The Brooklyn Nets' season has yet to really take off. As 2013 comes with raised expectations after the roster additions, the team has struggled more times than not. The starting lineup, featuring more All-Star appearances than any other team is still working to adjust to new roles and build chemistry both on and off the court. As Kevin Garnett works on a limited number of minutes, he says plenty of adjustments need to be made.
While Garnett is demonstrating an immense amount of leadership off the court, on the court he has struggled to regain his dominant form. The 15-time All-Star is putting up just 6.0 points per game on a 32.1 shooting percentage in just over 20 minutes a game. He is 12 for 34 in mid-range shots, blaming overthinking for his shooting problems.
"I've got to quit thinking so much and be more aggressive," Garnett said, via ESPNNewYork.com. "I'm trying to make things easier for Brook [Lopez] and cause opportunities for other people out there. I've got to be a little more aggressive and look for my offense a little bit."
Lopez is looking like a new and improved this season, dominating on both ends of the court. The Nets were hoping Garnett would work in Tandem with Lopez, but so far the two have failed to co-exist. The veteran is thrilled by how Lopez works on the court, but is working to start focusing on his game now rather than others. Paul Pierce believes the adjustment takes time, but will happen sooner rather than later.
"I still think he's trying to make the adjustment," Pierce said. "New team, new teammates, new offense. Kevin's always been a guy who needed to feel comfortable, who needed to make the adjustment, and get that familiarity. I think he's getting there with the offense and where his shots are going to come from, the minutes played, it's an adjustment."
Garnett has struggled with the decreased minutes and role with the team. While he is a starter, Brooklyn has asked him to do less, something he was also asked in the later years with the Celtics. Pierce believes it has been harder for him to find a groove with the adjusted role. Head coach Jason Kidd plans on making it a priority to get Garnett has comfortable as possible.
"He's changed the culture of the team," Kidd said. "I'm not gonna have him come shoot early or late. He's been doing this for 20 years. My job is to put him in his comfort zone. He's getting great looks, they just aren't going down."
Kidd is confident the Nets will get into an established rhythm, it just takes time. Neither the coach nor the veterans are concerned with the slow start, noting that everything starts to matter come April.
