Brooklyn Nets roster starting to take shape
Brooklyn Nets writer Ben Couch (@viewfromcouch) shows us the Brooklyn Nets roster additions since Deron Williams decided to make history and return to the Nets for 5 more years. The roster is coming together quite nicely in the last week as Billy King continues to fill the open spots with savvy veterans and important role players that will go with Deron Williams, MarShon Brooks and Tyshawn Taylor. Here is his list below (with some of our thoughts):
Mirza Teletovic – Euroleague’s leading scorer , who averaged 21.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 34.4 minutes during 10 Eurocup games (.434 FG%; .431 3P%), agreed to terms with the Nets and will sign this week.
“Mirza Teletovic is one of the premier power forwards in Europe, and we are very pleased to add him to the Nets roster,” said Nets General Manager Billy King. “He has an excellent outside game, and his ability to stretch the floor will be an important component to the team’s success in the future.”
Brook Lopez – Vocal about his desire to see through a Brooklyn move in place since his debut, Lopez remains the longest-tenured Net. The borough’s biggest DC fanboy long ago endeared himself to the team’s fans with his easy-to-laugh, laid-back personality and on-court talent.
“Brook Lopez is one of the top young centers in the NBA,” said King. “We have witnessed his growth as a player over the past four years, and are very pleased that he will remain in a Nets uniform as we begin our new era in Brooklyn.”
Reggie Evans – With the roster revamp underway, the Nets sought a rebounding big and were able to bring in one of the best in forward Reggie Evans, pulling him in for a potential future swap of second-round picks. Perennially one of the league leaders in rebounding rate, Evans will provide toughness off the bench.
“Reggie Evans is one of the most tenacious rebounders in the league,” said King. “He is a proven NBA veteran and will be an important addition to our front court rotation.”
Last season, Evans backed up Blake Griffin in Los Angeles, averaging 1.9 points and 4.8 rebounds in just 13.8 minutes per game. His per-minute rebounding average (0.35) ranked sixth in the league.
Joe Johnson – King will send the Hawks Jordan Farmar, Anthony Morrow, Johan Petro, Jordan Williams and Deshawn Stevenson — along with Houston’s lottery-protected 2013 first-round pick — to slot Johnson next to Williams. The dynamic pairing should present efficient offensive firepower, while alleviating the stress on each player to produce individually. The threat of each complicates defense on the other.
“We are very pleased to add a perennial All-Star caliber player like Joe Johnson to our roster,” said King. “Joe is considered one of the premier guards in the NBA, and his skill and talent level will have a very positive impact on our team.”
“We are very pleased to add a veteran with the savvy and experience of C.J. Watson to our roster,” said King. “C.J. has the ability to be productive in a variety of roles, and he will add quality and versatility to our backcourt rotation.”
Watson played in 49 games for Chicago in 2011-12, making 25 starts. The 6-2 guard averaged 9.7 points and a career-high 4.1 assists in 23.7 minutes per game for the Bulls. As a starter, Watson posted averages of 11.3 points and 4.6 assists in 29.2 minutes per game. In the 2012 postseason, Watson started five of the Bulls’ six playoff games and averaged 7.3 points and 5.5 assists in 27.3 minutes per game.
Keith Bogans??? – Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) of the Daily News reported the Nets were looking to bring back the defensive stopper Keith Bogans after the injury he sustained last year playing for the Nets. Bogans would be a nice addition to the team as his defensive presence and 3pt shooting would fit well with the new roster. We will keep you posted of the status of this signing.
Nazr Mohammed ??? – As per Stefan Bondy (@NYDNInterNets) of the Daily News, the Nets are looking at veteran Nazr Mohammed, a source told the News. Mohammed, 34, is an unrestricted free agent after playing 63 games with the Thunder last season. The Nets would have to sign him for the veteran’s minimum salary because they’re over the salary cap and have exhausted their exceptions.
The Nets last needs are still a backup center and backup SF/PF and I am sure King is on the phone now with Kris Humphries and Antawn Jamison to get PF taken care of. Keep it up Billy as you are doing a great job so far.