### Brooklyn Nets Veterans Push Back Against Low Expectations

After the Brooklyn Nets traded Mikal Bridges, many assumed Dorian Finney-Smith would quickly follow. Contrary to these rumors, Finney-Smith, along with fellow veterans Cam Johnson and Dennis Schroder, remains in Brooklyn for the training camp. The trio is collaborating with new coach Jordi Fernandez to create a positive team culture and outperform insultingly low expectations.

"Me, Dennis Schroder, we were talking and we just want everybody to know that we ain't deferring to just tank or whatever," Finney-Smith stated on Wednesday. "They're saying we're going to win 17 games. I feel like this team should take that as disrespect and use it as motivation."

Despite the skepticism, the team holds optimism over key players' health, including Ben Simmons. "People don't know how healthy Ben [Simmons] is going to be. But we've been seeing him for the last four weeks and he looks great," added Finney-Smith. He believes that Simmons' return could significantly enhance their prospects and potentially shake up the NBA.

Last season, the Nets struggled to a 32-50 record, and following the trade of Bridges, oddsmakers predict even fewer victories this season, with FanDuel projecting a mere 18.5 wins. Finney-Smith, who is distancing himself from social media, uses this pessimism as fuel. "Well, actually I ain't seen it. It's just what I've been hearing," he admitted. Instead, he's focusing on leading by example for his children and his team.

The Nets had previously turned down a 2023 offer that included two first-round picks for Finney-Smith. Although it seems likely that he might decline his $15.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season and become an unrestricted free agent next summer, Finney-Smith continues to play an instrumental role in the team's current plans.

Jordi Fernandez and general manager Sean Marks are openly discussing the future with Finney-Smith and Johnson. "No. 1 thing is, I ask them how they feel and if they need anything from me, if they have any questions. We'll be clear and transparent," Fernandez explained. He praised the veterans for their contributions in setting a robust foundation for the team, emphasizing the importance of control and clear communication.

Finney-Smith played in 68 games last season, averaging 8.5 points and 4.7 rebounds. As Johnson secures one forward position, at least until Bojan Bogdanovic recovers, Finney-Smith is expected to compete for the other with second-year pro Noah Clowney. "Noah, he's getting better, man. He's getting real good," Finney-Smith noted, highlighting Clowney's increasing confidence and improvement over the summer.

The veterans’ presence and leadership could be the key to surpassing the low expectations and achieving a more successful season as they push back against the critics and strive to prove them wrong.