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Brooklyn Nets Bring Lance Thomas Home

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The off-season slowly comes to an end along with summer and Brooklyn Nets Basketball is around the corner. September 27th brought news of the Nets signing a Brooklyn born player and bringing him into the fold. No not that guy, but Lance Thomas.

Many of you will know Lance Thomas from his for the last four and a half seasons he’s spent with that other team in New York. His time with the Knicks was by far the most he’s had with any team thus far in the league. The terms of the contract haven’t been released as of yet, but here’s what the Nets newcomer brings to the team.

Sean Marks and the Brooklyn Nets love players who are true professionals. That cannot be argued with Lance. Marks can sleep relatively easy and not worry about any issues with him as his 8 years in the league have are pretty much spotless. He will be someone the younger plays can lean on for wisdom and mentorship like much of the roster. Another mature player in the locker room will be a great help.

Lance Thomas also brings the Nets another trustworthy shooter from 3. Coming into the league Lance wasn’t much of a shooter from beyond, but since coming to New York State, he’s shot a terrific percentage. Out of the four and a half (let’s just say five) seasons with the Knicks, Lance shot 40% or more three times. One of those times he shot a tick under 45% (.447%). He’s coming off a season shooting below 30%, but nothing was going well for the Knicks last season.

At 6’8″, 240lbs, Lance Thomas can play the small forward and power forward position. With Wilson Chandler out for a big chunk of the season and the question marks around Rodions Kurucs, Lance Thomas fills a position of need for the Nets.

Now, this signing isn’t exactly what Nets fans asked for, but it was something. I’m sure there were critics who were not fond of another ex-knickerbocker coming into the Nets fold, but there was no real push back. What did not go well with the fans out in Brooklyn, was how much Lance Thomas seemed to gush about his former team. Now I get as a native New Yorker, growing up there was only the Knicks. I get him being a fan of the team due to that. No one was asking him to trash his former team now that he’s a member of the Nets. And even some of his compliments of Knicks management can be excused. I love players candor, but you have to be careful. Him saying “I’ll always be a Knicks fan” might not be something you say on Nets media day. Maybe saying how much you wanted to be brought back vs how much you wanted to come to Brooklyn isn’t the first impression you want to leave with the fans.

But as the former captain of the Knicks for the last few seasons, Lance Thomas has the ability to win people over. Let’s hope he can do so in Brooklyn and he does his best to contribute and help bring New York it’s a first chip for either organization since the 70s.

Brooklyn Nets: Joe Harris Making the Most of His Team USA Experience

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Brooklyn Nets, Joe Harris

Team USA might be lacking in big-name stars for the FIBA World Cup, but players like Brooklyn Nets‘ Joe Harris is making the most of his opportunity in China. His experience overseas will pay dividends to come next season.

It’s not an understatement to say that this current Team USA squad battling for the gold medal in China is the most vulnerable roster in recent years. The group might lack superstar names, but it has allowed others an opportunity to make the most of. Among them is Brooklyn Nets’ sharpshooter Joe Harris.

The reigning three-point champion is heading into the final year of his contract, and the hope is that Harris and the Nets both have mutual feelings that he is a vital part of their long-term future. With the acquisitions of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and DeAndre Jordan among others, Brooklyn’s championship window has never been wider.

Harris averaged 13.7 points on a stellar 47% shooting from beyond the arc last season, attempting around five threes per game (ProBasketballReference). He’ll need to have another strong season in 2019 to secure a long-term deal to stay in Brooklyn. Good news is that he’s getting the best practice overseas, competing for Team USA.

Getting Buckets Overseas

Team USA scraped by in an overtime victory over Turkey on Tuesday, signaling some concern given that it was a Group Stage matchup. Regardless, Joe Harris came to play and more than held his own in international competition. Then again, with the three-point line shorter overseas compared to the NBA, it’s no surprise that Harris continues to be a threat from deep.

Harris chipped in 11 points and five rebounds on 66% shooting from the three-point line. Team USA just staved off Turkey to the tune of 93-92, banking on last-minute free throws. Having ground out a close win, it’s safe to say that Joe Harris’ sharpshooting came in nicely.

KD Shows Some Love

Harris’ stellar shooting happened to also catch the eye of his new superstar teammate. The Nets’ posted Joe Harris’ performance and Kevin Durant was quick to show his support for his future teammate in Brooklyn. With Harris looking to secure a long-term future playing at Barclay’s Center, it can’t hurt to have the support of the franchise’s newest superstar.

Historically, players that have gone overseas to represent Team USA have seen the work pay off come time for the NBA’s regular season. Nothing is certain in the NBA, but there are high hopes that the same will be said for Joe Harris in 2019. He’ll undoubtedly benefit from his new superstar teammates, but don’t overlook how much his Team USA exposure will pay off as well. Harris is holding his own overseas, it will only be a matter of time before we see the same in Brooklyn next season.