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The Brooklyn Nets had a less than ideal end to their 2020-21 NBA season, crashing out in the second round of the playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks.
They are expected to fare better in the 2021-22 campaign. Their offseason activity suggests that the franchise doesn't want to leave any stone unturned in their quest to win the championship.
The Brooklyn Nets have arguably the best roster in the NBA, which has been further boosted by the signing of veteran forward Paul Millsap, with LaMarcus Aldridge expected to follow. However, no team in the NBA is immune to disasters.
On that note, here's a look at three bold predictions about the Brooklyn Nets' 2021-22 season.
#1 The Brooklyn Nets could be a good defensive team
The Brooklyn Nets ended their 2020-21 regular season with a 113.8 defensive rating, which was only 23rd-best in the league. For a contending team, the Nets were distinctly deficient on the defensive side of the ball. But there could be improvement on that front in the upcoming campaign.
Injuries played a key role in the Nets' having a poor defense, as starters Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving missed time due to injuries. Durant, and especially Irving are not lockdown defenders, but can more than hold their own on that end. Add to that James Harden, who is a brilliant defender in the post, the Nets' Big 3 can bust the myth that they are not good at defense.
Bruce Brown and Nicolas Claxton are expected to see key minutes as part of the Brooklyn Nets rotation. The duo is expected to do a lot of heavy lifting in defense. Both excelled defensively in the regular season and the playoffs. So they could play a pivotal part in helping the Nets have one of the best defenses in the Eastern Conference in 2021-22.
#2 The Brooklyn Nets' old guard could fail to meet expectations
The Brooklyn Nets have a bunch of veterans in their roster, all of whom are chasing a ring in the twilight of their careers. Blake Griffin, Paul Millsap and potentially LaMarcus Aldridge can also be added to this list. Even recent acquisition, point guard Patty Mills, is 32.
The Nets' will obviously be led by their 'Big 3'. But head coach Steve Nash will expect a significant contribution from the aforementioned quartet, especially during the playoffs. However, Griffin is an injury-prone player. And there is no assurance whether Mills would be productive for a new team in a limited role after playing for another franchise for a decade.
Meanwhile, Aldridge is returning from a career-threatening condition, while Millsap's best years appear to be behind him. Hence, there is a good chance that the Brooklyn Nets' veteran core could flop next season.
#1 The Brooklyn Nets may not finish as the number one seed in the Eastern Conference
The Brooklyn Nets finished second in the Eastern Conference last season, with a 48-24 record. The Nets' fans are hopeful their team would end the regular season with the best record in the East and earn the coveted and all-important no. 1 seed in a competitive conference.
However, the Nets will have to fend off the threat of the Milwaukee Bucks, who are fresh off winning the NBA championship. If the last few years are to be taken into consideration, the Bucks have been the best side in the Eastern Conference in the regular season. They will return to claim their throne this year, led by the dynamic trio of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday.
The mighty Brooklyn Nets will also have to negotiate the threat of the Philadelphia 76ers, who were first in the regular season last year. Considering the aforementioned reasons, the Nets may not end the regular season as the top seed in the East.
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