The Brooklyn Nets will enter the NBA restart extremely shorthanded with talent as Spencer Dinwiddie opts out from suiting up with the team.
The overall atmosphere surrounding the NBA restart bubble is dark and gloomy. Players are opting out of the refreshed NBA season one after the other. A few more players and the NBA restart may end up being as lackluster as preseason games.
Not all teams are facing roster problems. Some will miss one or two key players. For example, the Lakers will miss Avery Bradley in the restart. However, they have already replaced him with J.R Smith. Unfortunately, the Nets aren’t as lucky as other teams that will lose just one or two players.
The demise of the Brooklyn Nets
Spencer Dinwiddie has just announced that he tested positive of COVID-19. As such, he will not be joining his team in the NBA restart. He said,
“After another positive test yesterday and considering the symptoms, @BrooklynNets, team doctors and I have decided that it would be in the best interest for me and the team that I do not play in Orlando. I will be supporting the guys every step of the way!”#AudienceOfOne
Dinwiddie is already the seventh player from the Nets to have opted out of the restart. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant head the list. Both of these players are still rehabilitating from their injuries. Following them are DeAndre Jordan, Taurean Prince, Wilson Chandler, and Nicolas Claxton.
All seven players are crucial starting and rotation players. Not having them will mean that the remaining Nets leaders on the floor will be Joe Harris, Jarret Allen, and Caris Levert. Levert, for his part, is still finding his groove after returning midseason.
Should the Nets pull out?
At this point, the Brooklyn Nets will enter the NBA restart with an extreme handicap. They are currently sitting on the 7th spot ahead of the Orlando Magic. Only the Washington Wizards have a realistic chance to bump them out of the Playoffs. However, the Wizards will also miss Bradley Beal in their lineup due to a shoulder injury.
Should the Nets move forward to the Playoffs, they will play against the defending champions Toronto Raptors. As earlier reported, the Raptors are looking in their tiptop shape, given the two-week headstart that was given to the team.
The Brooklyn Nets will have a big decision to make. However, them pulling out of the season has a precedent.
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