TITLE: Porter Jr. Set to Become Nets’ Primary Closer; Hart Weighs Starting Role; Celtics Face Opening-Night Lineup Questions; Simons’ Future Under Review
SLUG: porter-jr-nets-primary-option-hart-role-celtics-lineup-simons-contract
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Brooklyn, NY — General manager Sean Marks said new arrival Michael Porter Jr. will be asked to shoulder far more offensive responsibility with the rebuilding Brooklyn Nets than he did in Denver. The forward, acquired during the offseason, acknowledged the upcoming shift.
“I have to be ready to be fresh as a go-to guy in the fourth quarter,” Porter told reporters. “There’s going to be an adjustment, some growing pains, but I’m ready for it.”
Marks added that Porter “has something to prove,” noting the contrast between his previous role on a championship roster and the expectations in Brooklyn.
Hart Open to Sixth-Man Duties but Says He’s a Starter
In New York, Knicks forward Josh Hart said he will accept a bench role if new head coach Mike Brown prefers it, though he believes his play last season earned him a starting spot.
“I think I’m a starter in the league, but at the end of the day it’s what’s best for the team,” Hart explained. “Whatever Mike wants to do, I’m cool with.”
Celtics Still Sorting Opening-Night Rotation
The Boston Celtics overhauled their roster after Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury, primarily to trim salary. NBCSportsBoston.com staffers projected that only Jaylen Brown and Derrick White are locks to start when the season begins; the remaining three positions remain unsettled.
Boston Taking Wait-and-See Approach on Simons
One of Boston’s major additions, guard Anfernee Simons, is entering the final season of his $27,678,571 contract. Columnist Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe argued the team should evaluate Simons’ impact before contemplating a trade. A standout year could push his next deal toward $40 million annually, but president of basketball operations Brad Stevens can still explore moving the high-scoring guard at the February deadline if the fit proves imperfect.
Source: Hoops Rumors
