Brooklyn Nets: Losing Is Beginning To Weigh On Team

The Brooklyn Nets have lost a lot this season and it is beginning to weigh on the team.

The 2016-17 season has not been a kind one to the Brooklyn Nets. Brooklyn currently owns the worst record in the NBA at 9-41. They are the only team in the NBA that has not yet reached double-digit victories and are 6.5 games clear of the second worst team, the Phoenix Suns.

Wins have been few and far between for the Nets this season. They are currently riding an eight-game losing streak, and have won only once in 2017. Five of their nine victories came before December.

Center Brook Lopez, the only consistent source of offense on the team, believes that the team is lacking confidence and belief in themselves to win. Head coach Kenny Atkinson echoed some of those sentiments when talking to the New York Post.

"“Sure, and I think that’s why we need a breakthrough here,’’ Atkinson said. “I think it’s just human nature. I think we’re searching, and when you’re searching and it’s not flowing, I think that’s where the hesitation is right now. And I’ve definitely seen that seeped in. So what we’re trying to do is show them our corrections and stuff we can get better at.“But also we have to build them up. I think we’re kind of on that fine line right now. It’s learning how to execute under pressure, trusting each other a little more. And you can see we’re searching with our lineup. It’s twofold. A, I wish we had a more stable lineup. B, I think where we are, we need to try different lineups to find a solution. That’s a two-headed answer but there’s a lot of gray in this game.”"

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The Nets are relying on a lot of young players that are still trying to find their way in the NBA. With Jeremy Lin on the sidelines in a suit more than a jersey, the Nets have had to turn to the likes of Spencer Dinwiddie and Isaiah Whitehead to run the show. That is a lot to ask from someone who has played only 73 games in three seasons and a rookie second round pick.

The Nets are doing their best with that they have; they just do not have much to turn to. All of this losing is beginning to weigh on the players, especially the younger ones that have never experienced losing to this degree.

"“I’d say frustration definitely does [creep in],’’ rookie Caris LeVert said. “I wouldn’t say that doubt does, and even with frustration we try to look at the positives, try to find things we did well.”"

LeVert has been one of the bright spots for the Nets this season. He has played well since being cleared to return to the court and looks like a potential building block for the Nets. Unfortunately for the Nets, there aren’t many other bright spots.

But, it is encouraging to see young players like LeVert get consistent minutes. The Nets will continue losing, but their young players, such as LeVert, the point guards, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson gaining experience is never a bad thing.

The Nets could be an active team at the trade deadline. Because they do not own their own first round pick until 2020, they could look to stockpile some more future assets.

Next: Brooklyn Nets: 5 Trade Destinations For Brook Lopez

That is what makes this season that much more frustrating. Usually, when you lose a lot you at least land a top pick. That will not be the case for the Nets, whose first round pick will more than likely be heading to the Boston Celtics.

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