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Jacque Vaughn is considering changing the starting lineup
In the Nets’ recent loss to the New York Knicks, they struggled again with a slow start. Head coach Jacque Vaughn has alluded to making changes to the starting lineup in future games.
While Cameron Thomas and Cameron Johnson have played well recently, they might be removed from the starting lineup. Vaughn might opt to strengthen the defense so they can become more stable at the start of the game.
“It is really on me to take a closer look if there is a lineup change that needs to be had to get our group going,” Vaughn said after the Knicks game. “Like I told you, I’ve been taking data of this group, how we can get out to better starts.”
How the changes can affect the Nets
By focusing on defense, this means either Royce O’Neale or Dorian Finney-Smith will join the starting lineup. This not only helps them with their defense but also gives Brooklyn options for spot-up shooters. These two players are superb with their off-ball movement and being screeners in the pick-and-pop variations.
This season has been a successful one for both players as they come off the bench. They’re awesome players who can match up well on defense and do the dirty work by hustling for loose balls and battling for rebounds.
Assigning Thomas or Johnson to the bench can help their bench production, which has plummeted since Lonnie Walker IV got injured. Having someone like Thomas coming off the bench gives him the freedom to operate as the go-to guy.
At the same time, this does not mean either Cam will end the game on the bench. They can still finish games as this change is mainly catered to helping the team get off to better starts, which has been a season-long problem.
Bridges and Claxton are fixtures of the starting five
While the two Cams’ spot in the starting lineup is in jeopardy, the Nets still have two permanent fixtures to start the game. Those are Mikal Bridges and Nic Claxton, who will start in the small forward and center positions.
They will be the focal point of both sides of the ball as Mikal is the team’s best player, while Nic is an irreplaceable defensive anchor. While these changes are only being considered, it will be interesting to see how coach Vaughn adjusts because the slow starts are becoming alarming for Brooklyn.
