VIDEO: Brooklyn Nets: new players, camaraderie, building upon last season, optimism, and how D’Angelo Russell and Jeremy Lin will co-exist on the court

In this video, Keisha Wilson and Mike McDonald are discussing Brooklyn Nets Media Day 2017.

Nets players are focused on building on last season and holding each other accountable

NBA Media Day, a day when NBA players around the league are available to the media for interviews, is a sure signal for the start of the NBA season. And, today, it was “on and poppin’” at the Brooklyn Nets HSS Training Facility.

The Nets, at the start of this season, is a team where more than half of its players are new to the team. Despite a seemingly new team, there was familiarity in the air. Player exhibited the same type of camaraderie from last season, the one for all, and all for one, type of camaraderie. To a man, everyone spoke with sincerity about how well they all get along and that they can’t wait to get going, to get on the court. This type of mindset is a testament to the leadership of Nets general manager Sean Marks and Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson, who is known for player development.

Despite the kumbaya attitude coming from the Nets’ players, which is a good thing, the number one question on the minds of most reporters was how will Jeremy Lin and D’Angelo Russell co-exist on the floor? Another common question was regarding the team’s Achilles heel, its ability to play defense.

Jeremy Lin on the Brooklyn Nets' Defensive Abilities

Although many reporters were focused on how Jeremy Lin and D’Angelo Russell will co-exist on the floor and what kind of teammate is D’Angelo Russell, this issue was not top-of-mind for Nets’ players. Most are focused on building on last season and demonstrating measurable improvement, more specifically holding each other accountable.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson on the Brooklyn Nets' Direction for 2017-18

Players also voiced their personal goals

Brooklyn Nets guard Caris LeVert expresses his personal goals for the 2017-18 NBA Season

There is no doubt that Nets players have all the right off-the-court qualities to start the season, the true testament will be how doggedly focused they will be when the going gets tough.

But, first, players have to get through training camp.

NBA players, Sean “Diddy” Combs and others stand behind NFL players; Brooklyn Nets Players look forward to new season; Time for safety nets at MLB stadiums

WHAT'S POPPIN'

Donald Trump Uses NFL to Boost his Ratings

Donald Trump injected himself into the NFL players’ protest against rogue police officers killing innocent Black men. Trump said at a campaign rally in Alabama that owners should fire players who kneel during the national anthem and that fans should consider walking out in protest “when somebody disrespects our flag.” Trump’s comments touched off a firestorm.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell didn’t hesitate to give Trump serious pushback, stating:

“Divisive comments like these demonstrate an unfortunate lack of respect for the NFL, our great game and all of our players.”

DeMaurice Smith, executive director of the NFL Players Association tweeted: “We will never back down. We no longer can afford to stick to sports.”

A good number of NFL players took exception to Trump attempting to deny their US Constitutional right to free speech, and being called “sons of bitches”. NBA players and others are standing up, even Sean “Diddy” Combs commented.

Donald Trump Disinvites Golden State Warriors

Speaking of Donald Trump, he rescinded his invitation to the Golden State Warriors to visit the White House because Stephen Curry was hesitating and ultimately decided he did not want to go. “Going to the White House is considered a great honor for a championship team. Stephen Curry is hesitating, therefore invitation is withdrawn!,” Trump tweeted. Based on the current climate, the UNC Men’s Basketball team decided its players won’t be visiting the White House either.

Carmelo Anthony Has Left the Building

It took a minute, but a deal that worked for all the parties involved finally got done. Carmelo Anthony is no longer a player for the New York Knicks; he is now signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Anthony joins Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and company.

QUICK HITS

• Aaron Hernandez’s attorney says the late football player had extreme CTE and his suing the NFL and the New England Patriots on behalf of his daughter
• Floyd Mayweather told TMZ Sports that he has yet to cash his checks from the Pacquiao and McGregor fights.
• Carmelo Anthony set up a relief fund for Puerto Rico and he pledged 50 thousand dollars.
• The New York Yankees clinched a wild card playoff spot.

OTHER TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE

Is it time for Major League Baseball to install safety nets at its stadiums

Will fans ever forgive Kevin Durant for his fake Twitter account?

Brooklyn Nets Media Day 2017

With Carmelo Anthony gone, the face of the Knicks is now Kristaps Porzingas

OFF TOPIC

Co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records and Jay-Z’s business partner, Damon “Dame” Dash, is currently selling his coveted sneaker collection on eBay. Hosted on Shoezeum’s eBay shop, the collection is packed with some of the most coveted items from what many would consider to be the golden years of sneaker culture.