Change is coming for the Brooklyn Nets. Kenny Atkinson gave some insight as to how he expects things will transpire.
Kenny Atkinson has some tough decisions ahead of him. And he has to make them soon.
Based on the information the Nets head coach has shared regarding Kyrie Irving and Caris LeVert’s status, the first challenging choice will be who gets the final roster spot with Wilson Chandler’s suspension ending on December 15.
Iman Shumpert became the 16th man on the roster, which Brooklyn was given due to Chandler’s situation. But Shumpert has been part of the rotation since he first signed with the team.
Additionally, David Nwaba has emerged as someone who can provide a lift off the bench, on both ends of the floor.
Right now, the move seems to be: waive one of either Henry Ellenson or Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, then do the same with Dzanan Musa or Theo Pinson, but sign whoever is waived of the latter two to a two-way deal.
After Sunday’s win, Atkinson was asked about the complications he now faces with several players emerging as contributors:
It just adds to our depth and adds to our talent. I just see it as a good thing. Now, I am thinking about, ‘What is that going to look like [with the] rotation?’ Nwaba, how much does he play? What does that look like with Spencer? Start? Come off the bench? So those are good problems. I’m excited about, and our staff is excited about making that work. But I can only think that the experience that these guys are getting in different roles — even Garrett Temple. He’s kind of out power-scorer right now off the ball. And his role will change. But I think in that long run, that makes you stronger.
First, it’s important to note the reporter who asked about Brooklyn’s upcoming rotational changes specifically mentioned three players in the question: Dinwiddie, Nwaba and Shumpert.
Why does that matter? Because Atkinson didn’t address Shumpert in his answer, but touched on the other two. Given the wing’s unique situation, Atkinson might need to be a bit more careful with what he says regarding Shumpert’s future.
On the other hand, the Nets head coach may not see Shumpert’s role changing.
Whereas, with Nwaba, Atkinson’s comments made clear his spot on the roster is safe. Of course, this is barring a major change in his play, as well as major jumps from both Pinson and Musa.
Lastly, it seems likely Dinwiddie will continue to start when Irving returns. Atkinson made clear Temple’s role will change, but he was up in the air when it came to Dinwiddie.
