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Zach Lowe Breaks Down the Nets: Unpacking the Ups, Downs, and Potential

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Nets
By Peter Sunjic | Last updated 11/23/23

The Brooklyn Nets have experienced plenty of ups and downs this early in the season. While the Nets exhibit excellence when their roster is in good health, the persistent injury bug continues to afflict their roster, presenting both positive aspects of the squad and significant challenges that demand attention.

Prominent ESPN's analyst Zach Lowe has given his assessment of what is going on with the Nets, ranging from his issues with the offense to some promising bright spots that look sustainable for the entire 2023/24 season.

“They just have a lot of similar guys. Like a lot of big, skinny wings who can switch on defense but you can switch on them when you’re on defense,” Lowe said on The Lowe Post. “They kinda don’t have that bullying guy who can get to the basket. They’re 28th in free throws, they’re just sort of a likeness and lightness that feels sort of redundant to me.”

The issue with the offense

Lowe and his guest Nekias Duncan talked about the issues with the Nets’ preferred playstyle. Head coach Jacque Vaughn wants to play with pace but they are struggling to force turnovers which is the trademark way to ignite the fast break.

They mentioned Nic Claxton as a good player to start the fast break with his defense, but they need someone who can push the pace. Dennis Smith Jr. has been fantastic at it when he comes off the bench but the key continues to be Ben Simmons who Vaughn credits as the focal point of their transition offense.

Cameron Thomas was also credited as a big bright spot for the Nets but since his injury, the Nets have looked stale on offense because they need the go-to guy to get them a bucket or at least drive to draw fouls and shoot free throws.

The bench mob is a promising development

Smith Jr. and Lonnie Walker IV got the biggest plaudits from Lowe and Duncan as they are cited as awesome offensive options off the bench. Lowe mentioned that Walker is considered a favorite for the Sixth Man of the Year award while Duncan cited Smith Jr. as a fun player who could get to the rim without issues.

While the Nets are a bit of a mixed bag, both analysts see potential in the team but note that the team needs a number one guy. Thomas will likely be their star player who can unlock the Nets’ potential as a Playoff team.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Nets and was syndicated with permission.

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