Brooklyn Nets: 5 attainable goals for the 2019-20 season

3. Kyrie Irving’s happiness

In the past, Kyrie Irving had his most success alongside LeBron James in Cleveland. But the last three seasons drew up several of controversies, with many questioning Kyrie’s leadership on the Boston Celtics and inability to adapt long-term on the Cleveland Cavaliers.There are two main themes that existed while Kyrie was a member of both teams; he was unhappy.

Now in Brooklyn, Kyrie finally feels “at home” and was in direct control of where he chose to sign and spend the next several years if not the rest of his career, which is what he actually wanted all along. Organizing off-season team workouts is a step in the right direction and proof that the Nets are on the same page heading into the new season.

Additionally, KD stated that Kyrie is his “best friend in the league”, which is promising to hear in regards to what the future holds. Kyrie’s stint in Boston failed to meet expectations. In Brooklyn, he will seize this opportunity to dissolve any negative perceptions of his character alongside KD and a talented supporting cast.

4. Finishing top ten in defense and net rating

The 2019-20 Nets have a retooled roster that is capable of finishing in the top ten in net and defensive rating. Last season, the Nets finished 18th in points allowed (112.3 PPG), 11th in opponent field goal percentage (45.6%), 26th in steals per game (6.6), 28th in blocks per game (4.1), and 6th in rebounds per game (46.6).

The Nets also finished 15th in net rating (-0.1) and fourteenth in defensive rating (109.7), which are considered average among all NBA teams. Even without KD, the Nets have several versatile and capable defenders: Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris LeVert, Garrett Temple, Taurean Prince, Jarrett Allen, DeAndre Jordan, and David Nwaba.

Coming into 2019-20, the Nets are more defensively talented than they were last season.

Adding length and defensive-minded players will usually result in improved defensive numbers and overall record. Atkinson is fully capable of achieving these feats next season because he has the roster, and the personnel to do.