The Nets lost a major ball handler when Spencer Dinwiddie partially tore his ACL in Sunday’s loss to the Hornets.
As a result, Chris Chiozza seemed to leap ahead of Bruce Brown and Tyler Johnson in the rotation of coach Steve Nash. Considering that he is a born shipowner, Chiozza is probably seen as more suited to the role than the others.
In his season debut against the Grizzlies on Monday, Chiozza went 5-of-14 off the ground with three points out of 3 to tie his career with 14 points. He helped anchor the second Nets unit, which was without Caris LeVert because he was promoted to starter with Kyrie Irving sitting on the second consecutive night.
“Cheese gave us another ball handler tonight,” said Nash after Monday’s defeat. “Without Spencer and Ky, heavy [load] in Caris holding the ball. They were trying to get him out of there and deny the whole game, so Cheese really helped, not only did he hold the ball, but he made a few plays and scored for us. ”
Brown and Johnson have not registered a single minute in the last two games, but each has seen some time in the victories over Warriors and Celtics when Chiozza was inactive to start the season.
Chiozza, 25, signed his first bilateral contract with the Nets in January. In 18 games with them last season, Chiozza averaged 6.4 points at 15 ½ minutes per game. He also appeared in 10 games with the Wizards.
After signing again with the Nets on December 1, Chiozza was dismissed at the conclusion of the training camp before signing another bilateral contract on December 22.
“It’s my job to always be ready, I learned that last year when I got here,” said Chiozza. “I was kicked out when I wasn’t expecting it, but they do a good job of making me work every day, getting extra work when I’m not playing.
“You never want to see your teammate get hurt and pray for Spencer, we’re here for him, I hope he’ll be back soon. He’s a big part of this team. While he is away, we take it, everyone takes it, to do a little more of what we are doing, collectively. “