As quickly because the Nets traded Mikal Bridges, typical knowledge was Dorian Finney-Smith wouldn’t be far behind.
However rumor mill apart, Finney-Smith — together with fellow veterans Cam Johnson and Dennis Schroder — is again in Brooklyn for coaching camp.
The trio of vets are serving to new coach Jordi Fernandez attempt to construct some form of a wholesome tradition, and exceed expectations that they really feel are, frankly, insultingly low.
“Me, Dennis Schroder, we had been speaking and we simply need all people to know that we ain’t deferring to simply tank or no matter,” Finney-Smith mentioned Wednesday. “They’re saying we’re going to win 17 video games. I really feel like this workforce ought to take that as disrespect, and use it as motivation.
“Individuals don’t understand how wholesome Ben [Simmons] goes to be. However we’ve been seeing him for the final 4 weeks and he appears nice. So, if bro will get again on the court docket I really feel prefer it’s gonna assist our workforce loads, and we’re going to shake the NBA.”
Shaking the NBA may be a tall order, particularly after dealing away Bridges off final 12 months’s 32-50 workforce. And the oddsmakers have the Nets going backwards, from a league-low projected 19.5 wins to now 18.5 on FanDuel.
The Nets are utilizing them as motivation — even when Finney-Smith acknowledged he hasn’t truly learn them himself, as a result of he’s weaning himself off social media.
“Nicely, truly I ain’t seen it. It’s simply what I’ve been listening to,” Finney-Smith admitted. “I can’t be on social media loads as a result of I’m attempting to get my children to get off social media, so I’m attempting to guide by instance. I actually didn’t see it, so I’m simply going by what the fellows within the locker room are saying.”
The Nets rejected a suggestion of two first-round picks for Finney-Smith in 2023, however their pivot to a rebuild is why shifting veterans appears logical.
Finney-Smith would possibly even be the most certainly to depart, if solely as a result of he appears more likely to decline his $15.4 million participant choice for 2025-26, which means he may go away as an unrestricted free agent subsequent summer time except he’s dealt earlier than.
These are frank, open conversations that Finney-Smith and Johnson have had, with each Fernandez and normal supervisor Sean Marks.
“No. 1 factor is, I ask them how they really feel and in the event that they want something from me, if they’ve any questions. We’ll be clear and clear,” Fernandez mentioned. “I feel Sean has been very clear and clear. I really like having them round. They’re nice veterans and so they will help us set this basis right here. Apart from that, I can [only] management the controllables, identical as them.
“If one thing adjustments, we for certain shall be easy and allow them to know. I requested them if that they had any questions. They mentioned no. Our doorways — mine, Sean, all people else within the group — doorways are open. We have now a transparent imaginative and prescient. The reply they gave me is that they didn’t have any questions on the time. So, after two practices I’m very glad how exhausting they’ve practiced for themselves and the workforce.”
Finney-Smith averaged 8.5 factors and 4.7 rebounds in 68 video games final season, 56 of them begins.
Whereas Johnson appears locked in at one ahead spot — at the least till newly acquired veteran Bojan Bogdanovic will get wholesome sufficient to compete with him — Finney-Smith may vie on the different with second-year professional Noah Clowney.
“Noah, he’s getting higher, man. He’s getting actual good,” Finney-Smith mentioned. “He’s getting actual good. The sport is slowing down for him. That tends to occur in your second 12 months after you get some bump. He’s capturing the ball much more, and with much more confidence. So, once more, he’s going to have a terrific 12 months. He’s been getting higher all summer time.”
