The Brooklyn Nets could bring more excitement to the borough during the 2024-25 season than seen before. Brooklyn may not have the superstars they used to have, but they have talented young players with promising potential. The Nets have made it a point to sign, trade for, or extend such players before the start of their upcoming campaign, and former Charlotte Hornets guard Amari Bailey is no exception to the rule.
In late September, the Nets signed Bailey in free agency after he spent a season playing with the Hornets and the team's G League affiliate Greensborough Swarm. The former 2023 second-round pick averaged 19.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.2 steals in 23 games with the Swarm.
Bailey is grateful for his opportunity with the Nets, and even though he has not been with the team for long, he gave the group high praise during training camp:
"I'm just trying to embrace everything, and I'm at a loss for words, but this is the most fun I've ever had playing basketball," Bailey said on Wednesday, per Erik Slater of ClutchPoints. "I'm very appreciative of that and the staff and everyone for allowing me to have the opportunity here."
Bailey's comments speak volumes about what's to come
The Nets have not played their first preseason game yet, and for one of the group's players to say being with the team is the most fun he has ever had playing is amazing. Bailey's comments signal that Brooklyn's 2024-25 season should be one fans will not want to miss out on.
Oddsmakers do not expect Brooklyn to win many games during the season. The Nets' 19.5 win projection has players laughing and determined to prove they are better than what outsiders think.
The energy before the season gives the same vibes as the 2018-19 Nets squad, who were projected to win just under 30 games. Brooklyn overcame the odds and finished the season with a 44-42 record, making the playoffs for the first time since 2015. But what was even more special was how fun it was to watch the group compete.
Many Nets fans remember the chemistry the 18-19 squad had, from players on the bench dancing after made baskets, to the team rallying each other during their cold 8-18 first-half season stretch.
Nets fans might catch a pleasant wave of nostalgia as they watch the 2024-25 squad compete, and Amari Bailey looks to be right in the middle of the action.