{"id":36821,"date":"2021-01-26T08:00:18","date_gmt":"2021-01-26T13:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=36821"},"modified":"2021-03-23T18:50:03","modified_gmt":"2021-03-23T22:50:03","slug":"nets-rumors-brooklyn-targeting-interior-help","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2021\/01\/26\/nets-rumors-brooklyn-targeting-interior-help\/","title":{"rendered":"Nets Rumors: Brooklyn Targeting Interior Help"},"content":{"rendered":"

Just 10 days ago, the Brooklyn Nets<\/a> landed the biggest blockbuster trade of the season. Brooklyn acquired disgruntled superstar James Harden<\/a><\/strong> from the Houston Rockets<\/a> through a four-team trade, forming the latest super-trio of the NBA. However, the trade created some big holes for Brooklyn, fueling the fire for the latest Nets rumors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the trade, the Nets sent away center Jarrett Allen<\/strong><\/a> and forward Taurean Prince<\/a> <\/strong>to the Cleveland Cavaliers<\/a>, among other role players to depart. The result? Brooklyn is left with a serious need to upgrade the interior of its lineup, particularly on the defensive end. In these latest Nets rumors, it appears Brooklyn has targeted a few Cleveland names to fill this hole including JaVale McGee<\/a><\/strong>, Andre Drummond<\/strong><\/a>, or Kevin Love<\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Nets Rumors: Brooklyn looks to upgrade its interior rotation\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Roster Desperate for Depth at Center<\/b><\/h3>\n

After the dust cleared from this massive trade, it was quite clear the Nets may need to add some depth to the center position. Currently, Brooklyn\u2019s active roster employs only one true center in DeAndre Jordan<\/strong><\/a>. Head Coach Steve Nash<\/a> has used Jordan as the primary starting center while experimenting with Kevin Durant<\/a><\/strong> and Jeff Green<\/a> <\/strong>at the five in certain rotations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite the experimentation, this has proved a big problem for Brooklyn. The Nets are 3-2 since the Harden trade. We\u2019ll allow some time for the superstar trio of Harden, Durant, and Kyrie Irving<\/a><\/strong> to find chemistry. But, Brooklyn has been dominated inside the paint, especially with rebounding.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to NBA.com <\/em>stats, through the last five games, Brooklyn ranks dead last in the NBA in points allowed at 126.8 points per game. The Nets also rank 29th in defensive rating (119.2) and points allowed in the paint (54.8). The rebounding numbers aren\u2019t quite as horrific, partly because of Durant and Green\u2019s length and ability to rebound as fours. Still, Brooklyn ranks 17th in defensive rebounding percentage. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Nets do have some internal help on the way. Reggie Perry<\/a><\/strong>, a 6-foot-10 rookie, has already earned additional minutes in the rotation. Norvel Pelle<\/a><\/strong> should clear protocols shortly, after signing as a free agent, and Nicolas Claxton<\/a><\/strong> continues to rehab his injuries.\u00a0<\/span>The incoming help is very much unproven. If Brooklyn\u2019s super-trio truly hopes to contend for a championship this season, the interior depth needs immediate addressing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cleveland: Primary Target to help\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

The Cavaliers went from an aging trio of forwards\/centers to a plethora of depth at this position following the trade. Cleveland landed both Allen and Prince, aged 22 and 26 respectively, in this deal. Allen and Price have already average more than 25 minutes per game in Cleveland and it appears the two teams aren\u2019t done negotiating deals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sam Amico, founder\/writer for <\/span>FortyEightMinutes.com<\/span><\/i>, has reported two separate meetings between Brooklyn and Cleveland regarding a deal surrounding McGee. In his first year with the Cavaliers, McGee averages 16.8 minutes per night with 8.2 points, 1.1 blocks, and 6.2 rebounds. Interestingly enough, McGee did not see action in either of Cleveland\u2019s back-to-back wins over the Nets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Nets and Cavs meeting for second time tonight, and sources tell @FortyEightMins<\/a> to expect Nets to make a run at acquiring Cavs backup center JaVale McGee soon. Brooklyn has 2 available roster spots and looking for another veteran presence in the middle.<\/p>\n

— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) January 23, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n