Meet Kenny Atkinson’s new favorite: Treveon Graham

Treveon Graham, much like Rodions Kurucs, took advantage of the Nets nagging injuries this preseason and impressed his boss with intensity, defense ... and ability to play more than one position.

“Treveon’s been a big surprise. He’s another guy you can trust, trust on the defensive side of the floor,” coach Kenny Atkinson told Brian Lewis and Greg Logan. “If he can make some three’s, he’s going to push for a good amount of playing time.”

And even though he made less than 20 percent of his three’s in preseason, the Nets signed him for just that skill ... along with his rugged defense. In his short, two-year career with Charlotte, he made 43.8 percent of his shots from deep. If he had enough attempts, that would vault him into the top echelon of three-point shooters in the NBA.

“My ambition, whenever I do get those opportunity — we have a lot of guys out right now, so things may change — when they do come back, whenever I get on the court that’s my time to show what I can do and help my team win,” he noted.

He averaged 6.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 26.7 minutes during the preseason, and played outstanding defense, as Lewis notes. He also has a two-year deal with Brooklyn, the second year a team option.

“He can help us,” D’Angelo Russell said. “He’s a tough guy, rebounds, can guard multiple positions and he knocks down shots. He’s a shotmaker, so he can help us.”

Graham, at 6’5” and a rock solid 225 pounds, is likely to see action at the 3 and 4 and maybe even the 2.

“It seems like we play well when he’s in there. He’s efficient on offense and he defends the basketball and he’s tough as nails. That’s a nice combination,” Atkinson said of Graham.

• Nets afterthought is making a case for serious court time - Brian Lewis - New York Post
• Versatile Treveon Graham is a big plus for Nets - Greg Logan - Newsday