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
