#Nets’ new big man Donta Hall practices with team for first time

The Nets opted for experience with three of their four Substitute Player signings. They went for need with the last one.

Without the services of big men DeAndre Jordan and Nic Claxton, a major opening arose behind Jarrett Allen in the middle. Enter, Donta Hall.

The 6-foot-9 big man practiced for the first time on Friday with the Nets after signing on July 10. Hall won’t play in Saturday’s scrimmage against the Spurs, as he gets acclimated to his new teammates and the Nets’ system, but he should get some action soon thereafter.

“We’ll be able to see if we’re able to have some growth from him during this bubble period and he definitely should get some minutes to help us along with these games,” interim coach Jacque Vaughn said.

Undrafted out of Alabama, Hall had a strong first season as a pro — averaging 15.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks, and shooting 66.2 percent in 28.6 minutes per game for the Grand Rapids Drive of the G-League.

He appeared in four games for the Pistons and was on his second 10-day contract at the time the season was postponed in March and received G- League second team and all-rookie team honors.

Now he will get a chance to make an impact in the NBA, potential playing meaningful minutes for the Nets.

“Just do my part, bring the energy, get up and down the floor, block shots, just being that guy to bring the energy, doing the dirty work, what I always do, stuff like that,” Hall said, when asked how he can help.

While he was in quarantine, Hall was able to watch live video of Nets practices and talk to teammates and coaches about the offensive and defensive systems. But Friday was a big step, to be able work out with them after watching Thursday in person.

“It actually went great,” he said. “Just getting back in the groove of things, getting up and down the court a little bit, just getting my legs back up under me.”