'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Brooklyn Nets have always been a strong team since the acquisition of James Harden in the 2020-21 NBA season. But they failed to scale the heights many expected of them.
A second-round exit in the playoffs was their ceiling in the 2021 NBA playoffs. Although the Brooklyn Nets were expected to go all the way, the super team did not do enough in year 1 to win the championship.
The Brooklyn Nets are still looking for their first-ever championship in franchise history after a promising 2021-22 campaign. NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003 are the closest the Nets have come to winning the title.
Early odds have the Brooklyn Nets as heavy favorites to win the 2022 NBA Finals, and one can see why. They lacked in some areas last season, which put their championship hopes in jeopardy. But given their offseason moves this summer, a healthy Nets team could run rings around every other franchise in the league.
Before the 2021-22 NBA season gets underway, here are three strengths of the Brooklyn Nets that could play a key role in their success this season.
#1 The Brooklyn Nets have improved their defense
Defense was the Brooklyn Nets' Achilles heel, and many would say it was the reason why they fell short of winning the championship last season. Despite the offensive arsenal at their disposal, a championship team is one that can defend their basket and get buckets on the other end of the court.
The Nets were very decisive during the offseason, targeting players who can score off the bench and also defend. One acquisition that stands out in this regard is Paul Millsap.
The veteran is a defensive juggernaut, and was brought in for his versatility. However, there is a downside to his presence in the Brooklyn Nets team: he is almost a non-factor in offense.
LeMarcus Aldridge also re-signed for the Nets following clearance from doctors that he can resume playing. The big man retired in the 2020-21 season due to an irregular heartbeat, but has come back to help the Nets in their championship run.
Ranking 23rd in defensive rating is unacceptable for a team that is looking to compete for the championship. While the Brooklyn Nets have made attempts to address their defensive woes, the question of whether their big three could be better defenders remains.
#2 Cam Thomas
Shocking, right? But it would be abominable not to commend the youngster on how exceptional he has been for the Brooklyn Nets. Cam Thomas was selected with the 27th overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft by the Nets, and is a testament to how stacked the 2021 draft class was.
Depth was a significant issue for the Brooklyn Nets in the 2020-21 season. It seemed as though the team could not get any production outside their big 3. That was especially the case in the playoffs, as Durant needed to play all 48 minutes in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals against the Milwaukee Bucks. While they won that game, they eventually lost the series.
Injuries to Harden and Kyrie Irving played a significant role in the Brooklyn Nets' semi-finals loss. The team found it difficult to get on the score sheet, especially Joe Harris, who lost his shooting touch from range.
The Brooklyn Nets have made moves to improve their bench production, and have done a decent job at that. While Patty Mills should be the go-to sixth man, Thomas might be the most impactful for the Nets.
The LSU product has been sensational since donning a Brooklyn Nets jersey. His performances in the 2021 NBA Summer League earned him the tournament's co-MVP award. So far this preseason, he has recorded awe-inspiring performances worthy of highlight reels.
Cam Thomas might be the most surprising player in the 2021-22 NBA season based on what we've seen so far from the youngster. The Brooklyn Nets have options, and Thomas is definitely high on the list.
#3 The Brooklyn Nets have several scoring options
Scoring was not exactly a problem for the Brooklyn Nets, but they have brought in elite scorers to improve their squad, especially their bench. While many are focused on the threat the big three possess, Joe Harris is definitely worthy of a mention. The sharpshooter led the league in three-point shooting, averaging 47.5% on 6.4 attempts.
Nevertheless, the Brooklyn Nets went after Mills during free agency. He was sensational for the San Antonio Spurs as a rotation player, and balled out at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, leading Team Australia to a silver medal over Luka Doncic's Slovenian national team. The rookie could also play significant minutes after he proved his prowess as a dependable scorer.
