Meet Keita Bates-Diop, a forward player of the Brooklyn Nets who has recently chosen a $2.65 million player option with the team. According to reports, this happened right before free agency kicked off.
The Brooklyn Nets’ Trade Activity
Just to catch you up here, Brooklyn obtained Bates-Diop during last season’s trade deadline. They made a deal with the Phoenix Suns. In return, Royce O’Neale and three second-round picks were sent the other way. However, Bates-Diop didn’t get to play much for the Nets last season. In fact, he was on the court just 14 times before a nasty injury put him on the bench.
An Unfortunate Setback
Bates-Diop suffered a stress fracture of the right tibia, a heavy blow, in March. This injury sidelined him for the rest of the Nets’ 2023-24 season. But don’t fret just yet! The 28-year-old player is on track to fully recover and be in shape for training camp this fall.
Bates-Diop’s Performance
When looking at Keita Bates-Diop’s stats, they might look a little underwhelming for a pro player. With the Nets, his average results were 1.6 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game. However, his performance was slightly better at the Suns before the trade. He got an average of 4.5 points and 2.6 rebounds per game across 39 appearances.
A Turnaround Under a New Coach
With Bates-Diop’s injury behind him and a new head coach for the Nets, stakes are high for him next season. Jordi Fernandez, the Nets’ new coach, will look to make his mark in his debut season. Roles are expected to be redefined across the team, giving Bates-Diop a fresh opportunity.
The Trade Question
After Bates-Diop claimed his player option, you might think he’s all set for next season. But the truth is, the $2.65 million promised to him doesn’t secure a spot on the Nets’ roster. It does however make him a juicy prospect for trade deals. So, Brooklyn might decide to use him for a larger deal if it suits them.
To sum it all up, Keita Bates-Diop’s future with the Brooklyn Nets holds a lot of potential but is also a bit uncertain. We’ll have to wait and see what happens once the training camp is underway and the new season starts. If nothing else, Bates-Diop’s journey in the coming months promises to be quite an exciting affair, one that all Nets fans, and basketball enthusiasts in general, should keep an eye on. Stay tuned for further updates.