Brooklyn Nets Continue Quest for Respectability"},"content":{"rendered":"

In what can only be described as a tough start to the NBA season, the Brooklyn Nets<\/a><\/strong> continue its respectability quest. Through 18 games, the Nets put its fans and opponents alike through a kaleidoscope\u00a0of emotions. This article attempts to show a view in the rearview mirror, as well as a peep into the future of the Brooklyn Nets’ 2017-18 season.<\/p>\n

Brooklyn Nets Continue Quest for Respectability<\/strong><\/h2>\n

After a very aggressive off-season by General Manager Sean Marks<\/a><\/strong>, spirits were high all over through Kings County. The additions of DeMarre Carroll<\/a><\/strong>, D’Angelo Russell<\/a><\/strong>, and Allen Crabbe<\/a><\/strong> brought renewed hope to the Flatbush faithful. Players like Caris LeVert<\/a><\/strong> and Jeremy Lin<\/a><\/strong> mused about making the playoffs following this season. Other players like Rondae Hollis-Jefferson<\/a><\/strong>, Isaiah Whitehead<\/a><\/strong>, and Trevor Booker<\/a><\/strong> came with expectations. Rookie big man\u00a0Jarrett Allen<\/a><\/strong> hoped to contribute positively. Timofey Mozgov<\/a><\/strong>, Spencer Dinwiddie<\/a><\/strong>, and Sean Kilpatrick<\/a><\/strong> were eager to make their mark.<\/p>\n

Coincidently or perhaps consequently, the Boston Celtics traded the rights to the unprotected Nets 2018 draft pick (thanks, Billy King) in a deal that netted them Kyrie Irving<\/a><\/strong>. The Celtics previously were very wary about trading any of the previous Nets’ picks. This move drew speculation that Celtics General Manager Danny Ainge<\/a><\/strong> felt the pick was not as valuable as once thought, meaning the Nets were improving and thus not guaranteed to have the worst record in the league. Other factors included teams like the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings expected to struggle this season.<\/p>\n

Early Season Adversity<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Game one and tragedy\u00a0struck immediately. The quest to respectability hit a potential roadblock. Starting point guard Jeremy Lin<\/a><\/strong> fell to the ground clutching his right knee and the news was not good. ESPN’s Insider Adrian Wojnarowski’s tweet said it all:<\/p>\n

\n

Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin suffered a patellar tendon rupture and will miss rest of season, source tells ESPN.<\/p>\n

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 19, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n