This infographic look at the Nets' small forwards is the third in a weekly series that will cover all five positions as we head into the 2013-14 season.
SCHEDULE Aug. 2:PG | Aug. 9:SG | Aug. 16: SF | Aug. 23: PF | Aug. 30: C
The Truth is in Brooklyn. It's going to be odd the first time Paul Pierce takes the court in black-and-white after a career sporting Celtics green, but there's no doubt Nets fans are going to get used to it quickly. Pierce carried a heavy load for the Celtics last season – especially after Rajon Rondo went down with a knee injury – yet topped 18.0 PPG for a 14th consecutive season. The 10-time All-Star was a top-10 closer, scoring 80 points in clutch situations*, including 12-of-24 three-point shooting. *Final 3 minutes of games within 5 points
The Reserves Andrei Kirilenko Height: 6-9 | Weight: 235 Experience: 11 Years
Veteran forward Kirilenko opted out of a rich one-year deal in Minnesota before opting to join the Nets in Brooklyn, home to a healthy Russian population centered around the Brighton Beach neighborhood. After spending the lockout season with CSKA Moscow, Kirilenko return to the NBA last year and posted a typically broad stat line, one the Nets are hoping he can replicate in a new role off the bench. Familiarity with Deron Williams should help, and Kirilenko has team goals lined up, believing this is the first time he's starting a season with a real chance to win the championship.
Shengelia was a surprise addition to the Nets' 2012-13 roster, earning a guaranteed contract after a spirited performance at the Orlando Pro Summer League. Though he struggled to find playing time with the big club (only 4.9 minutes per in 19 games), Shengelia played 10 games for the Nets' NBA Development League affiliate in Springfield, averaging 24.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.0 blocks while shooting .366 from three-point range and .527 overall in 36.6 minutes.
This infographic look at the Nets' small forwards is the third in a weekly series that will cover all five positions as we head into the 2013-14 season.
SCHEDULE
Aug. 2: PG | Aug. 9: SG | Aug. 16: SF | Aug. 23: PF | Aug. 30: C
CLICK HERE to view full size.
The Starter
Paul Pierce
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 235
Experience: 15 Years
2012-13 Stats:
18.6 PPG | 6.3 RPG| 4.8 APG | .436 FG%
The Truth is in Brooklyn. It's going to be odd the first time Paul Pierce takes the court in black-and-white after a career sporting Celtics green, but there's no doubt Nets fans are going to get used to it quickly. Pierce carried a heavy load for the Celtics last season – especially after Rajon Rondo went down with a knee injury – yet topped 18.0 PPG for a 14th consecutive season. The 10-time All-Star was a top-10 closer, scoring 80 points in clutch situations*, including 12-of-24 three-point shooting.
*Final 3 minutes of games within 5 points
The Reserves
Andrei Kirilenko
Height: 6-9 | Weight: 235
Experience: 11 Years
2012-13 Stats:
12.4 PPG | 5.7 RPG | .507 FG % | 1.5 SPG | 1.0 BPG
Veteran forward Kirilenko opted out of a rich one-year deal in Minnesota before opting to join the Nets in Brooklyn, home to a healthy Russian population centered around the Brighton Beach neighborhood. After spending the lockout season with CSKA Moscow, Kirilenko return to the NBA last year and posted a typically broad stat line, one the Nets are hoping he can replicate in a new role off the bench. Familiarity with Deron Williams should help, and Kirilenko has team goals lined up, believing this is the first time he's starting a season with a real chance to win the championship.
Tornike "Toko" Shengelia
Height: 6-9 | Weight: 240
Experience: 1 Year
2012-13 Stats:
1.6 PPG | 1.2 RPG | .435 FG%
Shengelia was a surprise addition to the Nets' 2012-13 roster, earning a guaranteed contract after a spirited performance at the Orlando Pro Summer League. Though he struggled to find playing time with the big club (only 4.9 minutes per in 19 games), Shengelia played 10 games for the Nets' NBA Development League affiliate in Springfield, averaging 24.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.0 blocks while shooting .366 from three-point range and .527 overall in 36.6 minutes.