Often, we’ll say a team is a star away from contending in the NBA. 

It’s silly in a way. It’s like saying you’re $999 000 dollars short of a million. Sure…

On the other hand, the Brooklyn Nets really are a star away from contention. This team has all of the other necessary ingredients.

They’re stacked with elite defensive players from top to bottom. 

What they’re missing is a player who can carry their offense. Mikal Bridges has flashed some promise, but he’s unlikely to carry a strong NBA offense on his own. 

If he had Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls helping him, it might be a different story.