Wilfredo Lee/Associated Press

A year ago, it was championship or bust.

This season, a playoff berth should satiate Brooklyn Nets fans. But with Deron Williams and his questionable ankles a year older, a new leader must emerge. 

That's where Joe Johnson steps in. 

Leadership

Williams may not be able to lead by example like he once did. His ankles have become brittle, and the explosiveness that once made D-Will a top-three point guard is no longer present. 

Johnson did well last season as Brooklyn's head honcho. His willingness to take big shots and knock them down in the closing moments of games gave the Nets stability amid an otherwise volatile year. 

In order to avoid a poor start, Brooklyn will need Johnson to enter the season ready and hungry for more responsibility. Johnson possesses the tools—he's a good playmaker for a shooting guard, his jumper is wet and his lack of an ego or attitude never alienates his teammates. 

He could be a little isolation-happy at times, but Johnson is one of very few players who could excel in any system.

Under head coach Lionel Hollins, he'll need to carry over the ball movement and post play that benefited the Nets in 2013-14.

If Johnson could initiate the offense a little more, it should play into Williams' favor. The less hard cuts D-Will has to make, the less the ball is in his hands and the healthier he should be able to remain. 

Efficient Shooting

Johnson shot 45.4 percent in 2013-14, which was above his career average of 44.3 percent. In order for Brooklyn to be a force, Johnson will need to once again shoot above the mean for his career. 

There aren't too many proven offensive options on the roster, and the Nets may need to rely on their defense to generate offense at times. But if Johnson could be more consistent with his jumper and get back to the 20 PPG club, Brooklyn could have dark-horse potential. 

He'll need to carry over his rhythm from the end of last year. In March and April, Johnson shot 49.8 and 48 percent from the field, respectively.

In the playoffs, against the Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat, Johnson posted field-goal percentages of 52.3 and 54.8, respectively. 

Spreading the floor is a necessity for any fluid offense, and the more consistent and assassin-like Johnson could be, the better 2014-15 will be.

Johnson will need to shoot around his career high of 47 percent, and he'll need to be more aggressive, contributing the 20 points a night he has within him. 

Focused Defense

Johnson, like Carmelo Anthony, isn't known for his defense. However, like Melo, Johnson is capable of not being a revolving door.

Brooklyn will need Johnson to provide consistent, competent defense. If the veteran could stay in front of his opponent, rotate well and close out properly, his job will be done.

The Nets have a gritty roster with hardworking players like Mason Plumlee, Alan Anderson and newcomer Jarrett Jack.

As long as Johnson isn't playing matador defense and letting his opponent get to the basket with regularity, Brooklyn should be able to grind games out and finish the year with around 45 wins.

Johnson's consistent effort on both ends of the floor, coupled with his increased offensive efficiency, will help the franchise in its quest for prominence.