2. Increase Yuta Watanabe’s role
The Nets made many headlines this offseason, but one smaller transaction has made a big difference. In August, they signed Yuta Watanabe to a one-year, $1.9 million deal, and in an uneven start to the season, he has been a bright spot. Watanabe is actually leading the league in true shooting percentage (78.1 percent). His 3.2 box plus/minus is second on the Nets trailing only Kevin Durant.
Watanabe is shooting a blistering 57.1 percent from three and 60.9 percent from the field. Despite his hot start, he is only eighth on the team in minutes (18.2). He is currently out with a hamstring injury, but head coach Jacques Vaughn is optimistic that Watanabe will return soon.
Jacque Vaughn said hopefully trending toward Yuta Watanabe & TJ Warren this week. #Nets
— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) November 27, 2022
When he returns, the Nets need to increase his role. Watanabe is clearly outplaying Joe Harris and Cam Thomas. As long as he is playing at a high level, the Nets need to ride the hot hand.