The Brooklyn Nets had a tumultuous season. After starting the season 21-33, they fired head coach Jacque Vaughn and turned to assistant Kevin Ollie. The team went 11-17 the rest of the way to finish outside the NBA Play-In Tournament. After a midseason trade last season that sent Kevin Durant to the Suns, Mikal Bridges became the centerpiece for the Brooklyn Nets. Bridges and company were able to get a sixth seed in the playoffs. With an entire season as the #1 option, he struggled to piggyback off that success. In his exit press conference with the media, he discussed some differences between last season and this season.
Brooklyn Nets Forward Talks About The Challenges
Mikal Bridges talks about how the offense last season was different. People were not keying on him because he was behind people like Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Deandre Ayton. When he got traded to the Nets, he still wasn’t initially seen as the primary threat. The team’s offense was close to what Phoenix runs. He played more comfortably when operating that way.
This season was different as he started the season with everyone knowing he was the Nets #1 option. The defensive coverages dictated the attention was on him constantly. It took him a while to get used to that. He admitted to losing confidence due to his struggles and losing. He stated mentally and physically his energy did not match his from last season. Bridges also indicates that he plays the game with joy and this season he did not feel that way it may have also affected his performance.
What Do The Brooklyn Nets Need To Do This Offseason
The wear and tear of the NBA season came together in that presser by Mikal Bridges. Keep in mind he has been an iron man for the NBA playing in every game since he was drafted. That could be a reason for how he feels at this stage of the season. It is also a sign that they need to build a better team around him next season. There are positives to take away from this season.
Cam Thomas produced at a good clip. He should only be a #3 option. Based on what Mikal Bridges said, he is likely suited to be a #2 option. However, maybe he will lock it in during the offseason and make another leap to be a #1 option next year. The Nets still owe the Houston Rockets a haul of picks, however, they did acquire four 1st rounders and a swap in 2028 from Phoenix for Durant. It will be imperative to not only surround him with better talent but also hire a veteran head coach to steer the ship. Former Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks coach, Mike Budenholzer is currently a finalist for this job.
Also Read: Are The Milwaukee Bucks Going Home Early?
About The Author
Joseph Laguerre is a hardcore, born-and-raised New York sports fan. He is a Giants, Rangers, Yankees, and long-suffering Knicks supporter. You can find him on X @JavaJoeSports. His writing portfolio is also on his Wix site.
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