Spencer Dinwiddie would take further ‘satisfaction’ successful title for Nets

Spencer Dinwiddie is again in Brooklyn — and so is his humorousness.

Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith joined the Nets on Tuesday after they have been acquired from the Mavericks within the commerce that despatched Kyrie Irving to Dallas. And when Dinwiddie, who performed for the Nets from 2016-21, walked into their introductory press convention, he famous, “Hey, there’s extra of you than there was.”

He defined the acquisition of him and Finney-Smith: “I perceive that we’d not be the most effective commerce package deal, however we’re the most effective wanting. And the Nets want some assist in that division.”

Clearly Dinwiddie has saved the identical wit he flashed throughout is first stint in Brooklyn. In some methods, it was his torn ACL simply three video games into his ultimate season off 2020-21 that set the Nets down the trail they’ve been on. That season-ending harm precipitated the Nets’ commerce for James Harden.

Dinwiddie was traded to Washington in August 2021, then moved on to Dallas, and now could be again the place his ascension to reputable NBA starter started.

“That was loopy trigger we have been rolling individuals via preseason, via the primary couple video games, I bought damage, then clearly the commerce went down, understandably so. Being in win-now mode, while you’ve bought probably the best scorer of all time. It’s a blessing to play aggressive basketball,” Dinwiddie mentioned. “I’ve no real interest in enjoying dropping basketball and perceive the kind of expertise we’ve got.

“It’s gonna be enjoyable, and yeah to a level it’s a second chew of the apple. And though I wished to win one for Dallas, clearly there’s a sure stage of satisfaction there can be to deliver a championship to Brooklyn over some other group within the league. … It’d nonetheless be extra prideful doing it right here, simply because in numerous methods it made my profession. So, proud to be again, completely satisfied to be again and at all times appreciative.”

Finney-Smith — who grew up close to his new teammate Cam Thomas in Virginia, and mentioned the Nets guard has at all times been “a bucket” — is a defense-minded ahead who can guard 3 via 5.

“I plan on guarding the most effective participant on the court docket, I take the problem in that,” Finney-Smith mentioned. “You ain’t bought to attract up a play for me. I’m going to search out methods to become involved and be aggressive. Only a successful mentality, I’m going to deliver that to the crew.”

Dinwiddie gushed over Finney-Smith, saying: “[He] picks up full court docket, guards an enormous, shoots 40 p.c from 3 in a standard yr, rangy, athletic. I ain’t met a man he can’t guard … exterior of me.”

Cam Thomas, after scoring 43 factors within the Nets’ 116-112 loss to the Suns on Tuesday night time, is the youngest participant in NBA historical past to attain 40 or extra factors in three consecutive video games, at 21 years, 117 days. He’s the primary participant within the Nets’ NBA historical past to prime 40 in three straight.

Ben Simmons returned to the Nets’ lineup after lacking the earlier 5 video games with left knee soreness, however he was underwhelming.

He performed 26:30, however scored simply two factors. He did end with 4 rebounds and 6 assists, but additionally turned the ball over 4 occasions.

The Nets acquired the draft rights to David Michineau, 28, from the Kings in alternate for Kessler Edwards and money. Michineau, who was drafted by the Pelicans within the second spherical in 2016, performs for Napoli Basket in Italy’s Lega Basket Serie A.

Two-way David Duke Jr. will take part within the G-League Subsequent Up Sport on Feb. 19 (3 p.m.) throughout All-Star Weekend.