As the NBA lost literally its most iconic point guard — Lakers legend Jerry West, the inspiration for the league’s logo — the Nets are still trying to figure out what they’re going to do at the position.
Which lead guard is going to lead the Nets?
Ben Simmons says he’s betting on himself.
Most of the league — and even many Nets fans — would probably take that wager.
Dennis Schroder has said he wants the job.
He reiterated as much this month.
It remains to be seen which one — if either — starts at the point in next season’s opener.
Heck, will Schroder even be there past his efforts for Germany at this summer’s Olympics?
“Brooklyn is a really cool, great organization, quite family-oriented,” Schroder said a few days ago in his hometown paper, Braunschweig Zeitung. “I’d definitely like to stick around for the long haul. My agent and I feel like the Nets liked how I contributed.
“I’ve brought in more defense, teamwork and displayed leadership, but if someone as exceptional as Giannis Antetokounmpo or another superstar wants to join Brooklyn, the Nets could make deals to acquire that player … and that’s why nothing is certain in the NBA.”
Putting the Antetokounmpo notion aside for a moment, that sounds very much like Schroder lobbying to stay with the Nets.
It wasn’t the first time.
After being on five teams in the last three seasons, Schroder understands the business side of the NBA and the possibility of getting traded again.
“Yeah, I mean, the NBA, it’s a business at the end of the day,” Schroder said after the season ended.
“Of course, Brooklyn the last two months has been great. Like I said, organization-wise, how structured it is, [the media] as well, not bad. So, the city of Brooklyn was great overall. And like I said, it’s always great to be in one place, but at the same time, you’ve got to be realistic as well, and it might change as well.”
Schroder has leadership qualities, shown in carrying Germany to gold in last summer’s FIBA World Cup.
And after joining the Nets from Toronto at this season’s trade deadline, he averaged 14.6 points and six assists on .424/.412/.797 splits.
He’s also the second-oldest player on the Nets roster, turning 31 before next season starts. Veteran Dorian Finney-Smith has also been linked with other teams in trade rumors, and Schroder likely has at least as much value.
He’s not extension-eligible, and has a team-friendly $13 million expiring deal next season that makes him eminently tradeable. But will the Nets move him?
Three-time All-Star Simmons is at the same position, and making $40.3 million next season.
But he’s been injured so often — making just 57 appearances in 2 ½ seasons with the Nets — that his recent Instagram post saying “It hits different when you bet on yourself and it pays off” has drawn derision.
So the Nets still find themselves with question marks at the important position.
It should be noted that Nets general manager Sean Marks usually makes a move within a day or two of the draft, the first round of which takes place June 26 at Barclays Center.
Do they move Schroder to add draft capital?
If so, who would they target as a starter? Some league personnel have suggested unrestricted free agent Tyus Jones.
Clearly, the Nets have been eyeing guard Donovan Mitchell.
But if Antetokounmpo is the ultimate aspirational target — a 29-year-old, two-time MVP on a rapidly aging Bucks team that’s suffered consecutive first-round exits — it’s distinctly possible Schroder could be outgoing.
For better or worse, point guard is a position facing plenty of questions.
It’ll be up to Marks and the Nets to come up with the right answers.
