STARTING FIVE
1. ARE THE NETS GETTING SOLD AGAIN?
The Post reported in July owner Mikhail Prokhorov had become open to the idea of selling a majority stake in a gradual process, and now sources say he could sell immediate control if he can land the right price. Is $2 billion that price? Does what happens on the court impact a sale, and how does a sale impact mpact what happens s on the court? Those questions in the background will steer their future.
2. IS RUSSELL REALLY A LEADER?
He may not have to be … yet. While Lakers president Magic Johnson ripped Russell on his way out the door by saying he wanted a point guard who could lead, the Nets will look to Lin, Carroll and Trevor Booker for veteran guidance in 2017. What they need from the 21-year-old Russell is to mature and eventually develop into their franchise player for 2018 and beyond.
3. CAN CRABBE EARN HIS KEEP?
Many thought Brooklyn dodged a bullet when Portland matched the Nets’ huge offer sheet to Crabbe in 2016, and some in the Nets offices may have even shared that opinion. But Marks traded for the sweetshooting wing — and the three years and $56.3 million left on his deal, a contract ESPN called one of the NBA’s worst. It’ll be tough to live up to, but his stroke in this system has a chance.
4. JUST HOW FAR AWAY IS ALLEN?
Even though the league GMs voted him one of the draft’s bigger steals and his rookie classmates felt he’d have among the better careers, neither deemed him in the Rookie of the Year picture. At only 19, the second-youngest Net in history, Allen is just too green for that. But how much can Brooklyn expect from him? His development over the course of the season will be huge.
5. IS THEIR 3-1 PRESEASON — AND RESPECTABLE DEFENSE — A MIRAGE?
Brooklyn’sBroo defensive ratingratin vaulted from 28th28t in the league beforebe last season’s All-Star break up to eighth afterward, the key to rebounding from a 9-47 start with an 11-15 finish. But with so many new faces — some with poor defensive histories — Atkinson has fretted the Nets will be back to square one. It’s a legitimate worry.
“Our offense, with the players we have, I feel like our offense will click. I feel like we could get baskets out of that pretty simple,’’ Crabbe said. “Defense is the primary thing we’re focused on heading into the season.”