There were a lot of questions when the Brooklyn Nets acquired D'Angelo Russell from the Los Angeles Lakers in June. One of the concerns was Russell's role with the team since he is also a point guard like franchise star Jeremy Lin. On Tuesday, the two may have provided an answer to that issue.
Lin and Russell played well together in the Nets' first preseason outing this year. They both started for Brooklyn in its 115-107 win over Kristaps Porzingis and the New York Knicks. In over 20 minutes of action, Lin had eight points, three rebounds, three assists, and one block.
Meanwhile, Russell exploded for a team-leading 19 points. He also tallied two rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one rejection.
In a report by the New York Post, it looks like the Nets and head coach Kenny Atkinson found the perfect way to utilize Lin and Russell. As mentioned, against the Knicks, the two were part of the starting lineup. However, as the game progressed, they took turns in facilitating the offense. This scheme will likely be used by Atkinson in the 2017-18 season to make sure that his best players are getting enough minutes and touches.
The other guys
Lin and Russell were not the only ones who stood out for the Nets Tuesday. Sean Kilpatrick, Joe Harris, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Quincy Acy also had significant contributions, especially on offense.
Even the veteran DeMarre Carroll, who is known as a defensive specialist, joined the double-digit scoring club with 10 points.
Ankle problems
Overall, Tuesday's game versus the Knicks was a good start for Brooklyn. Unfortunately, the Nets missed two members of their young core. These were Allen Crabbe and Caris LeVert who are injured.
According to reports, Crabbe is dealing with a sprained right ankle, while LeVert has a left ankle sprain.
Crabbe headed to Brooklyn via a trade back in July. Before becoming a part of the Nets, he has with the Portland Trail Blazers. The 25-year-old spent his first four NBA seasons with the Blazers. LeVert, on the other hand, was selected by the Indiana Pacers (20th overall pick) in the 2016 draft, but his rights got traded to the Nets.
The 23-year-old had a good rookie year even if he sat out numerous games due to his recovery from a foot surgery. LeVert remains a starting five option for Atkinson. His size and athleticism allow him to see action at either the shooting guard or small forward position.
