Brooklyn Nets: Lessons from first 52 Games

Feb 10, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach

(C) looks on from the sidelines against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

2. Don’t be surprised if the Nets miss the playoffs

Throughout the first quarter of the season, it seemed like the Nets were a lock to make the playoffs as the 7th or 8th seed in such a horrible Eastern Conference. However, a bad losing streak and improvement from other Eastern teams has made it more difficult for the Nets to get a bottom playoff seed.

Right now, they are one game out from the 7th & 8th seeds, currently held by the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat, respectively. This does not bode well for the Nets; both teams are currently playing without their best players. The Hornets have recently traded for PG Mo Williams due to Kemba Walker‘s injury while the Heat are playing without Dwyane Wade. The Nets failed to gain ground on both the Hornets and Heat while they were dealing with injuries, and it may have cost them a shot at the playoffs. Expect both teams to improve once their star players return.

We can be certain that even if the Nets do make the playoffs, they have virtually no chance of advancing — if they are playing like they have been. Unless the Nets play with a team-first mentality and build chemistry with each other, they cannot achieve their maximum potential. The Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors are currently the top 2 seeds in the East, and they are all about team basketball. With the Nets, we never get that true team feeling, which is essential in order to be a serious title contender.

Next: Stars Not Shining