How The Bucks Compare: An Early Eastern Conference Primer

Apr 12, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles the ball as Brooklyn Nets guard

(44) defends in the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Brooklyn Nets

Last Season: 38-44 (8th – First Round)

Player Additions: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Chris McCullough, Wayne Ellington, Shane Larkin, Thomas Robinson, Willie Reed, Quincy Miller, Andrea Bargnani

Player Subtractions: Deron Williams, Alan Anderson, Mirza Teletovic, Jerome Jordan, Cory Jefferson, Darius Morris, Steve Blake, Earl Clark

2015-16 Outlook

The new look Brooklyn Nets have arrived. The team’s move to Brooklyn may have coincided with a rebrand, and a slew of high profile acquisitions, but the Paul Pierce/Kevin Garnett/Deron Williams experiment was an unmitigated and very expensive failure.

With the buy-out of Deron Williams and his subsequent signing with the Dallas Mavericks, it feels like the Nets officially moved into a new era though. Having draft picks hasn’t necessarily been something that Nets fans have been used to in recent years, but picking up quality players like Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Chris McCullough is something I’m sure they could get used to.

The Nets didn’t skimp on salary by any means still, Brook Lopez and Thaddeus Young were both re-signed on lucrative contracts and project to be two of the franchise’s key players moving forward, but there was a shift in emphasis as value became a factor in the team’s mindset too.

Additions like Andrea Bargnani and Thomas Robinson represent deals for players who have had troubled pasts, but at the same time, on cheap or short term deals they’re worth a look as low risk/high reward investments.

The Nets are going to look very different this season, and although they won’t be as talented, they look like they’ll be deeper and more dynamic all-around.

Although I don’t see them making the Playoffs this year, their roster is now flexible and whether that’s during the season or next summer, it means the Nets have the chance to become a real force in the near future. That’s something which they probably haven’t really been since their move to Brooklyn either.

How The Bucks Compare

The Bucks had some absolutely epic battles with the Nets last year, and with a solid if unspectacular starting five, there is real potential for the teams to share some more competitive games together this season.

Where the Bucks have far too many point guards on their roster right now, the Nets are the complete opposite. With only Jarrett Jack and Shane Larkin left to hold down the primary ball-handling duties on the roster, Brooklyn will have some challenging matchups throughout the season.

The Bucks could certainly be one of those too, as Michael Carter-Williams’ length will likely give Brooklyn’s shorter guards countless problems.

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