As the NBA All-Star break approaches, the Brooklyn Nets enter a crucial stretch in their playoff push.
Following a heartbreaking 127-125 loss to the Toronto Raptors Monday night, the Nets are 29-29, sixth in the Eastern Conference.
Brooklyn has far exceeded expectations this season, but the lack of a floor-spacing power forward continues to be a problem in coach Kenny Atkinson’s offense.
While several players such as D’Angelo Russell, Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen and Joe Harris have continued on their upward trajectories, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has significantly regressed while battling injuries in his fourth season.