Brooklyn Nets will open 2015-16 NBA regular season at home at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on October 28, 2015

The Brooklyn Nets will open its 2015-16 season at the Barclays Center on Wednesday, October 28, when they entertain the Chicago Bulls, with tip-off at 7:30 p.m. The home opener will be the Bulls' lone appearance in Brooklyn this season.

The Nets will welcome the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors to Brooklyn on Sunday, December 6 at 6:00 p.m., which will tip off a six-game homestand, the longest of the campaign. The home stand also includes an afternoon contest on Saturday, December 12 versus the Los Angeles Clippers at 5:00 p.m.

In addition to the game against the Clippers, the Nets will host four other afternoon contests over the course of the upcoming season. The Nets will entertain the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, December 20 at 1:00 p.m., the Washington Wizards on Saturday, December 26 at 4:00 p.m., the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, January 24 at 3:30 p.m. and the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday, April 3 at 1:00 p.m.

Brooklyn will host the Eastern Conference champion Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, January 20 and Thursday, March 24, while the San Antonio Spurs visit the borough on Monday, January 11, with all three contests starting at 7:30 p.m.

Jarrett Jack’s defensive moves with nearly 30 seconds left in regulation panicked Atlanta’s Schroder

The Brooklyn Nets have been off to a rough start for the 2015-15 NBA Season. However, last night offered a glimpse of hope. The Nets toughed it out and survived a nail-biting, 90-88 win over the Atlanta Hawks, one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference. And they did it all on the defensive end of the court when it counted the most.

After Jarrett Jack drained a jumper, tying the game at 88-all with 33.3 seconds until the end of regulation, Jack nearly forced a turnover from Hawks, Dennis Schroder on the ensuing possession. With the Hawks shot-clock expiring, Jack's defense compelled Schroder to dribble into no man's land, using the baseline as an extra defender. A panicking Schroder almost lost the ball and had to resort to a rushed floater, which was rebounded by Paul Millsap, who was blocked by Brook Lopez, on his attempt to tie the game.

The Nets defense, when it was needed the most, got a stop, giving the team an opportunity to win the game, which was executed by Thaddeus Young, who sank two free-throws after being fouled on the fastbreak. And that particular sequence involving Schroder mirrored the entire game. Atlanta's, Spurs-like makeup of a team scored 10-less points than they are used to, averaging 101.6 points per game, the 11th best in the league, according to ESPN.com.

Mike Budenholzer's team committed 20 turnovers, the most they've committed this year in a single game.

"I give Brooklyn credit," said Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer. "They played well. They forced the turnovers. We didn't take care of the ball. So we're going to have to clean that up."

The win, which improved the Nets record to (2-9), exhibited the solution to their season, which has been disastrous to say the least and it all derives from the defensive side of the ball.

As a team, the Nets racked up 14 steals and seven blocks which are the type of production that will help the Nets remain in games against teams with superior talent. Although their defense was the star of the game, five players scored in double figures, led by Lopez's double-double, 24-10. Shane Larkin, in his first season with the Nets, had another great game, posting 14 points and Joe Johnson nearly reached a triple-double in 13 points, 9 assists, and seven rebounds.

Nets Loss: It doesn’t help that Joe Johnson scored one point less than Jarrett Jack

In this 2015-16 NBA season, the Brooklyn Nets haven't gotten off to the start they envisioned. In three games, the Nets are winless, losing to the likes of the Chicago Bulls, the San Antonio Spurs, and the Memphis Grizzlies, a tough start for any NBA team. Fortunately for the Nets, the Milwaukee Bucks, their opponent on Monday night were winless as well but it didn't matter.

The Nets offensive execution crumbled in the fourth quarter and the Bucks capitalized on their mistakes, pulling out a 103-96 win, their first of the season. The Nets dropped their 4th straight (0-4) and are still looking for answers. Despite an ugly first half on both sides of the ball, the Nets improved drastically in the 3rd, especially on the defensive side of the ball. An improved effort helped the Nets force seven turnovers while closing in on the Bucks who held a 10-point lead after Jerryd Bayless drained a three with 5:36 mins to go, Bucks up 74-64.

A string of baskets by Thaddeus Young, Joe Johnson, and Markel Brown over the next three minutes allowed the Nets to close the gap towards the end of the third, highlighted by off-season acquisition, Andrea Bargnani, who converted a three-point play, tying the game at 80 all as time expired.

With the game tied going into the 4th, a victory was up for grabs and the Nets had plenty of chances to earn their first win of the year and gain the confidence that they are sorely lacking currently. In the 4th where the money plays are made that secure wins, the Nets came up empty and while the defense continued their strong second half, the offense struggled to match its counterpart.

After former New York Knicks guard, Shane Larkin hit a floater which gave the Nets their first lead since the 2nd quarter, 96-94 with 2:45 left in the 4th, Johnson and Jarrett Jack would combine to miss the Nets last four field goal attempts. In other words, Brook Lopez was severely missed. The 7-footer who led the Nets in points (18) picked up his 5th foul with 4:44 remaining in the final quarter, prompting Hollins to make a tough decision in removing him from the game.

“When Brook got his fifth foul we had to take him out,” Nets head coach Lionel Hollins said. “I didn’t want to put (Andrea) Bargnani on Monroe, and I came with T-Rob (Thomas Robinson), and we lost a little of the offensive dynamic that we had, but I saw a good game.”

Without Brook, the Nets lost arguably their best player and go-to-guy capable of winning a game for them which spelled the Nets doom. Without Brook, newly signed Greg Monroe of the Bucks scored the tying points (96-96) on a turnaround jump-shot with 2:24 left, which set up a late Bucks’ run in the final minute that would propel them to victory.

“I was just trying to get it inside,” Monroe said regarding the shot. “I had a little mishap with the ball, but I was just trying to be aggressive and make big shots for my team.”

Monroe finished with a double-double, 23 and 13, Giannis Antetokounmpo “The Greek Freak” finished with 21 and eight and Jerryd Bayless, starting in place of O.J. Mayo recorded a team-high 26 points.

As for the Nets, Johnson logged in 14 and 6 assists, while Young, Jack, and Bojan Bogdanovic chipped in 13, 15 and 14 points respectively. It’s quite obvious that if Lopez is not on the floor in critical moments of the game or just in general, the Nets will lose their way. He is their best chance of winning and tonight after he occupied the bench following his fifth foul, the offense looked lethargic and lacked life and excitement.

There was a lot of standing around with no plan in sight and it doesn’t help that Johnson scored one point less than Jack. Behind Brook, Johnson is one of the Nets most important players and his production is essential to the Nets enjoying any type of success this season. Although the Bucks are still without their 2014 2nd overall pick Jabari Parker, Monroe and co. were able to get the job done.

“We got a good win for sure, but the way we won, it kind of showed a little toughness from the team,” said Monroe post-game. Monroe continued: “Especially coming into this game losing the first three, but going through adversity in this game and fighting through it, it was definitely a good win for us.”

The Nets are waiting to utter such words. How they respond to this 0-4 start will illustrate the rest of this November and it starts tomorrow at the Atlanta Hawks, another tough game. The Nets can’t wait for the second half to flip the switch. A full 48 mins of inspired ball is the only way the Nets can reverse their early troubles into fortunes and it all depends on the Nets big four. Lopez, Jack, Young and Johnson all have to bring their A-game.

It might not seem like it now, but the four guys mentioned above all have what it takes to lead this Nets team collectively and feed off of each other. If not, the Nets will be facing 0-5 on Wednesday night.

Chris Daniels Comes to Brooklyn Nets after spending 2014-15 Season in China

The Brooklyn Nets have signed center Chris Daniels, General Manager Billy King announced today.

Daniels (6’9”, 265) spent the 2014-15 season with the Guangdong Southern Tigers in China’s CBA. In his seven-year pro career, Daniels has competed in South Korea, Puerto Rico, China, Jordan and Lebanon, as well as the NBA D-League.

Daniels played collegiately at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (2004-08), where he is still the program’s all-time leading scorer. He also helped lead the Islanders to their first and only NCAA Tournament appearance in 2007.

Twenty players vying for a spot on the Brooklyn Nets 2015-16 Roster

The Brooklyn Nets announced its training camp roster of 20 players today. Training camp, which begins on Tuesday, September 29, and runs through Saturday, October 3, will be held at Duke University in Durham, NC. The roster is as follows:

Since NBA teams can only have 15 contracts on the roster by the start of the season, at least five players will be cut.

Reed’s injury occurred in his preseason debut

Brooklyn Nets center Willie Reed has been diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb, an MRI confirmed today.

The injury occurred during the first half of last night’s preseason game versus the Boston Celtics. Reed will undergo surgery on Friday, October 16 at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan. A timetable for his return will be established following the procedure.

Reed, who signed with Brooklyn as a free agent on July 9, 2015, was making his preseason debut when the injury occurred.

Reed’s injury occurred in his preseason debut

Brooklyn Nets center Willie Reed underwent successful surgery today to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb. The surgery was performed by Dr. Michelle Carlson, along with Nets’ Medical Director Dr. Riley Williams III, at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan. Reed is expected to be out for approximately six to eight weeks.

Brooklyn Nets Waive Boatright, Miller, and Daniels

The Brooklyn Nets requested waivers on guard Ryan Boatright, forward Quincy Miller and center Chris Daniels, General Manager Billy King announced today.

Boatright (6’0”, 170) signed with Brooklyn as a free agent on July 2 after going undrafted out of Connecticut in the 2015 NBA Draft. In four preseason games with the Nets, Boatright posted averages of 4.3 points, 1.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 13.9 minutes per game.

Miller (6’9”, 210) was acquired by the Nets from the Detroit Pistons on July 13 in exchange for guard Steve Blake. In four preseason appearances with Brooklyn, Miller averaged 1.5 points and 2.0 rebounds in 7.4 minutes per game.

Daniels (6’9”, 265) signed with the Nets as a free agent on September 23 and averaged 7.4 points and 2.8 rebounds in 13.0 minutes per game across five preseason appearances with Brooklyn.

According to Nets Daily, if Boatright and Miller are not claimed they will fall into the NBA D-League pool. If they aren't claimed, either have the option to play in Europe or China.

It’s speculated that Daniels is most likely headed overseas where he has been all of his career.

The Nets roster now stands at 17 players.

Since NBA teams can only have 15 contracts on the roster by the start of the season, at least two more players will be cut.

Justin Harper Comes to Brooklyn Nets after playing the 2014-15 season in Italy

The Brooklyn Nets signed forward Justin Harper, General Manager Billy King announced today.

Harper (6’10”, 225) joins the Nets after spending the 2014-15 season with S.S. Felice Scandone in Italy’s Serie A. Originally selected with the 32nd pick (second round) of the 2011 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Harper was dealt to the Orlando Magic on draft night. He appeared in 14 games with the Magic during his rookie season, averaging 1.4 points and 0.9 rebounds in 6.0 minutes per game. He also saw action in one postseason game.

Following his rookie season, Harper competed for the D-League’s Idaho Stampede (2012-13) and Hapoel Tel Aviv of the Israeli Premier League (2013-14) before landing in Italy. Most recently, Harper was a member of the Phoenix Suns’ entry in the 2015 Las Vegas Summer League. A four-year player at Richmond University, Harper’s collegiate career culminated in his selection to the All-Atlantic 10 First Team as a senior.

Dahntay Jones signed a non-guaranteed contract with Brooklyn Nets, according to reports

NBA free agent guard/forward Dahntay Jones is now a player with the Brooklyn Nets, as per an announcement made today by Brooklyn Nets General Manager Billy King

Jones (6’6”, 225) has appeared in 622 games (157 starts) across 11 seasons in the NBA, registering career averages of 5.4 points, 1.7 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 15.7 minutes per game while playing for the Memphis Grizzlies (2003-07), Sacramento Kings (2007-08), Denver Nuggets (2008-09), Indiana Pacers (2009-12), Dallas Mavericks (2012-13), Atlanta Hawks (2013) and the Los Angeles Clippers (2014-15).

Jones has also appeared in 49 playoff games (16 starts) during seven career trips to the postseason, averaging 4.1 points and 1.3 rebounds in 11.1 minutes per game. Last season, Jones played in 33 regular season games for the Clippers, averaging 0.6 points and 0.3 rebounds in 3.7 minutes per game off the bench, as well as 11 postseason games with Los Angeles.

Prior to signing with the Clippers, Jones played 19 games with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in the D-League.

The Trenton, N.J., native began his NBA career when he was selected by the Boston Celtics with the 20th overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft out of Duke University and was subsequently traded to the Memphis Grizzlies on draft night.