Nets' Josh Minott Stringing Together Two-Way Success

A bright spot shines even more when it's unexpected. Josh Minott has been that hidden gem for the Brooklyn Nets through a rough month of March, where they had a -211 point differential.

The trade deadline acquisition from the Boston Celtics capped off what has been an exciting 14 games with a team-leading 14 points in the 117-86 blowout loss against the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday. Minott played his 13th game off the bench for the Nets and also contributed two rebounds, a steal and a block.

His shooting splits top the most impressive aspects of his short time in Brooklyn. He's shooting 49% from the field and 40.9% from three-point range. Against the Hornets, Minott went 1-for-7 from deep, but 4-for-5 on two-point attempts.

He posted a -4 plus/minus in the 31-point defeat. Minott's 6-foot-8 frame and near 7-foot wingspan combined with his mobility make him solid on both ends of the floor.

The 23-year-old is averaging 10.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game as a Net. Those averages increase to 15.4 points, four rebounds and 1.4 steals per game over his last five outings. Minott has taken advantage of the new environment, going from a career 2.8 field goal attempts per game to 6.6 attempts per game in his small sample size with Brooklyn.

He's clearly aware that offense alone won't guarantee him a spot in the NBA. In Minott's stint with the Boston Celtics to begin this season, he was primarily a defensive piece.

Minott has a 112.3 defensive rating with the Nets compared to a 111.0 rating when he was with the Celtics. The difference in team defense tips heavily in favor of Boston, which makes that current number respectable.

He was selected with the 45th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft by Charlotte, with his rights going to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Minott's current contract may have one season left, with a $2.5 million cap hit if Brooklyn chooses to pick up his team option. He fits the timeline and has done everything right to prove himself to this point.

His role is similar to that of Ziaire Williams as a long wing. Minott's unique skill set sets him apart from some of the other late bloomers this season and could help him earn minutes next season, despite it likely being more competitive for playing time.

Having a player who can finish lobs and knock down kickout threes is never a bad thing on a team with an abundance of playmakers.