Brooklyn Nets Face a Julius Randle-Michael Porter Problem as Leaders Figure Out Roles
Brooklyn’s slow start
The Nets have won once in seven games and are tied for the fewest victories in the league. Several questions from before the season remain unanswered, or have been resolved in ways that have not gone well.
There is still time for Brooklyn to address its problems and potentially enter the postseason race. One issue is deciding who should lead the team, particularly in close games and during difficult stretches.
Randle and Porter’s roles
Brooklyn traded for Julius Randle in the offseason, while Michael Porter Jr. returned for a second season after a career year. Their presence raised questions about which player would become the team’s leading option.
Randle is listed at 20.9 points per game and Porter at 20.7, with each attempting 15.1 shots per game. The article says those scoring figures cover the first two games, despite also saying the Nets have played seven games.
Finding a clear leader
Coach Jordi Fernandez faces the task of balancing the two players’ roles. Their equal shot volume suggests neither has established a clear place above the other in the offensive pecking order.
The pair have shown they can play together and have scored more than 40 points per game combined, according to the article. Still, it warns that the lack of separation between them could become a problem for the Nets.
Key points
- Brooklyn is 1-6 after seven games, tied for the league’s fewest wins.
- Randle averages 20.9 points per game, while Porter averages 20.7.
- Both players take 15.1 shots per game, with no clear offensive pecking order.
- The article describes their scoring averages as covering two games, despite reporting seven games played.