Examining the Nets roster heading into training camp

By Brian Lewis

Meet the 2021-22 Brooklyn Nets. Here’s a look at the Nets’ roster heading into training camp:

LaMarcus Aldridge, 36 years old, F/C, 6-foot-11, 250 pounds

Returns from cardiac-forced retirement to fight for the starting job and aim for a ring.

DeAndre’ Bembry 27, F, 6-5, 210

His contract is only partially guaranteed. He’ll have to excel on the defensive end to earn his keep.

Bruce Brown, 25, G, 6-4, 202

The Nets managed to hold onto their versatile, position-defying defensive sparkplug for the modest $4.7 million qualifying offer.

Devontae Cacok, 24, PF, 6-7, 240

After two years as a Lakers two-way — getting a ring for a cameo — now he’s a camp invite on an Exhibit 10 contract.

Jevon Carter, 26, G, 6-1, 200

A regular all season for a Suns team that went to the NBA Finals, he can provide point guard depth.

Nicolas Claxton, 22, F, 6-11, 215

The Nets love Claxton’s switchability, but the addition of Aldridge and others are going to force him to work for every minute.

Sekou Doumbouya, 20, F, 6-8, 230

Taken No. 15 overall just two years ago, the raw young Frenchman is the Nets’ latest reclamation project.

David Duke, 21, G, 6-5, 205

He got one of the three camp invites on an Exhibit 10 deal. Can he parlay that into a two-way?

Kevin Durant, 32, F, 6-10, 240

The best offensive player on Earth? You know who he is. And if you didn’t, the playoffs and Olympics taught you.

Kessler Edwards, 21, F, 6-8, 215

The only one of the three second-rounders to have landed a two-way deal.

Blake Griffin, 32, F, 6-9, 250

Time off led to him being more explosive and earning the starting center job in the postseason. With Aldridge back, can he hold it?

James Harden, 32, G, 6-5, 220

With his hamstring healed and an offseason under his belt, expect another MVP candidacy.

Joe Harris, 30, G, 6-6, 220

Will the Nets get ice-cold playoff Joe, or the marksman who won two of the past three 3-point titles?

Kyrie Irving, 29, G, 6-2, 195

As with Harden’s hamstring, his costly ankle sprain is in the past, and he’s poised to repeat his historic 50/40/90 shooting campaign.

James Johnson, 34, F, 6-7, 240

A tough, rugged rebounder, his size and defensive versatility are going to be much-needed.

Patty Mills, 33, G, 6-1, 180

A proven championship player and prototypical sixth man. Can he be, at 33, the same defensive pest he was for the Spurs?

Paul Millsap, 36, F, 6-7, 257

At 36, his defense has taken a hit. But he’s still the same rebounder and smart offensive player, at a bargain price.