Nets' GM on whether star trio can succeed together: 'We'll see'

The Brooklyn Nets have the highest-paid trio of players in the entire NBA, but they aren't sure if they can succeed with them.

That was the message from general manager Billy King on Monday, as the Nets search for answers during their second consecutive bad start. At 6-9, things aren't necessarily dire, but a team with the league's highest payroll surely had higher expectations.

Joe Johnson, Deron Williams and Brook Lopez will earn a combined $58.7 million this season, but the team's been outscored by 1.3 points per-100 possessions when they play together. In year three of the experiment, their head office lacks the answers they should probably have by now.

"We'll see," is all King could offer when asked if the team can compete with that threesome.

In their defense, the core of the team is learning its third system in three seasons under new head coach Lionel Hollins, and an adjustment period was to be expected. What's more, the fact that they did this same thing last year, peaking right around the playoffs, suggests they might be able to turn things around as the year wears on.

It's a minor concern for now, with a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference still firmly within striking distance. The offense is sputtering, ranked 20th, and the defense is average, ranked 14th, but that may be enough in the East.