Brooklyn Nets: Isaiah Whitehead Adds Identity to Team Culture

The Brooklyn Nets selected a hometown native Isaiah Whitehead to bolster the backcourt. Before the rookie plays a minute, he’ll add an identity to the team.

With the No. 42 overall pick, the Brooklyn Nets added potential and allure to their transitioning franchise in guard Isaiah Whitehead.

Sure, the front office sees wins and losses as a bottom-line result. However, it’s also beneficial to sell tickets as the team rebuilds to keep the fans coming back even after the bad nights up ahead. Whitehead gives the Nets a boost in ticket sales and backcourt talent.

As a sophomore, the 6’4”, 210-pound combo guard led the Seton Hall Pirates to the NCAA tournament for the first time in a decade. He averaged 18.2 points and 5.1 assists per game during the 2015-16 season.

Whitehead must carry over his activity on the defensive end to break out in the NBA. He also logged 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals per contest in his final collegiate season.

Jarrett Jack, the Nets’ incumbent point guard, continues to rehab his knee after suffering an ACL injury in January. Whitehead could earn a spot alongside the veteran as a 2-guard or behind him as the backup point guard off the bench.

Either way, expect the rookie to become the main cog in the Nets’ marketing plan in the upcoming season.

More from Empire Writes Back

As a Brooklyn native, who attended Abraham Lincoln High School, Whitehead will draw the hometown crowd in droves, especially if he earns significant playing time. Brooklynites love to support their own, and the fans will certainly embrace him on Day 1.

In the early beginnings, the hometown favorite’s ties to the borough will overshadow his on-court potential.

The Nets don’t have long-term or stiff competition at the position. Jack and guard Wayne Ellington will play the year on expiring contracts, per spotrac.com.

Bojan Bogdanovic and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson offer different skill sets at small forward, but they’ll contend for playing time at the 3-spot.

Whitehead won’t burst onto the scene as a star on the court, but his off-court celebrity will speak volumes. The organization shouldn’t give in to fans’ screaming for a player who’s not ready to contribute, but he’ll feel the responsibility in bringing results to his hometown franchise.

Before stepping on the court to play hero, Whitehead must improve his shooting percentages to win the starting shooting guard role. He recorded a paltry 37 percent field-goal percentage in two years at Seton Hall. To earn an opportunity at point guard, he must limit turnovers after logging 3.5 per game as a senior.

Next: Brooklyn Nets: 5 Point Guard Options This Summer

On a rebuilding roster, it’s the perfect spot for Whitehead to learn on the job. Fans know the team lacks the talent to contend for a playoff spot at the moment. Nonetheless, they’ll come to see someone who walked the same streets or went to the same high school they attended in their youth.

With center Robin Lopez as the most recognizable face on the roster, Whitehead, who still needs to earn his stripes in the pros, will make a push as the face for a Nets team looking for talent and an identity.

Home/Brooklyn Nets