Chances Are
OK, Netsfans, for not the first time this afternoon I was asked what the chances are that the Nets will do well in the playoffs...
You've seen recently where this team is. They couldn't rebound, they had no shot blocker, they didn't play consistent defense, they had no bench, and the relied too much on Vince Carter were just some of the (probably valid) criticisms that were heard about the '05 - '06 edition of the Nets.
And look where they are now. I haven't heard much lately about weak front court depth or the need for a shot blocker - the continued rapid development of Nenad Krstic seems to have blunted the blow.
No reason to question the defensive commitment, either.
With Jason Kidd again playing some good defense, and moving well (if not quite as quickly as he used to), the need for Kidd's scoring is moot and his renewed focus defensively should go far come playoff time.
Carter and Jefferson playing off each other, taking turns carrying the offense or the second teamers, doens't present much of a worry either.
The bench? Well, it's a wild card, but if Uncle Cliffie can stand up, Jacque Vaughn can give 8 minutes of prime backup, and Zoran, Lamond, Antoine and even Scott Padgett can pick their spots, then the Nets will survive with whatever they get.
Krstic is primed, Jason Collins just needs to stay healthy (which, given how unhealthy he still is, will take some doing) and overall, things are pretty much finely tuned and running on all cylinders.
I think at this point that this team is better than either the 2001 - 2002 or 2002 - 2003 editions of the Nets that went to the Finals.
I think this team will go as far as defense will take them, and I do think they can beat Shaq, Dwyane and company in the second round of any playoff matchup (I would feel better about this if Alonzo Mourning will be absent for the matchup).
Can this team beat the Pistons? Yes and No. Remains to be seen. Would have to be proven.
But chances are...
You've seen recently where this team is. They couldn't rebound, they had no shot blocker, they didn't play consistent defense, they had no bench, and the relied too much on Vince Carter were just some of the (probably valid) criticisms that were heard about the '05 - '06 edition of the Nets.
And look where they are now. I haven't heard much lately about weak front court depth or the need for a shot blocker - the continued rapid development of Nenad Krstic seems to have blunted the blow.
No reason to question the defensive commitment, either.
With Jason Kidd again playing some good defense, and moving well (if not quite as quickly as he used to), the need for Kidd's scoring is moot and his renewed focus defensively should go far come playoff time.
Carter and Jefferson playing off each other, taking turns carrying the offense or the second teamers, doens't present much of a worry either.
The bench? Well, it's a wild card, but if Uncle Cliffie can stand up, Jacque Vaughn can give 8 minutes of prime backup, and Zoran, Lamond, Antoine and even Scott Padgett can pick their spots, then the Nets will survive with whatever they get.
Krstic is primed, Jason Collins just needs to stay healthy (which, given how unhealthy he still is, will take some doing) and overall, things are pretty much finely tuned and running on all cylinders.
I think at this point that this team is better than either the 2001 - 2002 or 2002 - 2003 editions of the Nets that went to the Finals.
I think this team will go as far as defense will take them, and I do think they can beat Shaq, Dwyane and company in the second round of any playoff matchup (I would feel better about this if Alonzo Mourning will be absent for the matchup).
Can this team beat the Pistons? Yes and No. Remains to be seen. Would have to be proven.
But chances are...
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