The Brooklyn Nets had a long offseason. The team had to deal with the unexpected departure of Jason Kidd and struggle through a coaching search before landing on Lionel Hollins who they hope is in the position for years to come. The Nets also said goodbye to Paul Pierce who opted to sign with the Washington Wizards. Now, after limited free agency moves, the Nets are hoping they have the right roster to compete, but early injuries could derail that.
The Nets announced that Brook Lopez has been ruled out for the season opener against the Boston Celtics. This is a blow for Brooklyn. The center missed a majority of last season after suffering an injury in his right foot. Now, the Nets hold their breath as Lopez deals with a sprain in that same foot. While Hollins is only willing to comment on Lopez's status for Wednesday, the center could be missing some time which means Mason Plumlee gets an increased role.
"They are just two different players. Mase is not as much of a post-up threat. But Brook can't run the floor like Mase," Deron Williams said, the Daily News. "So we'll be able to get out and run a little bit more (with Plumlee), I think, and still run some pick-and-rolls with Mase. He's still a good screener and great finisher around the basket. He's just not as skilled and he's not a vet like Brook."
Plumlee's stock went up this offseason after a successful stint with Team USA basketball. He is quickly growing into a top center. He works well in space while being much more athletic than someone like Lopez. If Plumlee excels in the center's absence, could a trade be in the works?
The Nets have been trying to cut some cots this offseason which is why Pierce left along with others. They are trying to lower their luxury tax debt. Injuries could force more trades. Lopez has one of the biggest contracts on the team along with Williams. Both players have struggled with injuries in recent years. It is not crazy to think either could be a trade target at the mid-season deadline. Most have questioned whether or not Williams will ever be the point guard he was just a few seasons ago thanks to ankle injuries. For his part, Williams says he is not listening to the media and is simply prepared to just go out and play.
"Everybody's pretty much written me off," Williams said, via the team's official website. "People say I'm never gonna be like I once was. I'm on the downhill. And so what pressure do I have? I'm a lot more confident. I just didn't have a lot of confidence in my ankles (the last two seasons). They wouldn't allow me to do the things I was capable of doing."
