Brooklyn Nets: Lessons from first 52 Games

May 4, 2013; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets point guard

(8) speaks with power forward

(30), center Brook Lopez (11) and shooting guard

(7) during a time out against the Chicago Bulls in game seven of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at the Barclays Center. Bulls win 99-93. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

3. Lack of consistency and production from the Big Three

The three highest paid players on the team have not performed to their standards.

If we had to list the best players from the first half of the season, neither Joe Johnson, Brook Lopez, nor Deron Williams would be mentioned. Instead, Jarrett Jack and Mason Plumlee would be in that conversation.

Williams had been dealing with injuries for a long stretch of 2015, but even when he is healthy, he is benched in favor of Jack. The Nets had originally acquired Jack for extra PG depth, but he has outperformed D-Will, and took his spot in the lineup (rightfully so). Williams doesn’t have to be the primary scorer anymore, but if he could average 6-7 assists per game while staying healthy, then the Nets will be rolling.

Brooklyn Nets

While Williams was out, many fans believed that Joe Johnson would step up and fill the void. However, Johnson is having an average season (from his standards) and has not been the player he was last year or the year before. If the Nets want to make the playoffs this year, Joe Johnson must play better and demand the ball on offense. We all know he is capable of being a 20 PPG player, but now, it’s time for him to show us again how he can be the go-to guy.

Finally, Brook Lopez has to show more consistency. Lopez had some very good games through the first half of the season, but he needs to have them more often. Given that he comes off the bench, his production is somewhat limited. However, he could still provide the offensive spark the Nets need if he takes advantage of all those minutes. He has been able to stay relatively healthy this season, so it’s fair to ask him to do more. He needs to average at least 18 PPG in order for the Nets to improve.

If the Big Three plays better as the season rolls along, coupled with Jack and Plumlee’s good play, then the Nets would achieve their maximum potential. I don’t want to say trade rumors are affecting their play because they are all professionals, but hearing their names in trade rumors every day may have affected their focus.

Regardless, they need to get their acts together and perform at an elite (or at least a high) level.

Next: Zero Predictability