Tag: Nets

Snapshot: A look back at Richard Jefferson, the quintessential slasher

Richard Jefferson made his mark in the NBA as a slasher who could shoot from the perimeter.

Richard Jefferson made a career out of cutting through the lane and finishing at the rim, whether that meant dunking on people or scoring layups.

An NBA champion, Jefferson played his first seven NBA seasons with the New Jersey Nets. He had his best years in New Jersey, making a name for himself as an athletic forward who could also shoot from the perimeter.

According to Basketball Reference, Jefferson ranks fourth in Nets history for points (8,507). During his time with the Nets, he averaged 17.4 points per game and shot 33.8% from the 3-point line. He has career averages of 12.6 points per game on 46.4% shooting from the field.

Jefferson walked into the best of circumstances when he started his career with the Nets in 2001.

Jason Kidd had been traded to the Nets during the summer of 2001. As one of the best passers ever, Kidd had the perfect complement in Jefferson, the epitome of a slasher. According to Basketball Reference, Jefferson shot 61.6% on shots 0-3 feet from the hoop during his tenure with the Nets.

During their first season together, Jefferson and Kidd took the Nets to the NBA Finals. They lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in a sweep. The following season, the Nets went back to the Finals and lost to the San Antonio Spurs in six games.

Jefferson and Kidd never went to the Finals again, but in December 2004 they gained a valuable teammate in Vince Carter. Carter was traded from the Toronto Raptors to New Jersey. Once Carter came on, the Nets boasted one of the most entertaining teams in the league.

Carter already had a reputation as an elite dunker and quality scorer, and with Jefferson at the other wing, the Nets could play a quick pace.

Jefferson’s last season in New Jersey was the 2007-08 campaign. That same season was also perhaps the best of his career. He led the Nets in scoring, and he averaged a career-high 22.6 points per game. He also shot 36.2% from the 3-point line, which was his second-best 3-point percentage while with the franchise.

During the rest of his career, Jefferson played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Spurs, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets. He won his lone NBA title with the Cavs in 2016.

Now an analyst with the YES Network, Jefferson commentates on the Nets’ games. A budding media personality, Jefferson also appears on ESPN and is a host on the Road Trippin’ podcast. Though he isn’t hooping anymore, Jefferson had a career that was filled with hard cuts to the rim.

A solid shooter, Jefferson was an offensive threat who could score and regularly be one of the best players on the floor.

[lawrence-related id=8475,8461,8453,8444]

Garrett Temple has done LSAT prep while the NBA is on hiatus

Garrett Temple has thought about going to law school when he’s finished playing basketball.

Along with staying in shape, Brooklyn Nets wing Garrett Temple has been getting to work in a different field while the NBA season is on hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Temple recently did a video interview with Michael Grady of the YES Network, and he said he’s studied for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

“I’ve actually started practicing for the LSAT prep,” Temple said. “I’m a person that has thought about going to law school when I finish playing. What’s not a better time than now to be able to put in three to four hours a day of studying for a test that allows me to get into law school. That’s what I’m doing right now.”

Temple said at first he was thinking about earning his MBA, as he graduated with a business degree at LSU. He said his dad ignited the spark to consider going to law school.

“My dad was telling me how law school is something that’s pretty prestigious, having a law degree,” Temple said. “It just teaches you to think a different way.”

A self-proclaimed debater, Temple said he usually nitpicks things during arguments. He also mentioned how he’s talked with lawyer Bryan Stevenson among others. Stevenson is portrayed in the film, “Just Mercy,” which is based on his book of the same name.

Though the season is suspended, this has been a cool time to see what players’ outside interests are. Having other interests can help players like Temple have a smooth transition when their basketball career is over.

[lawrence-related id=8366,8356,8336,8350]

NBA suspends season after player tests positive for COVID-19

The NBA season has been suspended indefinitely following Rudy Gobert testing positive for COVID-19.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the NBA has suspended its season.

The news comes after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for  coronavirus, per Shams Charania of The Athletic. The NBA said in a statement that Gobert was not at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Wednesday night.

The Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder were scheduled to play in OKC on Wednesday night, but the game was postponed and players were sent back to the locker room. Both teams were quarantined after the game was postponed, per Tony Jones of The Athletic.

With the season suspended, the Brooklyn Nets will not play their game Thursday against the Golden State Warriors. Earlier on Wednesday, it was announced that the game would be closed to fans, per Marc Stein of the New York Times. London Breed, San Francisco’s mayor, said on Wednesday that “the Health Officer of San Francisco is issuing an order prohibiting all large group events of 1,000 or more persons, effective immediately.”

The Nets have 18 games left in their regular season, with nine of them being at home.

[lawrence-related id=7852,7843,7796]

 

Kevin Durant expected to make his return to the Bay Area when the Warriors host the Nets

Kevin Durant is expected to make his much-anticipated return to Golden State on Thursday.

While the Golden State Warriors are going through a bevy of changes in the 2019-20 season, a familiar face is expected to be in attendance at Chase Center in San Francisco this week.

Although he won’t suit up for game-action, Kevin Durant is expected to make his much-anticipated return to the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night. According to Alex Schiffer of The Athletic, Durant will be traveling with the Brooklyn Nets for their west coast road trip that takes them through the Bay Area.

The Warriors were initially told Durant wouldn’t make the trek from Brooklyn to Chase Center, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic. Golden State will have one day to draw up welcoming plans for a player that won back-to-back NBA Finals Most Valuable Player awards for their franchise.

With Durant in the building, Stephen Curry could be inline to make his second appearance since returning from injury. Golden State’s point guard played against the Toronto Raptors after missing 58 games due to a broken hand.

However, Curry’s name popped back up on the injury report over the past two games with the flu. Luckily, Steve Kerr told reporters he expects Curry to play against the Nets.

Thursday night, Durant will have the chance to reunite with the entire Golden State organization for the first time since signing with Brooklyn.

[lawrence-related id=23529]

Chicago Bulls at Brooklyn Nets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Chicago Bulls at Brooklyn Nets sports betting odds, picks and best bets

The Chicago Bulls (21-42) and Brooklyn Nets (28-34) will do battle at Barclays Center at 3 p.m. ET Sunday to kick off the day’s NBA slate. We analyze the Bulls-Nets odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Bulls at Nets: Key injuries

Bulls

  • PG Ryan Arcidiacono (Achilles) questionable
  • PG Kris Dunn (knee) out
  • SF Chandler Hutchison (shoulder) out
  • PG Zach LaVine (quadriceps) questionable
  • PF Luke Kornet (ankle) out
  • PG Max Strus (knee) out

Nets

  • SF Kevin Durant (Achilles) out
  • PG Kyrie Irving (shoulder) out
  • SG Garrett Temple (knee) out

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Bulls at Nets: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 11:35 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Nets 118, Bulls 109

Moneyline (ML)

The Nets (-239) are a bit too expensive on the moneyline. While they’re fully expected to win, you can’t risk so much for such little return. AVOID, and look to the spread.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The NETS (-6.5, even) have dominated this series, covering seven of the past nine meetings against the Bulls (+6.5, -121). Look for the good times to continue to roll for Brooklyn. They steamrolled San Antonio by a 139-120 count last time out, and they have covered three of the past four overall. The Nets hammered the Bulls 133-118 in this building on Jan. 31, covering a 5 1/2-point number, too.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 221.5 (even) is worth a small-unit play, although it might not be until the final ticks before it limps across the finish line. The over is 4-1 in Brooklyn’s past five outings, and the over has hit in each of the past five meetings in this series, including the past four battles at Barclays Center.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]

Caris LeVert said Kenny Atkinson was respected in Nets locker room

Caris LeVert had a good and close relationship with former Brooklyn Nets coach Kenny Atkinson

With Kenny Atkinson and the Brooklyn Nets parting ways, the aftermath of the news has produced murmurs of how the team viewed him.

Nets guard Caris LeVert gave his opinion on the subject Saturday and spoke to media. Per the Nets’ Twitter account, LeVert said he felt Atkinson was respected in the locker room.

“I feel like everybody had a lot of respect for him,” LeVert said. “Obviously he coached guys at different levels, too. I think he was with Wilson (Chandler), different level of his career. Myself, Joe (Harris) and Spencer (Dinwiddie), relationship for four years. So everyone kind of had a different relationship with him.”

According to Anthony Puccio of Nets Daily, some Nets players did not want Atkinson to be the coach anymore. Atkinson began coaching the team in the 2016-17 season, and he finished with a record of 118-190.

As a four-year wing, LeVert said he had a good relationship with Atkinson. LeVert is averaging a career-high 17.5 points per game and shooting a career-high 37.1% from the 3-point line. Each year of his career, LeVert’s points per game numbers have gone up.

“He’s huge for my development on and off the court,” LeVert said. “From day one we were together, so obviously it hurts, but that’s part of the business.”

[lawrence-related id=7655,7646,7635,7627]

Brooklyn Nets and Kenny Atkinson mutually part ways

The Brooklyn Nets and Kenny Atkinson mutually parting ways is a surprising move.

The Brooklyn Nets will be changing coaches for the last 20 games of their season.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Nets and coach Kenny Atkinson are parting ways. The Nets’ Twitter account announced that the decision is mutual between both parties, and assistant coach Jacque Vaughn will be the interim head coach.

The Nets currently have a record of 28-34 and sit at seventh place in the Eastern Conference. Atkinson began coaching the team in the 2016-17 season, and he has a record of 118-190.

Heading into the season, high expectations weren’t placed on the Nets. Their big season wasn’t supposed to happen until 2020-21, when Kevin Durant was supposed to be back from his torn Achilles.

This season has had its challenges, with Kyrie Irving missing time due to a right shoulder impingement. Irving re-aggravated the shoulder in February, and he recently had successful surgery. 

Despite the challenges, it’s surprising that Atkinson and the Nets are parting ways. Atkinson helped lead the Nets to the playoffs last season, and their only All-Star was D’Angelo Russell.

The Nets will play the Chicago Bulls at the Barclays Center on Sunday, with tipoff slated for 3 p.m. EST.

[lawrence-related id=7627,7618,7590,7581]

San Antonio Spurs at Brooklyn Nets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s San Antonio Spurs at Brooklyn Nets sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The San Antonio Spurs (26-34) visit the Brooklyn Nets (27-34) Friday at Barclays Center for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Spurs-Nets odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

The Spurs won at the Charlotte Hornets 104-103 Tuesday, a day after dropping a 116-111 decision at home to the Indiana Pacers. The Nets were blown out 118-79 on their home floor by the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, a day after stunning the Boston Celtics 129-120 in overtime on the road.

The Spurs took the first regular-season meeting, winning 118-105 at home Dec. 19.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Spurs at Nets: Key injuries

Spurs

  • PF LaMarcus Aldridge (shoulder) out
  • SG Marco Belinelli (illness) out
  • C Jakob Poeltl (knee) out

Nets

  • SF Kevin Durant (Achilles) out
  • PG Kyrie Irving (shoulder) out
  • SG Garrett Temple (ankle) doubtful

Spurs at Nets: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Nets 114, Spurs 106

Moneyline (ML)

PASS. The Nets are favored at -143, while the Spurs are +120 as road underdogs. Both teams are limping into this one, each going 4-6 across their last 10 games. Even worse, the Spurs are 6-11 in their last 17, while the Nets are 11-21 since Christmas. I’ll AVOID.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The NETS (-2.5, –110) are the STRONGEST PLAY. They’re 7-2 ATS in their last nine games following a loss and 7-1 ATS in their last eight Friday games. Not only will the Spurs be missing Aldridge (18.8 points per game, 7.5 rebounds per game), but they’re 0-5 ATS in their last five games. I like my chances taking the home team, here.

New to sports betting? Every $1.10 wagered on the Nets spread will profit $1 if they win by 3 or more points.

Over/Under (O/U)

Back the UNDER 222.5 (-115) with a small-unit play. The Under is 4-1 in the Nets’ last five home games, 6-2 in the Nets’ last eight games as a favorite and 6-2 in the Nets’ last eight games played on one day of rest. Plus, the Under is 4-2 in the last six head-to-head meetings.

Every $1.15 wagered on the Under will profit $1 if the two teams combine for 222 or fewer points.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s record since Feb. 1: 15-6. Strongest plays: 8-3.

Since Dec. 1: 52-31-2. Strongest plays: 29-12

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2017]

Report: Jayson Tatum likely out, Kemba Walker and Marcus Smart to play

The Boston Celtics likely will be without Jayson Tatum in their game against the Brooklyn Nets

With only 23 games left in their regular season schedule, the third-ranked Boston Celtics have emerged as a contender in the Eastern Conference.

But like other teams around this time of the season, the Celtics also have some injuries and illnesses to work through.

According to Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe, star forward Jayson Tatum will likely be out (illness) Tuesday in the team’s game against the Brooklyn Nets. Marcus Smart, who has also battled an illness, will play. Kemba Walker, who has missed the past five games because of knee soreness, also will play.

The Celtics and Nets will tip off in TD Garden at 7:30 p.m. EST.

If Tatum doesn’t play, then the Celtics will be without their best player. Tatum went on a scoring tear in February, with his potential starting to shift into tangible results. He became the fifth player in Celtics history to average 30 points a game in one month, averaging 30.7 points.

Walker’s return bodes well for the Celtics because he is important for the offense’s overall success.

Though Boston has a plethora of guards and wings who can score, Walker’s ability to carve up defenses with his handle makes him a tough cover. Walker is the Celtics’ second-leading scorer, averaging 21.8 points a game on 42.9% shooting.

Smart is the leader of the Celtics’ defense, but he’s having one of his best seasons scoring the ball. He is scoring a career-high 12.9 points a game and shooting 35.5% from the 3-point line, which is currently the second-highest mark of his career.

[lawrence-related id=30208,30187,30165,30153]

Brooklyn Nets at Miami Heat odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing Saturday’s Brooklyn Nets at Miami Heat matchup, with NBA betting odds, picks and best bets

The Brooklyn Nets (26-32) and Miami Heat (37-22) battle at American Airlines Arena in Miami at 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Nets-Heat sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Nets at Heat: Key Injuries

Nets

  • SF Kevin Durant (Achilles) out
  • PG Kyrie Irving (shoulder) out

Heat

  • PF Kyle Alexander (knee) out
  • SG Tyler Herro (ankle) out
  • PF Meyers Leonard (ankle) out

Get some action on this NBA game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Nets at Heat: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 6:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Heat 123, Nets 118

Moneyline (ML)

The Heat (-304) will cost you more than three times your return, and that’s just not a good bet. These teams have split the previous two meetings, with the Heat winning 109-106 in Brooklyn on Dec. 1, and the Nets winning at home against Miami on Jan. 10 in the most recent meeting, 117-113.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Heat ML returns a profit of $3.30 if they win.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Take the NETS (+7.5, -115), as they have played the Heat (-7.5, -106) tough in each of the previous two meetings. Yes, Brooklyn has some health issues, as Irving (shoulder) is sidelined for the remainder of the season. But Miami struggles defensively.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 223.5 (-106) is a slam-dunk play here. The Heat have scored at least 119 points in each of their past five games, and they’re on a 6-0 over run. Meanwhile, the Nets were just roughed up for 141 points last time out in Atlanta, and they have coughed up 110 or more points in three in a row.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2017]