The Brooklyn Nets have demonstrated that they are not in tanking mode. Despite a recent slump that has seen them go 3-7 in their last 10 games, the team remains feisty and competitive, fully committed to building a winning culture that prioritizes player development.
However, as the season progresses—particularly in their most recent games—a significant flaw in roster construction has become increasingly evident, hindering the team’s ability to fully achieve this objective.
Brooklyn has too many wings and not enough point guards
As players have returned from preseason injuries, it’s become evident that the Nets have an overcrowded wing rotation. The following players are all deserving of playing time to varying degrees:
- Cameron Johnson
- Dorian Finney-Smith
- Trendon Watford
- Noah Clowney
- Ziaire Williams
- Jalen Wilson
- Bojan Bogdanović (once healthy)
This group alone nearly forms a full rotation at one position. Adding to the logjam are big men Nic Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe, whose presence when healthy reduces the opportunities for small-ball lineups, particularly impacting players like Finney-Smith, who have been filling in as small-ball centers.
Here’s a look at the Nets’ true point guard situation:
- Dennis Schröder: The only true point guard on the roster.
Beyond Schröder, the Nets lack a reliable floor general. While Ben Simmons played as a point guard earlier in his career, his diminished offensive impact and reluctance to shoot have reduced his effectiveness, often turning offensive sets into 5-on-4 situations. So far this season, his most fitting role appears to be on the bench.
As for the other guards, Cam Thomas is a scoring-first player who, despite some progress in playmaking, isn’t a strong enough facilitator to run the offense consistently. Keon Johnson, a standout in Summer League, is more of a combo guard than a natural playmaker. Similarly, veteran Shake Milton fits the combo-guard mold but hasn’t shown the level of play needed to displace any of the forwards in the rotation.
A lot has been put on Schroder’s shoulders and the wear is starting to show
Through the first 10 games of the season, Schroder was playing at a near-All-Star level averaging 20 points and 7 assists per game. However, the German-born point guard has come back down to earth a bit as the load of being Brooklyn’s primary offensive initiator has taken its toll.
This season, Dennis Schröder has been logging a career-high 34.3 minutes per game, significantly above his career average of 27.4 minutes. While Trendon Watford’s return will provide some relief thanks to his playmaking ability, Schröder remains the team’s primary option for running the pick-and-roll, breaking down defenses, and setting up open shooters.
However, the demands of this role limit his ability to contribute effectively in an off-ball capacity. When paired with a true point guard, Schröder has shown he can excel as a secondary option, shooting 40.8% from three on 6.4 attempts per game this season.
The Nets only have one internal option
The Nets may have a potential solution developing in the G-League with former seventh-overall pick Killian Hayes. After his struggles in Detroit, Hayes is now averaging 13.6 points, 6.4 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game for the Long Island Nets.
While Killian Hayes has struggled with shooting consistency, his playmaking abilities have steadily improved throughout his career. According to Cleaning The Glass, his 26.4% assist rate last season ranked in the 80th percentile among guards, and his assist-to-usage ratio of 1.45 was even more impressive, placing him in the 91st percentile. Additionally, Hayes reduced his turnovers to a career-low, though his turnover rate still fell slightly below average, ranking in the 41st percentile.
In his limited action in the G-League—just five games so far—Hayes has shown slight improvement in his overall efficiency, posting a 47.5% field goal percentage against lower competition. However, his shooting from three-point range remains a concern, as he’s connecting on just 31.6% of his 3.8 attempts per game.
While Hayes could see some playing time in Brooklyn eventually, it’s more likely the Nets will want him to showcase sustained improvement in the G-League before making the decision to bring him up.
Trade rumors continue to swirl around the Nets veterans
Since the offseason, rumors have circulated about the Nets potentially trading some of their veteran players, and those talks have only gained momentum as the season has progressed. The strong performances of several key veterans have boosted their trade value heading into the deadline.
Dorian Finney-Smith has been a crucial, under-the-radar contributor, excelling in the gritty, unglamorous roles that championship-caliber teams prioritize. Cameron Johnson is having a breakout season, emerging as a reliable secondary scorer. Meanwhile, Dennis Schröder, though less likely to be traded due to the team’s roster needs, has also drawn interest. Even Bojan Bogdanović, who hasn’t played yet this season, could attract suitors thanks to his reputation as an elite sharpshooter and a versatile offensive weapon—provided he can demonstrate he’s fully healthy.
While many fans are eager to see these veterans traded for draft picks, Brooklyn already boasts a robust collection of future draft assets. Instead, it might be more advantageous for the team to focus on acquiring young point guards who can grow alongside their developing roster, helping to address the team’s positional imbalance.
Targeting young guards is the best path forward
The Brooklyn Nets could benefit significantly by trading some veteran wings in exchange for young backcourt talent. Such a move would address their roster imbalance and provide much-needed support for Dennis Schröder. While Schröder has been instrumental for the team this season, the 31-year-old is in the final year of his contract and isn’t likely to be part of the Nets’ long-term plans. However, as an experienced veteran, he could serve as a valuable mentor for a young point guard who could eventually grow into a starting role.
This approach would also create opportunities for Brooklyn’s promising young wings to develop further. Ziaire Williams has shown promise, stepping up effectively in games where Dorian Finney-Smith was sidelined by injury. He could take on a larger role and contribute in ways similar to Finney-Smith. Additionally, Jalen Wilson, the Summer League MVP, has started to make an impact in recent games and is considered a key developmental piece for the team. Noah Clowney, one of Brooklyn’s most valued young prospects, would also benefit from increased playing time, as would Trendon Watford, whose versatile skill set at just 24 years old makes him an intriguing player to invest in.
Moving on from some of their veteran forwards would open the door for these younger players to take on more significant roles while allowing the Nets to acquire a young point guard. This would not only bring balance to the roster but also create an environment conducive to player development. While draft picks are exciting for fans, having a well-structured team to nurture talent is crucial for maximizing their potential. By leveraging their veteran assets, the Nets can build a more balanced lineup and secure a potential long-term solution at point guard.
