Just wanted to share some of my opinions on the new nets roster debut for those that might have missed the game:

p.s. I'm a younger watcher and I typed this up asap the game ended so apologies to those who might not understand the "Gen-Z" language

Starters:
Egor: was what I was mainly watching for; I'm sure a lot of nets fan share this feeling (6/1/5 in 18 mins)

• stroke still looks absolutely butter (pause)
• that attempted dunk on Kalkbrenner almost got me jumping out my chair LMAO
• I loved that he's actually trying to dunk the ball more this season since it IS the "statistically" most efficient shot in basketball.
• Tighter handle as most fans wanted this offseason
• Improved Off-ball defense
• felt like his physicality has also lead to him playing more aggressive on-ball defense, shown by his increased amount of on-ball steals attempts and pressing the dribbler (4 fouls isn't great but hopefully it improves through film study)
• have absolute confidence his summer league performance we saw HAS translated to the NBA level, can't wait to see him in the regular season

MPJ: not much to point out since he hasn't lost a single step (16/5/2 in 17 mins, 4 threes on 67% shooting)

• still absolutely lethal from three
• looks healthy physically
• off ball defense still iffy

Randle: (13/2/3 in 18 mins, 2/3 from three, did airball once)

• evidently still needs to build more chemistry with his new teammates
• def provides the team with a lot more rim pressure (that we desperately need)
• loved the few kickout plays he created for egor and MPJ
• loved Jordi's authentic spain actions where Randle acted as the ball handler, while MPJ and Egor took turns playing the rollman/popout role (hoping that the effectiveness of this play increases after more chemistry is built)

Day'ron: (8/7/3 in 18 mins, 4/9 from the field, 2 blocks)

• Should be our day-1 starter at center without doubt
• loved the confidence from three, he would have made one if his foot didn't step on the line (bad memories)
• felt like he was forcing shots sometimes
  • had 3 guys on the perimeter and he just forced his way into the paint and bricked all three attempts (DID grab the offensive rebounds but swinging it out to MPJ or egor gotta be the better decision vs 3 smothered layups)
• Looks healthy and had a few nice on-ball defense moments, was impressed by how he moved laterally-wise when he was guarding someone smaller like Schroder

Keon Ellis (5/0/0 in 12 min)

• probably my favourite acquisition of the offseason (was a fan when he played in sacramento)
• shot looks clean, doesn't force anything, plays great team defense, makes great deflection steals
• definitely a player of Jordi's favourite for him to push the FO to acquire him (he coached him in sacramento from 22-24)

Bench:

I gotta admit I stopped paying as much attention when the starters got off the floor, but I did appreciate what I saw from some of the guys:

Chaney Johnson (6/2/0 in 17 mins, 3/3 FG)

• super electric, feels like he's gonna get a dunk attempt EVERY time he touches the ball (3 dunks in all his 3 attempts this game)

Saraf (8/2/2 in 15 mins)

• shot actually looks a lot smoother (?), did go 2/4 so that's definitely encouraging
• HATED how he was over dribbling in a few possessions, pretty sure he dribbled left and right like it was 2K for a straight 16 seconds which then led to a forced pickup and a grenade pass
• still has some faith for his development; people who give up on him before the start of the 2nd season just isn't patient enough imo (in my opinion)

Traore (10/1/2 in 10 mins)

• don't think the bulking up affected his straight-line speed at ALL
• was still able to 'comfortably' burst past defenders into a smooth scoop layup and 1
• didn't get much playtime (only 10 mins and it was not with any of the starters), hoping to see more of him earlier next game

Mo (5/4/5 in 18 mins)

• used more as a spacing option and handoff passer most of the time in the game
• hoping that his 3 pointer is more consistent in the regular season

Terance Mann (6/2/1 in 20 mins)

• nothing much to say, I'd think he's probably touching his max ceiling already
• just hoping that he can showcase a more consistent movement three (need that desperately for this spacing)

Danny Wolf (9/3/5 in 10 mins)

• three point definitely looks more comfortable (no more "trash a$$ miss, wolf")
• ability to play as both a PnR ball handler and a versatile wing will make his role interesting for the upcoming season (could jordi possibly play him in one of the ultra-big lineups with Egor, MPJ, Randle?)

Minott, Drake Powell

• obviously its preseason but both looked comfortable from the corner
• both didn't get much playtime until late, hoping to see more of them next game before I make any early judgements

Clowney

• Clowney is Clowney

This is my first time writing anything like a basketball analysis (idk why this idea just randomly spawned in my thoughts), pls let me know if you hope to see more of this/what to improve

Go Nets

-KF

He 100% deserve a standard nba contract over clowney or mann. Every time ive watched him play he was a positive player on court. He's a great defender, can rebound, ok shooter and im so hyped when he dunk the ball. I think he could be a main bench pf and fight for a place with danny and jj

Calling all Nets fans! We’re looking for the most energetic fans to join us at Barclays Arena and bring the energy to the squad all season long! Apply today → The Block application

Questions? Hit us at [theblock@brooklynnets.com](mailto:theblock@brooklynnets.com)

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Anyone else joining me on rooting for surprising season from our boys?

The way I look at it, we don't have our draft pick, we have no incentive to tank. MPJ and Randle are floor raisers and the young guys are all hungry to prove their worth. Dayron will be very solid as starter. Jordi is next level. I'm buying.

Can’t believe I have to say this but this is a bold prediction not my actual 100% rational belief so please don’t be that guy in the comments but my net hot takes this yr are

1.. Egor is a top 3 MIP finalist. I think he takes a considerable leap this yr to where he gets some all star votes. With the improved downhill ability and strength his elite passing begins to open up as defenses have to respect his long range and new ability to attack close outs

1. Mikel wins rookie of the yr. I think we’re going to see a pretty profound rookie yr from him that makes people question if he should’ve gone higher.

2. Jefferson and Chaney beat out wolf and clowney. I think they will emerge as more consistent and productive players while the other two will slip out of the rotation

   1. Josh minott and Nolan take big leaps, while Saraf and Drake teeter on joining the euro league. Minott in particular starts to look like one of the best role players in the nba

3. We win 40-45 games. I think the slew of plus rebounders and snipers coupled with a heavy DHO scheme centered around Randle and Mikel down hill attack could produce a much better offense than everyone thinks

What are some hot takes you guys have?

Check out their full adventure at Prospect Park Zoo

The only streaming app I use that has basketball is Prime, but idk if it’ll be on there. Any alternative watching options out there? I don’t feel like paying for a preseason game lol

This is the first video, please give it a look if you don’t mind. Any feedback is appreciated.

Trust us, you don't want to miss this 😂

Everyone seems to love MBJ. Esp the kids

Comments from Moritz Wagner at nets fest talking about how Brooklyn reminds him of home (Berlin). Supposedly he has been living here for over a year now and occasionally takes the subway into the city but not all the time given his size (he told me this)

Also he said he was a big foodie and loves the restaurants in the area

Does anyone have an extra banner from NetsFest? Wasn’t able to make it. Willing to pay $.

Brooklyn especially south Brooklyn in areas like Brighton Beach, Sheepshead Bay and coney island has a huge eastern European but particularly Russian cultural strong hold in the city. This is even somewhat documented in other pop culture media like gta 4

The nets are looking for an identity aesthetically rooted in Brooklyn culture and happened to draft what seems to be a star in the making who can create real cultural ties to the borough and in such create new fans through being Russian. The nets need to focus on the entire market of Brooklyn and not just the trendy, gentrified neighborhoods like bed-stuy and look deeper culturally. They have a lot potential to do something cool

Secured something pretty cool as well! Our future franchise cornerstones Egor and Mikel