NBA
Published June 14, 2024 at 7:30 am ET
While the NBA literally lost its most iconic point guard, Lakers legend Jerry West, the inspiration for the league’s logo, the Nets are still trying to figure out what they’re going to do at the position.
Which top guard will lead the Nets?
Ben Simmons says he’s betting on himself.
Schroder said he would like to “hang in there long term” with the Nets. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Most of the league, and even many Nets fans, would probably take that bet.
Dennis Schroder has said he wants the job.
He reiterated it this month.
It remains to be seen which (if any) starts at that point in the first game of next season.
Heck, can Schroder even top his efforts for Germany at this summer’s Olympics?
“Brooklyn is a cool, cool, quite family-oriented organization,” Schroder said a few days ago in his hometown newspaper, Braunschweig Zeitung. “I would definitely like to stay here for a long time. My agent and I felt like the Nets liked how I contributed.
“I’ve brought more defense, teamwork and shown leadership, but if someone as exceptional as Giannis Antetokounmpo or another superstar wants to join Brooklyn, the Nets could make deals to acquire that player… and that’s why nothing is certain in the NBA. “
Putting aside the notion of Antetokounmpo for a moment, that sounds a lot like Schroder pushing to stay with the Nets.
This isn’t the first time Schroder has pushed to stay with the Nets. Vincent Carchietta-KeynoteUSA Sports
It was not the first time.
After being on five teams in the last three seasons, Schroder understands the business side of the NBA and the possibility of being traded again.
“Yeah, I mean, the NBA is a business at the end of the day,” Schroder said after the season ended.
“Of course, Brooklyn the last two months have been fantastic. Like I said, organization-wise, how structured they (the media) are is not bad either. So the city of Brooklyn was great overall. And like I said, it’s always great to be in a place, but at the same time, you also have to be realistic and it could change too.”
Schroder has leadership qualities, as he demonstrated when he led Germany to gold at last summer’s FIBA World Cup.
And after joining the Nets from Toronto at this season’s trade deadline, he averaged 14.6 points and six assists with splits of .424/.412/.797.
He is also the second-oldest player on the Nets roster, as he will turn 31 before the next season begins. Veteran Dorian Finney-Smith has also been linked to other teams in trade rumors, and Schroder likely has at least the same value.
He is not eligible for an extension and has a team-friendly $13 million deal that expires next season that makes him eminently negotiable. But will the Nets move him?
Simmons, a three-time All-Star, is in the same position and will earn $40.3 million next season.
But he’s been injured so often (making just 57 appearances in two and a half seasons with the Nets) that his recent Instagram post saying “It has a different effect when you bet on yourself and it pays off” has drawn ridicule.
Ben Simmons will earn $40.3 million next season. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
So the Nets still have question marks at this important position.
It should be noted that Nets general manager Sean Marks usually makes a move a day or two after the Draft, the first round of which will take place on June 26 at Barclays Center.
Are they moving Schroder to add working capital?
If so, who would you point to as the starter? Some league personnel have suggested unrestricted free agent Tyus Jones.
Clearly, the Nets have been eyeing guard Donovan Mitchell.
But if Antetokounmpo is the ultimate aspirational target — a 29-year-old, two-time MVP on a rapidly aging Bucks team that has suffered back-to-back first-round exits — Schroder may very well be an extrovert. .
For better or worse, point guard is a position that faces many questions.
It will be up to Marks and the Nets to find the right answers.
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