Overreacting or Underachieving?

"If we score, we might win. If they never score, we can't lose." - Christie Rampone

The secret is out… the Nets have the worst defense in the history of basketball.

Brooklyn has struggled to contain opposing offenses, even against subpar competition. The Nets gave up 120+ points in each of their last seven games entering last night’s battle with Indiana. During Tuesday’s 122-111 loss to the Pistons, James Harden appeared to get on DeAndre Jordan regarding his defensive effort and intensity. Kyrie Irving also made comments about the Nets needing to get better as a unit and admitted they are currently “an average team.”

In Wednesday’s 104-94 win against the Pacers, Jordan appeared much more spirited on both sides of the ball, as he finished with 12 points, 13 boards, and three blocks. It’s important for his teammates to continue getting DeAndre involved as he has never been the type of offensive player to create his own shot. The energy he provides rolling to the rim and finishing lobs will hopefully continue to carry over onto the defensive end and on the glass as it did against Indy.

I don’t think anyone is ready to say that after last night’s performance of holding a solid Pacers team to under 100 points, the Nets defensive woes are fixed, but it is definitely a step in the right direction and has to have head coach Steve Nash feeling a little bit better moving forward.

However, by that same token, there is no reason to worry or try to reinvent the wheel if you’re a Nets fan. This team is full of proven, veteran superstars who know what it takes to win at the highest level. Harden’s leadership and DeAndre Jordan’s response to that criticism is evidence that they are capable of more than they have been showing.

It is naive to think that Brooklyn will beat anyone on the defensive side of the ball. Nevertheless, it is also evident that this is probably one of the best offensive teams ever and with an average or even slightly below average defense, they should be alright. The team will likely target another defensive/rebounding center when the buyouts come around, to complement Jordan down low which is the biggest glaring hole left by the Harden trade that sent Jarrett Allen to Cleveland. The team needs to make defense more of a focus, as the points will obviously come naturally, and not beat themselves.

In the words of Trent Dilfer, “You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.”