Inside The Nets

Spencer Dinwiddie gives a worrying answer about his late-game benching

Coach Jacque Vaughn has shown he prefers Dennis Smith Jr. more in crunch time.

Peter Sunjic

© Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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Spencer Dinwiddie is a talented player who can make tough shots. However, the 2023/24 season has been a struggle for him as he is scoring 13.2 points per game on an inefficient 39.5% from the field.

Dinwiddie still has the starting spot in Brooklyn, but with rumors swirling about a potential trade, Spencer might be leaving. Some have speculated that the Nets' guard is “checked out”, showing less effort than before. It is alarming for some fans, especially after the Knicks game, when Spencer gave a worrying answer about his status on the team.

“We have guys who we're entrusting the team to going forward, phenomenal human beings, phenomenal talent that we're gonna build around, and they're gonna build around going forward,” Spencer said about the quality of his teammates to Nets Daily’s Lucas Kaplan. 

“What I've done in the past, that's great to talk about, but it's in the past. Having some of the best clutch seasons of all time, things like that, that stuff's in the past.”

Spencer is likely getting traded

After the trades involving stars like Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, trade rumors have become centered on Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray.

The Nets have been linked to the former All-Star because he can solve their playmaking issues and pair Cameron Thomas with a good defender in the backcourt. Spencer will likely be part of the deal packaged with draft picks.

Aside from a trade with Atlanta, Spencer has also garnered interest from the Los Angeles Lakers. That LA squad can benefit from having Dinwiddie since he’s a reliable veteran who can be a point guard and an off-ball shooter for LeBron James to pass to.

Coach Vaughn has a good argument for playing Smith

Coach Jacque Vaughn has benched Dinwiddie late in games because he sees Dennis Smith Jr. as a better option. The uber-athletic guard is an elite defender, and his playmaking helps maximize either Thomas or Mikal Bridges to keep scoring.

DSJ’s energy is also a significant factor in why Coach Vaughn prefers him at the end of games. Brooklyn benefits from the hustle he provides because he can take care of the dirty work while the others thrive in their roles.

For Spencer, he might be on the way out while the Nets are already prepared with a readymade point guard in DSJ ready to step in.

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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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