The Submit’s Brian Lewis breaks down the Knicks’ prime storylines heading into coaching camp.
Finest battle
The Ben Simmons-Dennis Schroder level guard resolution received’t be as a lot a battle as a matter of Simmons’ well being.
However Dorian Finney-Smith, Cam Johnson (when he’s not at small ahead) and Noah Clowney (when he’s not backing up Nic Claxton) may very possible butt heads for minutes at energy ahead, except and till one or each of the 2 veterans are dealt.
Story to look at develop
Simmons is the No. 1, 2 and three story in coaching camp.
The one All-Star on Brooklyn’s roster, he’s missed 189 of 246 video games over the previous three seasons.
And his absence has had a big impact on the Nets’ won-loss mark.
Coming off his second discectomy prior to now three years, his well being and availability are going to be an ongoing hot-button subject all through camp.
Coach’s hardest problem
Jordi Fernandez is a rookie coach taking on a foul crew.
It’s all going to be a problem.
The Spaniard has to attempt to construct a successful tradition in his locker room whereas his group is busy tanking.
That’s a dichotomy, and a troublesome job that has already began however begins in earnest when camp does on Tuesday.
Most intriguing rookie
Brooklyn doesn’t have any.
The Nets are loaded with draft belongings going ahead, however they didn’t make a single decide in June’s draft.
Sure, two-ways Jaylen Martin and Yongxi Cui are technically NBA rookies on paper, however each have been execs for years — Martin with Extra time Elite and the Westchester Knicks, and Cui with the Guangzhou Loong Lions, even being the CBA’s Rookie of the 12 months.
He can’t be a rookie twice, proper?
Most intriguing newcomer
Positive, Bojan Bogdanovic is essentially the most completed, and Cui has geopolitical intrigue, however Ziaire Williams is a 2021 lottery decide who continues to be simply 22 and has seemed stable in summer season exercises.
His mixture of youth and upside makes him at the very least fascinating on a rebuilding crew.
Most notable absence
Mikal Bridges’ departure throughout the East River to the Backyard — and the staggering 5 first-round picks and decide swap the Nets extracted from the archrival Knicks — are going to reshape this crew and decide their future.
However Bridges was Brooklyn’s finest all-around participant, prime perimeter defender and was their second-leading scorer. His 19.6 factors and 15.5 photographs will likely be missed.
Largest comeback
Simmons’ subsequent recreation — if that’s the Oct. 8 preseason opener towards the Clippers or at some later date — will likely be his first dwell motion since Feb. 26.
He received shut down with a nerve impingement — once more — and had surgical procedure in March. It’s been an extended highway again, however will he keep on the trail or get derailed once more?
Don’t be shocked if …
Bogdanovic, who continues to be simply engaged on the aspect and never enjoying pickup but, is introduced alongside slowly.
He’s the one present Web aside from Thomas who has ever averaged 20 factors — in 2019-20 and once more in 2022-23.
However after having left foot and wrist surgical procedures in April, the 35-year-old continues to be not 100% wholesome.
