With the Nets season officially in the books, it’s time to look back at the year that was. We’ll look back at a different player each weekday, before wrapping up with the coaching staff and front office. Next up: Jorge Gutierrez
Regular season stats: Averaged 4.1 points, 1.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.1 blocks per game. Shot 46.3 percent from the field, 25.0 percent from 3-point range, 75.0 percent from the foul line in 16.5 minutes per game over 15 games (two starts).
Playoff stats: Finished with two points and one rebounds in a total of three minutes in two games.
Contractual status: Due to earn second-year minimum of $816,482 in 2014-15. Deal is only guaranteed for a small amount.
Season recap
The Nets seemed set to finish the season with 14 players – saving a few million dollars in luxury taxes – after trading away Reggie Evans and Jason Terry for Marcus Thornton, dealing Tornike Shengelia and Tyshawn Taylor for Marquis Teague and signing Jason Collins.
But after Teague failed to impress in his first few weeks as a Net, the team worked out a pair of D-League point guards including Gutierrez, who spent training camp with the team before being cut. The Nets chose to sign Gutierrez to a 10-day deal on March 6, and he began serving almost immediately as the team’s third point guard. He impressed in cameo appearances with his willingness to make the simple, smart play as opposed to trying to force himself into the flow of the game and make an impression. He was signed to a second 10-day deal, then signed for the rest of the season as well as for the 2014-15 season.
After getting heavy playing time in the final five games as the Nets rested players for the playoffs, Gutierrez became a spectator for virtually the entire postseason run, getting the briefest of stints at the end of two blowouts (one win, one loss) against the Heat.
Outlook for next season
When Gutierrez was re-signed for next season, his contract included a “very nominal” guarantee, according to a source. Nets coach Jason Kidd was open about how Gutierrez impressed him over the final two months of the season, and he looked like someone capable of being a second or third point guard on an NBA roster.
Whether or not the Nets are able to retain Shaun Livingston, Gutierrez should have a real shot to make their Opening Night roster – assuming his mostly non-guaranteed deal isn’t used as a trade chip before then.
Coming Tuesday: Joe Johnson