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Cameron Johnson Nets prepared to match offers for Cam Johnson
Mon, Jun 26, 2023, 9:56 AM
Evan Sidery on Twitter
Brian Windhorst made mention on the Hoop Collective that the Brooklyn Nets are prepared to match offer sheets for Cam Johnson this offseason.
Analysis: Cam Johnson has quietly become one of the more sought-after players heading into this year's free agency. Despite Johnson reportedly having many suitors it seems as if the Nets are willing to take the necessary steps to ensure "The Twins" stay together in Brooklyn. Windhorst noted in the pod that "If a team comes hunting, he could approach 100 {million}, maybe not all guaranteed. I think the Nets will match up to that level.â |
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Cameron Johnson Stein: Pistons likely to make a run at Cam Johnson
Sat, Jun 24, 2023, 1:25 PM
Marc Stein on Substack
According to Marc Stein, the Pistons are expected to make a run at Cameron Johnson when free agency begins next week.
Analysis: Johnson, who was acquired by the Nets from Phoenix as part of the Kevin Durant trade, will be a restricted free agent on June 30. Due to his status as one of the better 3-and-D wings who will be on the market, he won't lack suitors. Detroit, which employs Monty Williams (who coached Johnson in Phoenix, of course) as head coach, is expected to make a run at his services. That said, the Nets have made it clear they plan to match any offer Johnson receives. But is there a price that they aren't willing to pay? Johnson would fill a clear need in Detroit, as the rebuilding Pistons have talented options at the guard positions (Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey) and in the post (most notably Jalen Duren). |
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Cameron Johnson That's my Twin: Johnson joins Bridges on Team USA
Thu, Jun 15, 2023, 9:48 AM
Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter
Cameron Johnson has committed to play for Team USA in the FIBA World Cup according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Analysis: It seems the "Twins" really are inseparable as Johnson will reportedly join his Brooklyn Nets teammate Mikal Bridges on Team USA's FIBA World Cup squad. Johnson, who is entering the offseason as a restricted free agent becomes the 10th player to commit to Team USA. The 2022-23 campaign saw CJ have himself a breakout season averaging career highs in points (16.6), rebounds (4.8) assists (2.1) and steals (1.4). |
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Ben Simmons Report: Ben Simmons hopes to play in FIBA Worlds
Fri, May 5, 2023, 3:46 PM
ESPN.com
According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Ben Simmons hopes to be part of Australia's team that will represent the nation in the FIBA World Cup this summer.
Analysis: Due to injuries, Simmons only appeared in 42 games for the Nets this season, with his last action coming on February 15. Per Windhorst's report, Simmons' rehab from the back injury that ended his season has been going well. He's been included in Australia's initial selection pool for the FIBA World Cup, and Simmons hopes to represent his nation for the first time since 2013. Australia opens play on August 25 against Finland, so there's still time for Simmons to get back to full strength. The question heading into the Worlds would be whether or not the Nets would clear him to play, given the injury history. |
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Dorian Finney-Smith Dorian Finney-Smith underwent finger surgery Weds.
Wed, Apr 26, 2023, 6:09 PM
Brooklyn Nets on Twitter
Dorian Finney-Smith underwent a successful surgical procedure to correct a contracture of the right pinkie finger.
Analysis: Finney-Smith underwent the procedure less than a week after the Nets' season concluded, and he'll obviously have plenty of time to recover. The team says he'll be cleared for offseason workouts in approximately six weeks. Finney-Smith appeared in 66 regular season games for the Mavericks and Nets, averaging 8.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.5 blocks, and 1.7 3-pointers in 30.4 minutes. That production placed him outside the top 150 in 9-cat, per-game value. At best, Finney-Smith should be a late-round pick in standard leagues next fall. |
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Spencer Dinwiddie Spencer Dinwiddie leads Nets with 20 points in GM4
Sat, Apr 22, 2023, 3:03 PM
Spencer Dinwiddie provided solid value on Saturday with 20 points (7-for-13 FGs), three rebounds, six assists, one block and three 3-pointers against Philadelphia.
Analysis: Dinwiddie didn't have a great series, as he shot 15-for-38 over their first three games. He had a solid finish to the series in Game 4, but it wasn't enough for them to keep playing. Dinwiddie reached new heights with his playmaking over the final month of the regular season, but he only averaged 6.5 assists during this series. He should start at point guard again next season, unless the Nets make a splash during the summer. That should have him drafted in the top-100 of most fantasy drafts. |
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Nic Claxton Nicolas Claxton records 19/12 double-double
Sat, Apr 22, 2023, 2:57 PM
Nicolas Claxton dominated down low on Saturday with 19 points (8-for-10 FGs), 12 rebounds, one assist and four blocks as the 76ers completed the sweep over Brooklyn.
Analysis: Claxton feasted with Joel Embiid (knee) sidelined, but it wasn't enough for the Nets to extend this series. He recorded his first double-double in the playoffs and set a new playoff career-high with four swats. Claxton broke out this season as a defender and as a fantasy asset. His poor free throw shooting plagues him, but he is among the best shot blockers in the league. He should be a huge part of Brooklyn's future, and he'll be drafted much earlier than he was in fantasy drafts this season. |
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Mikal Bridges Mikal Bridges held to 17 points as Nets get swept
Sat, Apr 22, 2023, 2:51 PM
Mikal Bridges was quiet on Saturday and finished with just 17 points (6-for-18 FGs), five rebounds, three assists and two 3-pointers in a 96-88 loss to the 76ers in Game 4.
Analysis: Bridges was brilliant in Game 1 of this series, but he wasn't able to hit shots with the same efficiency over the final three games. After shooting 12-for-18 in the first game, he shot 21-for-59 over the final three. Bridges was playing well for Phoenix before the trade, but he took a huge step forward after landing in Brooklyn. They'll have plenty of issues to address this summer after getting swept, but Bridges taking a leap should give them plenty of answers after their last few seasons have been surrounded by unknowns and controversies. |
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Cameron Johnson Cameron Johnson plays 44 minutes in Gm 3 Thursday
Thu, Apr 20, 2023, 9:36 PM
Cameron Johnson recorded a line of 17 points (6-of-12 FGs, 3-of-3 FTs), five rebounds, four assists, and two 3-pointers in Thursday's 102-97 loss to Philadelphia, playing 44 minutes.
Analysis: Johnson got off to a slow start on Thursday, shooting 1-of-4 from the field in the first half. He was far more active offensively after the halftime break, going 5-of-6 in the third quarter alone. That's the Johnson Brooklyn needs for four quarters if they're to have any chance of extending their season on Saturday. Given his efficiency, Johnson will be a popular player when he hits restricted free agency in July. But there's still business to attend to before then, even if the Nets are facing incredibly long odds due to the 0-3 hole that they're in. |
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Mikal Bridges Mikal Bridges scores game-high 26 in Game 3 defeat
Thu, Apr 20, 2023, 9:29 PM
Mikal Bridges played 43 minutes in Thursday's 102-97 loss to the 76ers, accounting for 26 points (9-of-26 FGs, 4-of-4 FTs), six rebounds, five assists, one steal, one block, and four 3-pointers.
Analysis: Bridges did record a full stat line and notch a game-high 26 points, but he needed 26 field-goal attempts to do so. From a scoring standpoint, this was one of his least efficient games since joining the Nets at the trade deadline. That said, Bridges only committed one turnover on the night, so the shooting struggles did not impact his productivity in other areas. Spencer Dinwiddie (20/3/7/2 with two 3-pointers) also hit the 20-point mark for the Nets, who will need a win in Game 4 on Saturday to keep their season alive. |
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Nic Claxton Nicolas Claxton tossed after second technical foul
Thu, Apr 20, 2023, 8:34 PM
Nicolas Claxton was ejected during the fourth quarter of Thursday's Game 3 against the 76ers.
Analysis: Both of Claxton's technical fouls were picked up after he'd dunked on Joel Embiid. The first was assessed during the first quarter when Claxton stepped over the MVP candidate while he was lying on the court. Embiid's subsequent kick landed him a Flagrant 1 foul at the time. Claxton would pick up his second technical during the fourth quarter after following another dunk on Embiid with a staredown. Claxton finished Game 3 with a line of 18 points, four rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 28 minutes. Look for Royce O'Neale to pick up a few more minutes with the Nets going small. |
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Spencer Dinwiddie Spencer Dinwiddie struggles with shot, scores 12
Mon, Apr 17, 2023, 9:21 PM
Spencer Dinwiddie logged 41 minutes in Monday's 96-84 loss to Philadelphia, recording a line of 12 points (5-of-14 FGs, 1-of-3 FTs), four rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one 3-pointer.
Analysis: The good news for Dinwiddie coming out of Game 2 is that he took better care of the basketball than he did in Brooklyn's Game 1 defeat, accounting for one turnover after racking up four on Saturday. The bad is that he remains cold from the field, shooting 10-of-26 in those losses. Given the Nets' limited scoring options beyond him, Mikal Bridges, and Cameron Johnson, Brooklyn really needs Dinwiddie to turn things around when the series shifts to Brooklyn for Game 3 on Thursday. Seth Curry (nine points, four assists, and one 3-pointer) and Dorian Finney-Smith (8/7/1/2 with two 3-pointers) were next in line offensively in Game 2, while Nicolas Claxton (six rebounds, two assists) went scoreless and offered little production in his 21 minutes on the floor. |
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Cameron Johnson Cameron Johnson scores playoff career-high 28 PTS
Mon, Apr 17, 2023, 9:16 PM
Cameron Johnson shot 11-of-19 from the field and 1-of-2 from the foul line in Monday's 96-84 loss to the 76ers, accounting for 28 points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals, one block, and five 3-pointers in 41 minutes.
Analysis: Johnson came out red-hot in Game 2. After notching a then-playoff career-high 18 points in Saturday's Game 1 defeat, he surpassed that number by halftime on Monday. The final two of his 22 first-half points were scored on a vicious dunk over Joel Embiid, and the Nets took a four-point lead into the halftime break. But Johnson was held to 2-of-6 shooting in the second half, and the 76ers were able to walk down the Nets thanks largely to Tyrese Maxey. Brooklyn didn't get enough offense from players other than Johnson and Mikal Bridges (21/5/7/1 with two 3-pointers in 41 minutes), with Spencer Dinwiddie (12 points) being the only other player in double figures. The Nets will look to turn things around in Game 3 Thursday night. |
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Nic Claxton Nicolas Claxton grabs 10 boards, swats three shots
Sat, Apr 15, 2023, 3:43 PM
Nicolas Claxton played well defensively in Game 1 on Saturday and finished with five points (2-for-4 FGs), 10 rebounds, one assist and three blocks against the 76ers.
Analysis: Claxton didn't do much scoring in this game, but he led both teams in both rebounds and blocks. Claxton showed the impact he can make defensively in the playoffs with nine blocks in their four games against Boston last season. His defense on Joel Embiid will be critical if they want to turn the tide in this series. Claxton struggled mightily from the line in that series against the Celtics, but he only took two free throws in this game, hitting one. He should remain on the floor, unless Philly decides to try hacking him. |
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Cameron Johnson Cameron Johnson scores 18 with four triples Sat.
Sat, Apr 15, 2023, 3:33 PM
Cameron Johnson provided a solid boost on Saturday with 18 points (7-for-11 FGs), four rebounds, two assists and four 3-pointers against Philadelphia in Game 1.
Analysis: The two acquisitions from Phoenix were the main offensive contributors for Brooklyn in Game 1, as Johnson and Mikal Bridges carried the offensive scoring load for the Nets. They will need to keep leading the charge if they want to steal Game 2 and keep this series competitive over the next few games. Johnson provided fifth round value in 9-cat leagues over the final two months of the regular season for Brooklyn, and he started off this series with another solid performance. |
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Mikal Bridges Mikal Bridges drops 30 in Game 1 loss to 76ers
Sat, Apr 15, 2023, 3:19 PM
Mikal Bridges led Brooklyn with 30 points (12-for-18 FGs), five rebounds, one assist, one block and two 3-pointers in a 121-101 loss to the 76ers in Game 1 of their first round matchup on Saturday.
Analysis: Making his playoff debut for the Nets, Bridges picked up where he left off in the regular season. He had a big first game, even if it wasn't enough for them to steal Game 1 in Philadelphia. The Nets may be outmatched in this series, but Bridges showed what he's capable of in a postseason setting. Bridges could play well enough in this series to prove that he is good enough to be the top scoring option again next season. If that's the case, he should be drafted within the first few rounds of fantasy drafts, after he provided third round value over the final two months of the season. |
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Cam Thomas You knew this would happen: Cam Thomas scores 46
Sun, Apr 9, 2023, 2:57 PM
Cam Thomas notched his fourth 40-point game of the season in Sunday's 134-105 loss to the 76ers, scoring 46 points (16-of-29 FGs, 8-of-8 FTs) with two rebounds, one assist, one steal, one block, and six 3-pointers in 43 minutes.
Analysis: Given how shorthanded the Nets were in the final game of the regular season, the masses knew that Thomas was going to be in "feels like leather" mode. To be fair, these weren't reckless hoists, either. Thomas shot better than 50% from the field and 75% from the foul line in recording his fourth 40-point game of the season. This won't mean much for the playoffs, as Thomas hasn't been in the rotation when the Nets have been whole (or close to it). However, if Brooklyn finds itself struggling to create offense during its series with Philadelphia, maybe Jacque Vaughn will give Thomas a look. RaiQuan Gray (16/9/7/0/1 with two 3-pointers) and David Duke Jr. (15/8/4/3) recorded productive fantasy stat lines in what will be their final game of the season, as two-way contract players aren't eligible for the postseason. |
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Cam Thomas BKN starting Mills, Thomas, Mikal, Yuta, Sharpe
Sun, Apr 9, 2023, 11:39 AM
Noah Levick on Twitter
The Nets will start Patty Mills, Cam Thomas, Mikal Bridges, Yuta Watanabe and Day'Ron Sharpe against the 76ers on Sunday.
Analysis: Brooklyn will have a skeleton crew today, and even if Bridges is starting, he is expected to foul immediately and sub out for the rest of the game. That means plenty of minutes for guys that normally sit on the bench. Thomas could get back to putting up big scoring numbers. |
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Nic Claxton Claxton, Harris, Dinwiddie all likely out Sunday
Sun, Apr 9, 2023, 10:41 AM
Alex Schiffer on Twitter
Jacque Vaughn said that it is "safe to assume" that Nicolas Claxton, Joe Harris and Spencer Dinwiddie (rest) will all be out for Sunday's matchup with the 76ers.
Analysis: Unsurprisingly, the three players that were initially listed as questionable due to "rest" will not play in a game that can't impact their playoff seeding. Their absences will open up minutes for Day'Ron Sharpe, Dru Smith, David Duke Jr. and Cam Thomas. |
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Mikal Bridges Mikal Bridges to start, foul quickly, sub out Sun.
Sun, Apr 9, 2023, 10:38 AM
Alex Schiffer on Twitter
Mikal Bridges will commit a foul shortly after tipoff and sit the rest of Sunday's game against the 76ers.
Analysis: Bridges will continue his streak of played games officially, but he shouldn't be in any fantasy lineups today. He'll spend most of this game with the rest of the rotation on the bench. That'll provide guys like Cam Thomas and David Duke Jr. with an opportunity to play big minutes. |
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