This offseason

[Paradise]

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[kastuul]

Modern NBA players are getting more versatile.
Player's duty isn't determined by the 5 positions. It's only "Big/Forward" and "Perimeter/Guards"
We have seen Lebron, Batum, Harden playing the PG.
Ryan Anderson, Channing Frye, Kevin Love and even Lopez hit behind the arc.
Motion offense is not MDA's . It requires playmaking skill from all positions.

[MrDollarBills]

Yes he did, and it was very impressive. I'm not debating the fact that he isn't talented because he is. I am not debating I want him on the team. because I do. I am debating the fact of what I, just my opinion, think is in the best interest of the team. Letting Russel develop at point guard helps the team in the long run.

If your'e suggesting he come off the bench next season I don't think it's a good idea and I don't think it's necessary. I agree with you as far as Lin's being a good teammate and role model but Russ is probably better than him right now at either position. And his trajectory is upward. If anything, start them together and have them share the ball handling duties but it doesn't make much sense to have your most talented player coming off the bench Imo.

You make some good points and I can see your side. If that's the way Atkinson goes, I would completely understand it. Just in my personal opinion, but since the team is not going to compete this year I think it is best to play everyone at the positions they play the best at. And in my scenario, next year after Lin opts, the nets can offer him a reasonable contract and make it clear before he signs that if he signs, he will be the 6th man. If Russell is the SG and then Lin opts out and leaves, then that means we start all over from scratch at the point guard position. Which the team must be at least contemplating from the quote I posted earlier.

Also, Russell is obviously going to play a ton even if he doesn't start or does start. And on a side note, I think it is important that we build a culture for potential FAs down the road to like. Last year they gave Lin, a veteran free agent, the starting POINT GUARD job. I think the fact that we told him he would be the starting point guard was big for him when signing. This is just completely my option and has no facts to support it, but it may look bad to potential free agents to replace a well respected veteran in his prime after one injury riddled season.

It has been known since last October that Atkinson wants his backcourt to be populated by two ball handlers that can shoot and penetrate. You are creating a controversy in your own mind and projecting it onto the team, ignoring everything else.

[qiantom]

I am not confident that Russell will ever be able to defend opposing PGs, so I am inclined to think that Nets intend to develop him as a SG with playmaking ability, somewhat like Harden.

[Princeinrevolt]

I am not confident that Russell will ever be able to defend opposing PGs, so I am inclined to think that Nets intend to develop him as a SG with playmaking ability, somewhat like Harden.

Point Guards usually don't defend other point guards... Kyrie Irving doesn't defend Curry, while Curry doesn't defend Irving (this is only one example; both are championship-worthy teams).

[Packers+NetsWIN]

If your'e suggesting he come off the bench next season I don't think it's a good idea and I don't think it's necessary. I agree with you as far as Lin's being a good teammate and role model but Russ is probably better than him right now at either position. And his trajectory is upward. If anything, start them together and have them share the ball handling duties but it doesn't make much sense to have your most talented player coming off the bench Imo.

You make some good points and I can see your side. If that's the way Atkinson goes, I would completely understand it. Just in my personal opinion, but since the team is not going to compete this year I think it is best to play everyone at the positions they play the best at. And in my scenario, next year after Lin opts, the nets can offer him a reasonable contract and make it clear before he signs that if he signs, he will be the 6th man. If Russell is the SG and then Lin opts out and leaves, then that means we start all over from scratch at the point guard position. Which the team must be at least contemplating from the quote I posted earlier.

Also, Russell is obviously going to play a ton even if he doesn't start or does start. And on a side note, I think it is important that we build a culture for potential FAs down the road to like. Last year they gave Lin, a veteran free agent, the starting POINT GUARD job. I think the fact that we told him he would be the starting point guard was big for him when signing. This is just completely my option and has no facts to support it, but it may look bad to potential free agents to replace a well respected veteran in his prime after one injury riddled season.

It has been known since last October that Atkinson wants his backcourt to be populated by two ball handlers that can shoot and penetrate. You are creating a controversy in your own mind and projecting it onto the team, ignoring everything else.

Levert and russel make up a backcourt of 2 ball handlers. Exactly my point.

And just out of curiosity, what is the plan for next year with Lin? Everyone seems so okay with running Lin, Russell, and levert at PG, SG, and SF, respectively. So is everyone okay with playing Lin 15-18 million on a 3 year or 4 year contract? Cause if you aren't, which I am not and assuming you are, he is probably going to leave. And then what's the plan?

[Packers+NetsWIN]

I am not confident that Russell will ever be able to defend opposing PGs, so I am inclined to think that Nets intend to develop him as a SG with playmaking ability, somewhat like Harden.

Point Guards usually don't defend other point guards... Kyrie Irving doesn't defend Curry, while Curry doesn't defend Irving (this is only one example; both are championship-worthy teams).

Exactly, how nice would it be next year with a starting backcourt Russel and levert. Russel plays the point guard on offense and takes the opposing team's weaker guard.

[Prokorov]

Also, Russell is obviously going to play a ton even if he doesn't start or does start. And on a side note, I think it is important that we build a culture for potential FAs down the road to like. Last year they gave Lin, a veteran free agent, the starting POINT GUARD job. I think the fact that we told him he would be the starting point guard was big for him when signing. This is just completely my option and has no facts to support it, but it may look bad to potential free agents to replace a well respected veteran in his prime after one injury riddled season.

Lin was signed as a point gaurd... that doesnt mean he has it for life. i dont really care if russell starts PG, SG or doesnt even start or is moved back and forth. whatever the best plan for his develpment is what needs to be done.

if lin cant get on board with development being the priority over his personal situation then he needs to STFU or GTFO.

that said, lin is a standup guy and if he needs to backup or do whatever it takes im sure he will

[Vae Victus]

As i stated before, as a Laker fan i watched plenty of DLo's games and have been personally unimpressed due to his lack of physical tools. He does have a nice set of tricks in his bag, but without either A) elite penetration ability or B) 37% or better 3pt shooting, he'll be unable to really full utilize his trickster arsenal. Which is why we saw so much inconsistency from him the past 2 years. Also his defense... yea if you bench Lin to start DLo, you're gonna see ALOT of ugly defense on display, better to start DLo at the 2 and hide him on the worst opposing offensive wing.

However even with all that said, he does have a great amount of potential that was unfortunately pissed away due to his utter mismanagement and the circus show bull pervading LakerLand. With no good veterans to learn from and having a bunch of ball hogging chucking bastards on the court with him constantly taking everyone out of rhythm, it was pretty much impossible for him to grow to his fullest potential. Now im not gonna say he was devoid of fault either, he's immature and cocky as all hell too, so that rubbed alot of big personalities in LakerLand the wrong way and thus he got RELENTLESSLY destroyed by the LAL media.

In BRK he's gonna have a clean start. He'll be playing with a bunch of hard nosed lunch pail types who wont take any of his childish ****. He tries to act out i'm 100% sure the vets will put him in his place with the full blessing of Markinson. DLo is gonna have to learn how to grow up and i think the odds are good he'll become a much better person/player for it.

Offensively i'm confident he'll fit in fine. He's not a ball hog and tries to play the right way. In the motion offense and playing with non-ballhogs will see his confidence and consistency grow. He'll prolly get more open shots as he's now playing with penetrators who are willing passers instead of the Lou Will/Clarkson chucking show.

Defensively he's gonna need ALOT of work. He just never bothered to put any effort here, much like the rest of the Lakers. It didnt help playing with farewell tour Kobe who played zero defense himself and then playing with the same aformentioned ballhogs who gave zero **** on D and just chucked with wild abandon. If DLo brings that same attitude to BRK his ass will find its way to the bench ASAP. While the team shouldnt expect to see lock down defense from him, they damn well should except to see him put forth a good consistent effort on the defensive side and not be "saving" his energy just for offense.

Also for all the Lin fans who are terrified that DLo is gonna steal Lin's starting spot and thus be put out on his ass, i wouldnt be too worried about that. Lin has proven he can defend SGs during his time in CHA, so him and DLo can switch off on their man without any issues. If Lin continues his own progression, he'll be a top notch PG or SG himself as his 3pt shooting volume becomes more efficient. Hell, playing with DLo is gonna be night and day from playing with Foye. Lin is gonna get a bunch more open shots so i wouldnt be shocked one bit if he's at 38%+ next year. As long as Lin gets his legs back under him he's gonna show that he's too indispensible for the team to just toss away casually.

I mean, unless Russell Westbrook or Steph Curry is gonna come walking through the door next year, Lin should be able to nail down the PG OR SG spot here in BRK without any issues

[Prokorov]

As i stated before, as a Laker fan i watched plenty of DLo's games and have been personally unimpressed due to his lack of physical tools. He does have a nice set of tricks in his bag, but without either A) elite penetration ability or B) 37% or better 3pt shooting, he'll be unable to really full utilize his trickster arsenal. Which is why we saw so much inconsistency from him the past 2 years. Also his defense... yea if you bench Lin to start DLo, you're gonna see ALOT of ugly defense on display, better to start DLo at the 2 and hide him on the worst opposing offensive wing.

He shot 35% from three the past 2 seasons. I dont think its a stretch he can get to 37% or better given his age and the nets focus on shooting. but i guess that is speculation. either way its not like he shot 29% from three or is far off where he needs to be.

I also dont see a problem with ugly defense. thats how guys improve... by playing through their struggles in meaningful minutes vs top competition. just like RHJ and whitehead on offense last year. playing through struggles really helped their development. i dont really care if russell starts over lin or not... but if he does and we struggle what does it matter? this is another development season... dont you want to see him develop like RHJ/Whitehead did?

[qiantom]

I am not confident that Russell will ever be able to defend opposing PGs, so I am inclined to think that Nets intend to develop him as a SG with playmaking ability, somewhat like Harden.

Point Guards usually don't defend other point guards... Kyrie Irving doesn't defend Curry, while Curry doesn't defend Irving (this is only one example; both are championship-worthy teams).

Irving often defends Curry actually. Anyway, I know what you are saying, but the key is that the other guard will have to defend the opposing PG.

[qiantom]

I am not confident that Russell will ever be able to defend opposing PGs, so I am inclined to think that Nets intend to develop him as a SG with playmaking ability, somewhat like Harden.

Point Guards usually don't defend other point guards... Kyrie Irving doesn't defend Curry, while Curry doesn't defend Irving (this is only one example; both are championship-worthy teams).

Exactly, how nice would it be next year with a starting backcourt Russel and levert. Russel plays the point guard on offense and takes the opposing team's weaker guard.

I don't think Levert can defend opposing PGs either. That's why I am skeptical when people say Russell and Levert are the future backcourt duo. But frankly the team is not nearly good enough to be thinking that far. They need to accumulate all the talent they can at this stage and they are doing that.

[Packers+NetsWIN]

Point Guards usually don't defend other point guards... Kyrie Irving doesn't defend Curry, while Curry doesn't defend Irving (this is only one example; both are championship-worthy teams).

Exactly, how nice would it be next year with a starting backcourt Russel and levert. Russel plays the point guard on offense and takes the opposing team's weaker guard.

I don't think Levert can defend opposing PGs either. That's why I am skeptical when people say Russell and Levert are the future backcourt duo. But frankly the team is not nearly good enough to be thinking that far. They need to accumulate all the talent they can at this stage and they are doing that.

I believe levert can actually cover point guards. What makes you think that?

[qiantom]

Exactly, how nice would it be next year with a starting backcourt Russel and levert. Russel plays the point guard on offense and takes the opposing team's weaker guard.

I don't think Levert can defend opposing PGs either. That's why I am skeptical when people say Russell and Levert are the future backcourt duo. But frankly the team is not nearly good enough to be thinking that far. They need to accumulate all the talent they can at this stage and they are doing that.

I believe levert can actually cover point guards. What makes you think that?

Just my observations from the games last year. He does not seem quick enough to me to cover PGs on a daily basis. Both he and D'angelo are still young and developing obviously.

[Packers+NetsWIN]

I don't think Levert can defend opposing PGs either. That's why I am skeptical when people say Russell and Levert are the future backcourt duo. But frankly the team is not nearly good enough to be thinking that far. They need to accumulate all the talent they can at this stage and they are doing that.

I believe levert can actually cover point guards. What makes you think that?

Just my observations from the games last year. He does not seem quick enough to me to cover PGs on a daily basis. Both he and D'angelo are still young and developing obviously.

I thought he had very hands and anticipation. I thought he had enough quickness to be successful, plus his length would be a huge advantage over point guards

[qiantom]

I believe levert can actually cover point guards. What makes you think that?

Just my observations from the games last year. He does not seem quick enough to me to cover PGs on a daily basis. Both he and D'angelo are still young and developing obviously.

I thought he had very hands and anticipation. I thought he had enough quickness to be successful, plus his length would be a huge advantage over point guards

I agree with good hands and anticipation. He certainly is quick enough to cover 2s and 3s, which is what he will be asked to do mostly next season i believe. Let's see how well he does.

[NyCeEvO]

Also, Russell is obviously going to play a ton even if he doesn't start or does start. And on a side note, I think it is important that we build a culture for potential FAs down the road to like. Last year they gave Lin, a veteran free agent, the starting POINT GUARD job. I think the fact that we told him he would be the starting point guard was big for him when signing. This is just completely my option and has no facts to support it, but it may look bad to potential free agents to replace a well respected veteran in his prime after one injury riddled season.

Lin was signed as a point gaurd... that doesnt mean he has it for life. i dont really care if russell starts PG, SG or doesnt even start or is moved back and forth. whatever the best plan for his develpment is what needs to be done.

if lin cant get on board with development being the priority over his personal situation then he needs to STFU or GTFO.

that said, lin is a standup guy and if he needs to backup or do whatever it takes im sure he will

This.

Who cares who starts. I just want to see the best team basketball regardless of the lineup and minutes distribution.

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[TinmanZBoy]

The writing is on the wall, if Russell develops well, lin either is gone or accepting the 6th man role. Lin's age just does not align with what the nets is developing. Russell has all the advantages being as a 1, not so much as a 2. Similar situation for leVert, advantages as a 2, not so much as a 3. A lin/Russell/leVert lineup should be pretty good on offense, will not be good on defense until Russell/LeVert can improve to the point that they can consistently defend 2 positions.

[MrDollarBills]

Also, Russell is obviously going to play a ton even if he doesn't start or does start. And on a side note, I think it is important that we build a culture for potential FAs down the road to like. Last year they gave Lin, a veteran free agent, the starting POINT GUARD job. I think the fact that we told him he would be the starting point guard was big for him when signing. This is just completely my option and has no facts to support it, but it may look bad to potential free agents to replace a well respected veteran in his prime after one injury riddled season.

Lin was signed as a point gaurd... that doesnt mean he has it for life. i dont really care if russell starts PG, SG or doesnt even start or is moved back and forth. whatever the best plan for his develpment is what needs to be done.

if lin cant get on board with development being the priority over his personal situation then he needs to STFU or GTFO.

that said, lin is a standup guy and if he needs to backup or do whatever it takes im sure he will

This.

Who cares who starts. I just want to see the best team basketball regardless of the lineup and minutes distribution.

Sent from my SM-N900T using RealGM mobile app

Exactly

The insecurity surrounding Lin and Russell is really a bit much. We want the team to get better, to win games, for everyone to do well.

[MrDollarBills]

The writing is on the wall, if Russell develops well, lin either is gone or accepting the 6th man role. Lin's age just does not align with what the nets is developing. Russell has all the advantages being as a 1, not so much as a 2. Similar situation for leVert, advantages as a 2, not so much as a 3. A lin/Russell/leVert lineup should be pretty good on offense, will not be good on defense until Russell/LeVert can improve to the point that they can consistently defend 2 positions.

LeVert was one of the better defenders on the team last year.

Russell also played well for LA at the 2 guard.

your insecurity over this situation is a wet blanket.