The Brooklyn Nets and Jared Sullinger have expressed mutual interest, but which side of the equation needs a deal more?
As the NBA preseason inches closer each day, teams are finalizing preseason rosters and filling in the holes to their teams. The Brooklyn Nets open up their 2017-2018 preseason with a battle of the boroughs clash with the New York Knicks on October 3rd at Madison Square Garden — but their roster may not be complete just yet.
The Nets have a lot of necessities and are currently not in any contention to win it all but have all eyes on a playoff berth. With the preseason a little less than a month away, what moves can the Nets make to secure their hopes of a playoff spot?
The Nets recently worked out Jared Sullinger and both sides have their eyes on a possible deal. Sullinger, who has played the past five seasons with the Boston Celtics (2012-2016) and this past season with the Toronto Raptors, is approaching the season without being on a team. The power forward has averaged 10.8 points per game and 7.5 rebounds per game in his five seasons in the league.
With the “new look” Brooklyn Nets and their young roster having all intentions of a playoff berth, should they make the move and sign Sullinger?
Sullinger can bring some value to the young Nets and can help them contend for a low playoff spot in the talented Eastern Conference. Veteran Trevor Booker is currently the only power forward on the Nets roster. If the Nets sign Sullinger, not only can he battle to be the starting power forward, but he can come off the bench and make a big impact down low.
The Nets have a handful of big men on their roster but not a big man who can really shoot the ball well. Jared Sullinger has proven he is not afraid to shoot the three ball and can make an impact down low on both ends of the floor. Sullinger has shown to be a defensive threat for opponents, making him even more valuable.
Adding Sullinger can make the Nets more versatile and can spread the floor for the Nets offense. Can Sullinger be the player the Nets need to clinch a playoff berth?
Sullinger has battled problems over the past couple seasons regarding his weight and his conditioning. Sullinger, who weighed up to 300 pounds last season, didn’t really play a huge role in his play and averaged consistent numbers. Sullinger recently told NetsDaily “I’m at the bottom right now. I’m grinding to get to the top of the ladder.”
Sullinger recently played with a team “Scarlet and Grey,” one made up of former Ohio State basketball athletes. He showed no signs of rust and pulled off a strong performance and showcased his shot.
The Brooklyn Nets should offer Sullinger a short-term deal which will help the Nets in their chase for an Eastern Conference playoff berth.
