The All-Star break approaches. Teams like the Brooklyn Nets can use this time for a much needed rest, and some practice to figure out how to salvage some wins from the games remaining.
With a little over 40 losses, Brooklyn resides at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, the 15th place that was once the sole domain of the Philadelphia 76er’s. They’ve elevated themselves to 14th, about ten losses less than Brooklyn. They’ve reached up to thirteenth, but it will take more consistency in the win column to get through the muck of the Orlando Magic and the New York Knicks.
The Miami Heat, who are back here at Barclays Center tomorrow night (Friday) had momentarily fallen on hard times and to the fourteenth position in the standings two weeks ago. Their current ten game win streak have them in the eleventh spot and able to contend for the eighth seed in the playoff race.
When asked about turning their losses around, their head coach, Eric Spoestra, not use to being so low in the standings, replied, “Get back in the gym, practice.”
Can this plan, or course of action help Brooklyn? That’s yet to be determined, but the teams on their upcoming schedule won’t be bringing Valentine gifts. No flowers or candy, but
Brooklyn, who’ve lost ten straight games, is lucky enough to finish out the other remaining games, in addition to Miami, the Memphis Grizzlies and the Milwaukee Bucks at home.
Brooklyn has been without starting guard Jeremy Lin, who they signed in the off season since December 26th, due to his re-injured hamstring.
Brooklyn, led by their seven foot veteran center, Brook Lopez who’ll be 29 in April, is the most valuable player on a team filled with a supporting cast of developing players He’s averaging 20. 3 points, 5.3 rebounds in 29.4 minutes per game. Lopez likes to shoot threes, which is a negative when he misses, although it allows him to transition back to defense quicker.
With the trade deadline approaching, February 23rd, “What will Brooklyn do” becomes the question. What moves will new GM Sean Marks make? Is Lopez untouchable? Are teams interested in any of their other players. Do they see intrinsic value in guard Sean Kilpatrick, guard / forward Bojan Bogdanovic, rookies Caris LeVert, Isaiah Whitehead or power forward Trevor Booker? Are they interested in Rondae Hollis – Jefferson? Are any of their players valuable enough to trade for draft picks? Is there a D League player that can help elevate this team, or should they just become comfortable for now, residing in the basement?
