Following getting swept at the hands of the Boston Celtics, the Brooklyn Nets have a long and busy NBA offseason ahead of them. With Kevin Durant signed long-term and Kyrie Irving expecting to re-sign, they should still have the star power to be a threat in the Eastern Conference.
The goal for the Nets this summer needs to be balancing out the supporting cast. While they have a good collection of role players, they are primarily offensive-oriented.
Prime examples of this are guys like Seth Curry and Patty Mills. Both are two incredible marksmen from deep but easily targeted and a liability on the other end of the floor.
If Brooklyn really wants to be a title contender, upgrading on the defensive end is a must. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving can still score with the best of them. They just need players around them who can help get stops.
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Bleacher Report put out an article listing one player every team should chase in free agency. For the Brooklyn Nets, it was Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II.
After five years and stops with four different teams, Gary Payton II has carved out a spot for himself in the NBA. The energy and intensity he brings on defense have provided a huge lift to Golden State’s second unit this season. He appeared in 71 games for the Golden State Warriors in the regular season and posted averages of 7.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals.
For the Nets, going after Payton makes a ton of sense. He would be a perfect fit alongside Kyrie Irving in the backcourt or bring a spark off the bench.
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One positive with Payton is that along with being a plus defender, he can still be a threat on the offensive end. Granted, it was on low volume, but he shot close to 36% from beyond the arc this season.
It’s time for the Brooklyn Nets to start prioritizing defense in their roster construction, and signing Gary Payton II would be a good start.
