

Case Study: Drew Timme and His Fit in the Brooklyn Nets' System


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From Gonzaga to Brooklyn: How Drew Timme Fits the Nets’ Vision
In the crowded landscape of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Brooklyn Nets have carved out a niche for themselves by pairing high‑caliber talent with a clear, modern system of play. A recent case‑study article on Sports Illustrated (SI) – “Case Study: Drew Timme and His Fit in the Brooklyn Nets System” – offers a detailed look at why the Nets see Drew Timme, the Gonzaga point‑forward, as a perfect match for their offensive and defensive architecture. The piece, accessible on the Nets’ own SI page (https://www.si.com/nba/nets/news/case-study-drew-timme-and-his-fit-in-the-brooklyn-nets-system), dissects Timme’s game through the lens of Brooklyn’s strategic priorities and underscores why the 6‑7‑0 guard‑forward is a compelling late‑round selection.
Timme’s College Profile: A Snapshot
The article opens with a recap of Timme’s senior year at Gonzaga. He averaged 18.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game, while shooting 38% from beyond the arc and 62% from the field overall. Timme was Gonzaga’s “most versatile threat,” a player who could line up at the wing or at point, create his own shot off the dribble, and lock down multiple defenders on the perimeter. His 3‑point range – capable of pulling two defenders out of the paint – and his disciplined approach to the offense made him a valuable asset in Gonzaga’s “motion offense” that relied on spacing, cuts, and quick ball movement.
The article also cites his defensive accolades: a two‑time All‑West Coast Conference (WCC) defensive team selection, and his ability to switch onto both small and power forwards in the increasingly switch‑heavy NBA. The Nets, who have long valued “versatile defenders who can play multiple positions,” see these traits as immediately transferable.
Brooklyn’s System: What the Nets Need
A core theme of the SI piece is an exploration of the Nets’ system under head coach Jordi Fernandez, who was hired in 2023 to replace former coach Steve Nash. Fernandez has implemented a hybrid approach that blends his experience in Spain’s “high‑tempo, space‑and‑motion” philosophy with the traditional “perimeter‑first” mindset of the modern NBA.
Offensively the Nets have emphasized:
- Spacing and 3‑point shooting: With the departure of Kevin Durant and James Harden in the 2024 offseason, the Nets are looking for a new spark for the perimeter. Timme’s 38% three‑point shooting from college, coupled with his ability to catch and shoot quickly, fits the Nets’ need for a reliable long‑range threat.
- Ball movement and pick‑and‑roll: Fernandez’s offense relies on a lot of screen‑and‑roll actions, where the ball‑handler must read and make quick decisions. Timme’s high basketball IQ and quick decision‑making have been highlighted by Gonzaga’s coaching staff as “a rare blend of athleticism and cerebral play.”
Defensively the Nets have prioritized:
- Switching defense: A defensive scheme that can handle both pick‑and‑roll and pick‑and‑pop actions. Timme’s proven ability to guard both guards and forwards in Gonzaga’s 2‑3 and 1‑3‑1 defenses offers Brooklyn flexibility on the floor.
- Perimeter pressure: Brooklyn’s defensive game plan is built around applying pressure on the ball and forcing turnovers. Timme’s 1.9 steals per game and his aggressiveness on defense would complement the Nets’ secondary.
The article quotes a Nets scout, “Timme’s shot‑making, defensive versatility, and decision‑making are exactly what we’re looking for in a role player who can help our young stars thrive.”
The “Case Study” – How Timme Would Play in Brooklyn
The SI feature lays out a hypothetical lineup featuring Timme in the 4‑spot, lined up alongside veteran forward Mikal Bridges and the younger guard‑forward Coby White. In this configuration, Timme would act as the “combo guard” who can:
- Run the offense: Initiate the Nets’ ball‑movement with pick‑and‑roll plays, creating open looks for the bigs or opening up the back‑court.
- Stretch the floor: Pull opposing bigs out with his 3‑point shooting, giving Mikal Bridges more space to operate inside or at the rim.
- Defend multiple spots: Switch onto the opposing point guard during pick‑and‑roll, or drop inside to defend a post‑player.
The article also highlights that, under Fernandez’s system, Timme would have the opportunity to grow as a “ball‑handler who can also create shots for himself,” a role that would give him room to expand his skill set as the Nets refine their offense.
The Bigger Picture: Nets’ Draft Philosophy
While the article’s focus is on Timme, it uses his example to illustrate a broader draft strategy. The Nets have traditionally been adept at finding “late‑round gems” who fit a clear role in their system. The SI piece references past picks like Jalen Green, who was chosen for his speed and shooting, and Jaxson Hayes, a defender with a solid 3‑point range. Timme is presented as a continuation of that trend.
The Nets’ roster, as of the 2023–24 season, consists of a mix of veteran leaders and promising young talent. With the departure of star veterans, the organization is focusing on building a team that can thrive on “team ball” and defensive resilience. Timme’s skill set, as dissected in the article, aligns with the Nets’ need for “players who can create and defend in a high‑tempo, space‑oriented system.”
Conclusion: A Strong Match, Still a Project
The SI case study concludes that, while Drew Timme isn’t a “future franchise player,” he presents a “high‑upside, low‑risk” option for the Nets. His proven shot‑making, defensive versatility, and basketball IQ make him a natural fit for the Nets’ offensive and defensive structures. The article stresses that the real test will be how quickly Timme can adjust to the NBA’s pace and the Nets’ coaching philosophy. If he can translate his college success to the professional level, the Nets would have secured a solid contributor that can help stabilize the team as they rebuild for the future.
In sum, the article paints a clear picture: Drew Timme’s skill set, honed at Gonzaga, aligns well with Brooklyn’s contemporary, high‑tempo, spacing‑oriented system. Whether he becomes a long‑term cornerstone or a valuable role player remains to be seen, but his fit in the Nets’ puzzle is undeniably strong.
Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/nba/nets/news/case-study-drew-timme-and-his-fit-in-the-brooklyn-nets-system ]