The Brooklyn Nets might have remained quiet during the free agency frenzy this past offseason, but that does not mean the team did not undergo plenty of changes. Gone is Jason Kidd as head coach and in is Lionel Hollins who was most recently was with the Memphis Grizzlies. Paul Pierce is out, but a surging Mason Plumlee is in. The Nets have low expectations this year, something the team is looking to prove wrong as is their opening night opponent, the Boston Celticswho heard nothing but trade rumors all offseason.
The Nets went 44-38 last season while making it to the second round of the NBA playoffs, but fell to the Miami Heat in a quick series. That was considered a failure considering the big names the team had occupying the roster. This year, the expectations are still the same, but most NBA analysts have the Nets going nowhere. Hollins intends to change that. Formally with the Grizzlies, Hollins took the team to the Western Conference finals while working with one of the smallest payrolls. Now he is on the biggest payroll in the league.
Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and Kevin Garnett return to the lineup that is lacking Pierce and also Brook Lopez. The center has been ruled out for the season opener and possibly beyond after suffering a sprain in his surgically repaired right foot. Williams is trying to bounce back from seasons marred by ankle injuries while Garnett is likely playing his final season of a 20-year career. Brooklyn is hoping some renewed inspiration gets them far this year.
The Celtics spent the entire offseason hearing about Rajon Rondo. It was highly speculated the point guard would be traded in the summer as he enters the final year of his current contract. However, instead of getting dealt, the point guard promptly suffered a broken hand and has missed all of training camp and the preseason. There is a chance Rondo could return for the season opener but head coach Brad Stevens is not rushing it. Instead, rookie Marcus Smart could be tossed into the fire immediately.
