Nets know their glaring lack of bulk and physicality is no secret

The Nets made it a degree this offseason to deal with their want for size.

It stays to be seen if their lack of girth goes to chunk them within the common season.

Their roster ought to be capable of guard the ball and defend higher than it did final season, but it surely’s not constructed to be bodily. That’s been underscored this preseason and is a matter they’re going to need to work by way of.

“It’s at all times been a subject, we discuss it each day. We all know we don’t have essentially the most bodily crew,” coach Steve Nash stated. “But it surely’s acquired to be part of the way in which we play, and in order that’s one thing that may develop over time. It’s not a change. We've to have the psychological toughness to remain bodily.”

Nic Claxton, Kevin Durant and Ben Simmons — a former Defensive Participant of the Yr runner-up — give the Nets a trio of 7-foot wingspans within the beginning lineup. However none is seen as a bruiser.

Nets
Nic Claxton defends Jimmy Butler.
USA TODAY Sports activities

The spindly Durant is 6-foot-10, 225 kilos, whereas Claxon appears set to start out at heart regardless of a 6-11, 226-pound body.

“I really feel loads higher [than last season], simply mentally and bodily. I really feel much more assured now going into the preseason and simply able to get all the pieces began. Working arduous and excited,” stated Claxton, who has added muscle. “It’s in all probability been round seven to 10 kilos. Really feel loads higher, although.”

With the offseason departures of veterans LaMarcus Aldridge and Blake Griffin, little-used Day’Ron Sharpe is the one different pure heart listed on the roster. He logged beneath 400 minutes final season, however at 6-9, 255, Sharpe may very well be pressured into motion ought to the Nets want extra physicality.

“I believe I’m a bodily participant on the whole so you recognize I simply preserve enjoying my sport and care for myself,” Sharpe informed The Submit.

“I really feel like regardless of the crew feels is greatest for me, that’s what’s greatest for me. I’m simply going to maintain proceed doing me, preserve working arduous, and contribute to the crew.”

Markieff Morris (6-9, 250) has performed energy ahead all through his profession and considers himself such however stated if Nash views him as a middle — and he does — then he’s greater than keen to play as a 5.

RaiQuan Grey (6-7, 260) is an Exhibit 10, basically a coaching camp invite.


The YES Community gained seven New York Emmy Awards Saturday evening, highlighted by Nets broadcaster Ian Eagle taking his seventh consecutive play-by-play Emmy, and his eighth up to now 10 years. (He tied this yr with Mike Breen from MSG).Nets on YES twentieth Anniversary additionally gained for Promotional Marketing campaign.

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