Nets: 3 Players that need to step up for them to win consistently

The Brooklyn Nets have started off the season with a record of 2-4. It’s not what fans expected after such a big offseason.

Despite losses piling up, there are clear signs of a playoff team on the Brooklyn Nets roster. Kyrie Irving has played like a MVP candidate, and important role players from years past like Caris LeVert and Joe Harris have beenare impressive in their complementary roles.

However, there is a mixture off returning players and new faces that have started off this young season a step behind. If these three Nets can improve their play, wins should start piling up much faster.

Spencer Dinwiddie

Spencer Dinwiddie has never been an efficient scorer, but his shortcomings are unfortunately clearer than ever. He’s shooting just 38 percent from the field and 28 precent from three, his worst since joining the Nets. The scoring is still there (17.5 points per game) but his efficiency needs to increase. Dinwiddie’s defense has also been subpar, as opposing guards have been attacking the paint consistently agaisnt Brooklyn.

Another area of his game that needs improvement is his passing, which has been sloppy to say the least. With big men like Jarrett Allen and DeAndre Jordan on the court, Dinwiddie needs to polish his ability to throw lobs. This has been tough for him so far. The guard has also averaged just five assists to three turnovers per game. Working with big men who thrive off the pick and roll, the 26-year old needs to be making more plays like this:

DeAndre Jordan

While the improvement of Spencer Dinwiddie will certainly help Jordan increase his scoring from its current disappointing 6.5., It’s not fair to blame Jordan’s scoring struggles on Dinwiddie. The 12 year veteran has looked a step slow on both ends of the court.

While six games is a miniscule sample size, early results have been troubling. Jordan’s field goal percentage and blocks per game are on pace to be the worst numbers of his career. Additionally, his free throw percentage seems to have regressed. After hitting a career-high 70.5 percent of his attempts at the charity stripe last season, that number has fallen to 46.7% through the opening half dozen games.

Head coach Kenny Atkinson recently gave DeAndre Jordan a chance to start after the opening two matchups. Since October 27 the Brooklyn Nets have played four games, with Jordan making three starts. He’s averaged 7.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game with the first unit. Hopefully. Jordan continues to benefit from playing alongside Kyrie Irving, as their on-court chemistry is clear.

Taurean Prince

Prince earned the starting small forward position after an amazing preseason in which he averaged 16.8 points per game as he hit a blazing 69.6% from deep. Unfortunately, the former Baylor Star hasn’t been able to carry over his success into the regular season so far.

He’s shooting just 44% from the floor on 12 attempts per game. While disappointing, Taurean Prince has always been a streaky shooter. As he did in Atlanta his deep threes should start to drop more often. If Prince can consistantly be the player he was against Houston Friday night, Brooklyn will be in much better shape.

The Brooklyn Nets have the talent to overcome their slow start, and it’s good to see Kyrie Irving playing like the superstar talent that he is. When more of the supporting players step up around him and the team defense gets stronger as a whole, these Nets are going to be tough to beat.