Brooklyn Nets’ Mason Plumlee on the rise?

Apr 5, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Mason Plumlee (1) during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Nets defeated the Sixers 105-101. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Mason Plumlee (1) during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Nets defeated the Sixers 105-101. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Brooklyn Nets may have found a gem in big man Mason Plumlee, who played well down the stretch last season.

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Cody Taylor of Basketball Insiders believes Plumlee is on the rise.

"Plumlee is the type of big man that plays great defense and has the ability to move up and down the court. Plumlee showed exactly the type of athleticism he has when he blocked what would have been LeBron James’ game-winning dunk against the Nets back in April. It also seems that Plumlee will have the benefit of playing next to Kevin Garnett next season as Garnett is reportedly going to return after contemplating retirement. Like Faried, Plumlee will have that same confidence of being named to the final-12 man roster on Team USA heading into next season for the Nets. After establishing himself through his rookie season and throughout the summer, Plumlee will find himself as a guy the Nets will count on often next season."

Plumlee was the 22nd-overall pick of last year’s draft and has already proven to be a bit of a steal. Although he is already 24 years old, he should continue to develop and could prove to be a valuable asset to the Nets, much like he was last year when injuries sidelined big men Brook Lopez and Kevin Garnett.

Plumlee put up 7.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 65.9% from the field and 62.6% from the free throw line last season.

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