Inside The Nets

Lonnie Walker IV is pleased with the Brooklyn Nets' new additions

The Nets did great business during the trade deadline, and the players are excited.
Peter Sunjic|
© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

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Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn traded for Dennis Schroder and Keita Bates-Diop at the deadline, and they have seamlessly fit into the Nets roster. The players are big fans of the moves because the two players are positive additions to the squad.

Schroder, in particular, was superb in his Nets debut. He got a 15-point and 12-assist game in his first foray with Brooklyn, coming off the bench to do so. Fellow bench mob member Lonnie Walker IV is glad to have both players on the roster.

“It was great. You know, I think we’re very optimistic, very happy with what we got. Dennis is a great guy. I was lucky to play with him last year, he brings that defensive edge and just being a great point guard and a leader,” Lonnie said about the Nets’ recent acquisitions after practice. 

“KBD, I’ve known way back since the Spurs. The bond and the characteristics and personalities we brought to the court are just really good.”

The chemistry between Lonnie and Dennis is superb

With the experience of playing with each other in Los Angeles, Walker and Schroder have readymade chemistry. That is important for the Nets since they need continuity from the bench. A bench backcourt of Lonnie and Schroder makes sense because they have a scorer-playmaker dynamic.

Pair the duo with Dorian Finney-Smith and Day’Ron Sharpe, making Brooklyn one of the best benches in the league. Brooklyn is a deep team that most fans don’t realize because the players have struggled with injuries for most of the season.

Keita is a potential contributor for Brooklyn

Most fans don’t realize the value of having an energetic player in a team. Bates-Diop is one of those hustle players who could make a difference by fighting for a 50-50 ball or getting an offensive rebound for another opportunity to score.

The Nets need a lengthy player who could play any frontcourt position, and KBD fits the bill. Of course, his minutes will clash against DFS or Trendon Watford, but the more, the merrier for Coach Jacque Vaughn.

General manager Sean Marks did a great job at smoothening the edges of the Brooklyn lineup because the team is getting healthier, spelling trouble for the Nets’ opponents for the rest of the season. Do not be surprised if Brooklyn mounts a comeback and battles for a spot in the Playoffs.

Keita Bates-Diop embraces new chapter in Brooklyn: "I see a lot of potential here"

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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