2012/13 NBA Team Rankings & Previews: #9 Brooklyn Nets

#9 - Brooklyn Nets

2011/12 Record: 22-44, no playoffs

2012/13 Projected Record: 48-34, playoffs  



Key Additions:

C.J. Watson - Point Guard
Joe Johnson - Shooting Guard
Josh Childress - Small Forward
Reggie Evans - Power Forward
Andray Blatche - Center


Key Departures:

Anthony Morrow - Shooting Guard
Shelden Williams - Power Forward
DeShawn Stevenson - Shooting Guard
Johan Petro - Center
Jordan Farmar - Point Guard
Sundiata Gaines - Shooting Guard
Gerald Green - Small Forward

Depth Chart:

Point Guard: Deron Williams, C.J. Watson
Shooting Guard: Joe Johnson, MarShon Brooks
Small Forward: Gerald Wallace, Josh Childress
Power Forward: Kris Humphries, Reggie Evans
Center: Brook Lopez, Andray Blatche


The X Factor:

Brook Lopez

You can't win an NBA title without an elilte big man.  Can Brook Lopez fill that role for the Nets?  Can he like, maybe, grab a rebound once in a while?


Summary:  

After going 22-44 last year, the Nets are poised for a huge turnaround this year.  They are extremely talented, have nice depth, and will be going into the season on a high due to their new zip code.  If they can stay healthy (which was a huge 'if' last season), they will be one of the top teams in the East this year.  But a title contender?  Not yet.



NBA Preseason Power Rankings

#10 - Memphis Grizzlies
#11 - Philadelphia 76ers
#12 - Minnesota Timberwolves
#13 - Dallas Mavericks
#14 - New York Knicks
#15 - Atlanta Hawks
#16 - Chicago Bulls
#17 - Utah Jazz
#18 - Golden State Warriors
#19 - Portland Trailblazers
#20 - Milwaukee Bucks
#21 - Cleveland Cavaliers
#22 - New Orleans Hornets
#23 - Washington Wizards
#24 - Toronto Raptors
#25 - Sacramento Kings
#26 - Phoenix Suns
#27 - Houston Rockets
#28 - Detroit Pistons
#29 - Orlando Magic
#30 - Charlotte Bobcats