5 STORYLINES TO WATCH
1
Is Butler Brooklyn-bound? With Jimmy Butler possibly getting traded within the next week, the Nets have a real shot at the All-Star. But is it a deal the Nets are prepared to make? First, Butler will want a five-year, $190 million supermax deal. Then consider that he would be in his mid-30s making $40 million by the end of it. Though the Nets are loath to give up Caris LeVert, the Timberwolves are fond of the versatile wing. If they also demand the Nets’ own first-rounder — rather than Denver’s pick, which is projected to be far lower — that might be a bridge too far.
2
Who starts at two-guard? The Nets don’t have a lot of starting jobs up for grabs, but shooting guard could be one. They tried playing point guards D’Angelo Russell (below) and Spencer Dinwiddie together in the second half of last season, to mixed results. Neither is a glove or a knock-down shooter. Allen Crabbe is paid (handsomely) to be the latter, and at least used to be a fair defender in Portland. If he hits shots, he’ll start. If he gets stops, he might actually earn his copious money.
3
We finally see the rooks. Nets fans are used to having to wait to see their rookies. Surgery kept LeVert out until December of his rookie campaign, and a hip injury cost Jarrett Allen summer league. This year, buyout issues kept firstround pick Dzanan Musa and second-rounder Rodions Kurucs from playing in Las Vegas, and Musa suffered an ankle injury playing for Bosnia last weekend. GM Sean Marks insists Musa will be “integrated” into camp. With both European draftees a mystery to most fans, eyes will be on them this preseason.
4
Who gets last camp invite and final roster spot? Depth is nice, except for the players buried at the bottom of it. The Nets are bereft of All-Star talent, but the tail end of the roster is improved. Proven rebounder Alan Williams and Theo Pinson are on two-way deals, and former USC guard Jordan McLaughlin got a camp invite. Australia native Mitch Creek also got a camp invite, but is considering his options after not getting the two-way he hoped for. Baylor stretch four Nuni Omut and Drew Gordon (brother of Aaron) are among the candidates for the last camp spot.
5
Bigs off the bench. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is the incumbent starter at power forward, and the Nets are giddy over Allen. But after having no reliable bigs taller than 6-foot-8 cost them on the boards last season, they now have a glut of reserve forwards and not enough minutes to go around. Who squeezes into the rotation? Ed Davis should be a solid backup at center. But he, Kenneth Faried and Williams are all rebounders who can’t shoot. Jared Dudley (career 39.6 percent from 3) and wing Treveon Graham (43.8) have range, but has Faried shed enough weight to contribute and is the Graham big enough to offer much-needed stretch-four minutes?