New York Knicks: Predicting The Atlantic Division
![Jan 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) makes a move against Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) in the fourth quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Knicks won 107-101. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports Jan 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) makes a move against Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) in the fourth quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Knicks won 107-101. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/5565db7701f42cbca395da4e6ca95bf4c25c06dcf320803aeb5c967beda1951c.jpg)
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets don’t have a good roster. One of their most productive players last season, Thaddeus Young, was traded during the offseason as part of the rebuild process.
With no control of their first-round pick until 2019, the Nets traded Young for Caris LeVert, the 20th pick in the 2016 Draft.
Now, let’s look at the roster. The Nets didn’t make many eye-popping moves during the offseason. So, the highlight of the summer in Brooklyn is Jeremy Lin, Luis Scola and Greivis Vasquez?
After winning 21 games last season, Brooklyn wasn’t the top destination for free agents.
Don’t get me wrong; Lin is a good player and the Nets got a good deal by signing him to a three-year, $36 million contract. Stats wise, Lin isn’t producing at the level he did during his time with the New York Knicks.
But that doesn’t mean he can’t be a contributor next season in Brooklyn. The team needed to make an upgrade at point guard and the Nets are hoping that Lin fills that void.
The Nets don’t have many players that can help them win games.
When it comes to effective field goal percentage, the Nets were No. 22 at 49.2 percent. Brooklyn struggled on the glass, as well, as the team averaged 49.7 rebounds per contest.
The best thing this team can do is prepare for two years of disaster. This team needs to let their young talent (LeVert, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Chris McCullough) develop and gain experience.
The only asset the team has left is Brook Lopez. The negative is that he’s owed about $43.7 million over the next two seasons. If Lopez can have a productive season and manages to stay healthy, there could be a chance the Nets trade Lopez at the end of the year.
As currently constituted, the Nets will finish in last place and have a good chance at finishing with the worst record in the NBA.
Next: Philadelphia 76ers