Inside The Nets

ROAD TO INDY: Assessing the current chances of the Nets’ Top 3 Candidates in the 2024 All-Star Game

Brooklyn’s fantastic run so far has made plenty of Nets players obtain a considerable nod in the 2024 All-Star Game.

Peter Sunjic

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Contrary to what the majority have expected, the Brooklyn Nets are defying odds and expectations with their amusing play, versatility, and unexpected high-octane offense. Despite injuries within the key pieces of their roster, they remain impressively catching up in the Eastern Conference's competition thus far this season.

Their deflating five-game West Coast road trip might have walloped their record, but the Nets are still in their prime as one of the key contending teams that are highly capable of the fight led by the blitzes of Mikal Bridges, Cam Thomas, and Spencer Dinwiddie.

The said trio has been carrying most of the team's slack, and it's only fitting to assess their case to be named an All-Star this 2023-24 season, with the fan voting finally opened on Tuesday.

Mikal Bridges

Stats: 21.9 PTS, 5.5 REB, 3.8 AST, 47.0 FG%

Number of career All-Star selections: 0

Chances to become a 2024 All-Star: High

The hunt for his first All-Star nod has been truly glowing for Mikal Bridges.

Capitalizing his first entire season at Brooklyn's helm, Bridges didn't shy away from shouldering the responsibility of charging the Nets. For 26 games, he has averaged 21.9 points, 5.5 boards, and 3.8 assists and is draining an impressive 47 percent of his field goals. During the team's clutch time scenarios, Mikal has been stepping up his game and sits third for the most clutch points in the league with 66 points.

Mikal might have to consider elevating his numbers to increase his bid to finally become an All-Star. But based on his current season reputation as the Nets' franchise star, he truly has a shot to make it, especially if his superb play continues.

Cam Thomas

Stats: 24.4 PTS, 3.3 REB, 2.3 AST, 45.5 FG%

Number of career All-Star selections: 0

Chances to become a 2024 All-Star: Moderate

Even at a young age, Cam Thomas already established himself as a professional bucket-getter

The 22-year-old holds the lion's share of the team's elite collective offense. After two seasons, he blossomed and now sits in front of the Nets' scoring with 24.4 points while shooting 45.5 percent from the floor. Both his assists (3.3) and rebounds (2.3) saw a significant rise, which signifies that the sky is the only limit of his potential.

Thomas' maximization of his talent was abruptly halted when he suffered an ankle sprain injury in November, missing the team's 11 games. It is enticing to discover how he'll be able to keep up his scoring explosion and gradually build his All-Star case with the season still just in the first half.

Spencer Dinwiddie

Stats: 15.0 PTS, 4.2 REB, 7.0 AST, 40.9 FG%

Number of career All-Star selections: 0

Chances to become a 2024 All-Star: Low

Spencer Dinwiddie has emerged as perhaps the most vital member of the Nets' ongoing campaign.

As Ben Simmons suddenly got shelved due to a new back issue, Dinwiddie didn't hesitate to step up his game and assume the primary floor general role once again. After a slow season start, he is now tallying 15 points and seven assists while navigating the Nets' top-rated offense — giving his very best as well for the final year of his current contract.

Spence truly deserves credit for the wonders he has done for Brooklyn this season. It would be an absolute delight to send him to Indianapolis. But realistically, he has a low chance of being there unless he soon explodes for an absolute career year, which rightfully deserves a selection.

Jacque Vaughn provides Ben Simmons' recovery update

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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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