The Brooklyn Nets had a 2022-23 season that was eventful to say the least when compared to most teams in the NBA. Brooklyn started the season with championship expectations because of the team being led by superstars in Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, but they ended the season wondering if they are competitive in the Eastern Conference playoff picture as it is.
Considering the circumstances, the Nets had a successful campaign. Despite getting swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn had to overcome a lot to get to the sixth seed in the East. The season started off shaky as they fired incumbent head coach Steve Nash after starting the season with a 2-5 record.
Jacque Vaughn took over as the interim head coach and eventually, he became the permanent head coach and subsequently received a contract extension. Brooklyn went 43-32 under Vaughn, but at one point, the team was 27-13 while playing high-level basketball.
After the February trade deadline, the team went 12-15, but that was understandable given that Durant and Irving were no longer part of the organization. However, throughout the season, the team saw growth in players like Nic Claxton and found gems in guys like Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson. Here’s what some of the players would like to improve on for next season:
Mikal Bridges
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“Probably creating off the dribble and playmaking.”
Spencer Dinwiddie
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“Off the dribble three-point shooting.”
Cam Johnson
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“Working on playing with the ball in my hands, working on strength, explosion. Just being better. Being able to take whatever growth that I had this year and furthering that.”
Nick Claxton
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Dorian Finney-Smith
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“Ball-handling and play-making off the dribble.”
Royce O’Neale
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“You know everything. Just keep getting better. Refine my tools, work on my craft, and just become a better player.
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Story originally appeared on Nets Wire