Brooklyn Nets 2013-2014 Player Reviews: The Bench Players

Jason Collins, Jorge Gutierrez, and Marquis Teague didn't play with the Nets for the full season, nor did they receive many minutes this season, so we are going to group them all into one post.

Teague was with the Nets the longest of the trio after getting acquired by Brooklyn in the middle of January. Teague turned 21 while with the Nets this season, making him still a young player, and the Nets were hoping to develop him into the rotation. However, that just didn't happen this season as Teague didn't look strong in his minutes early on and fell out of the rotation.

The man who took Teague's possible minutes was late-season addition Jorge Gutierrez. Gutierrez was called up from the Canton Charge in the D-League and played better then expected with the Nets. Gutierrez is a defensive-minded player who can also push the tempo on offense. It seemed by the end of the season that the call-up passed Teague in the rotation.

Lastly, pioneer Jason Collins. Everyone knows about Collins' story, as he was the first openly gay player to play in professional sports. Collins returned to his first team in the league and broke down barriers, but didn't do much from a basketball perspective. With Kevin Garnett battling injuries, Collins filled in off the bench during March and held down the paint. Towards the end of the season, he became a garbage-time player.

STATS

None of the players really played more than garbage time minutes besides the final couple of games when Jason Kidd elected to sit the starters.

Teague is a very raw player who failed to get any sort of offense sustained while in Brooklyn. Due to his lack of playing time, Teague failed to get into a rhythm and find his shot or hit open teammates.

Gutierrez isn't a flashy player, who makes a living off harassing fellow point guards. He never really shot much, and looked to create for others more than for himself.

Jason Collins was never an offensive juggernaut, so his stats don't look to pretty. Collins, though, is a strong screen setter, which doesn't show up in the stats, and also does a fine job of forcing big men out of position. Collins wasn't brought into do much more than give the likes of Kevin Ganrett and Mason Plumlee breathers.

SALARY SITUATION

Teague is under contract for a little under 1.3-million next season. The Nets have a team option worth 2-million in 2015/2016, and they have a qualifying offer the following year worth 3-million.

Gutierrez has a non-guarranteed contract for $816,000 next season and the Nets have a qulafying offer worth 1.1-million in 2015/2016.

Jason Collins is a free agent and seems to be leaning towards retiring.

BEST MOMENT

These three didn't receive many minutes with the Nets, so it is tough to find a specific moment that was particularly great.

NEEDS TO

Teague needs to find his niche in the league. He is quick, but he isn't a point guard or a scorer. He is a poor defender and he lacks size. If Teague can develop some part of his game and become a threat on the floor, then he can begin to receive more minutes in the rotation.

Gutierrez can be a rotational player with Brooklyn as soon as next season, but for him to cement that spot he needs to develop a three-point shot. Gutierrez only took 15 threes in his short stint with the Nets and only hit three. If he can get his three-point shot to be consistent, he could be a dangerous two-way player.

Collins has a very definitive skill set. Set hard screens, grab rebounds, and harass other big men. If he does decide to play another year, it won't hurt for the Nets to have him on the bench in case they are in foul trouble and need a body. Collins proved he could still play in some capacity this half-season.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHT

Guiterrez drew a late-season start against the Hawks with several key Nets resting. He didn't hold back, playing well in his first shot at significant minutes.

Collins was signed earlier in the day, and played some early minutes against the Lakers, becoming the first openly gay man to ever play in the NBA.

IN THE FUTURE

I'm not sure what to make of Teague. He is young and has room to grow-his brother had a similar start to his career before breaking out with the Atlanta Hawks-so the team can bank on him following suit, but that may be all. The Nets kept him in Brooklyn during his first half season with the team, but next year he may need to see time in the D-League so he can refine his game and get more reps in.

Gutierrez has a future with this team. His defense is great for a team that starts Deron Williams at point guard, and he can handle the ball which is great for a rotational point. With Shaun Livingston's return in question, Gutierrez can soften the blow of S-Dot leaving. With a team that finished 19 in points allowed per 100 possession, Gutierrez can help shape up this team's defense.

Jason Collins, assuming he is done in the league, will remain a national figure and continue to push for gay athletes to come out and not be afraid to play their sport.

Marquis Teague Grade: D

Jorge Gutierrez Grade: B+

Jason Collins: Incomplete (He didn't play enough minutes to receive a fair grade)

• How Nets’ Gutierrez became a point guard prospect - Tim Bontemps - New York Post