First Looks
Finally got through the DVR of Nets Heat from Paris on Thursday. First looks/impressions/thoughts:
1. We'll state the obvious - the Nets have found themselves a steal in Chris Douglas Roberts. He was instant offense, taking Carter's load when VC went out with the hammy injury (he played in this afternoon's win over the Heat in London, so I guess it's ok). Not only was he deadly efficient on offense, he showed a much greater defensive presence than I certainly expected. On the second team, off the bench, the world could be his oyster, especially if L. Frank is going defense on the second unit (think Dooling, CDR, Lopez, Sean Williams and pick your other forward). He looks good. And the cautionary, but it's early.
2. Devin Harris, though looking at times like he was playing with a bunch of strangers he just met on a subway car, with about a zillion first quarter turnovers, was a big part of what the Nets need on offense. He had 21 points, floated in and out of the lane, and did what everyone needs him to do - own the floor. Let's hope after he's adjusted to all his teammates, he cuts down on the stupid turnovers.
3. Ryan Anderson did not look like a stiff. In fact, he seems to understand where he needs to be on the floor, which is pretty generous praise for a rookie. His shot was uneven (he was 4 - 12 or something like that) but he stuck his nose in there under the basket and found himself wide open often (which, if he can make that three consistently, should lead to playing time). He didn't embarass himself in the least.
4. Sean Williams needs to get playing time, if only for his disruptive defense. He seems to have taken a step back from last year offensively, but pair him with CDR, and let him worry about scoring. Did you see his block on Dwyane Wade?
5. Bobby Simmons needs to do something, anything, to convince me he has a role on this team. Richard Jefferson he ain't, but so far he's looked either timid or lost, or both. Not optimal.
6. Josh Boone looks bonifide this year. Look for a good, solid year (think 10 points, 7 boards on average) from him.
Now we didn't see this afternoon's game, but boxscore gazing and reading Dave D. convinces me that there is something to this chemistry thing. Sounds as if Yi will benefit from Carter's presence, as will the rookies, especially Brook Lopez. By all accounts, Lopez shook off an uneven first half to finish with 8 points, 13 boards and 3 blocks, very impressive NBA center type numbers (and certainly not like the centers the Nets have had).
Only preseason, of course, but there was much more effort than I think we saw last year with Kidd in revolt. And if the Nets can run 10 men out there every night and give it maximum effort, why can't they threaten .500 (we are under no illusions that this team will make the playoffs in the East, however)...
Once they return to Earth, I mean New Jersey, let's see how the rest of the exhibition season fares. We haven't seen Eddie Najera, Jarvis Hayes or Keyon Dooling yet, and both figure to play roles off the bench, so the Nets may be sitting on a good problem to have - which 12 players to dress nightly. I think you have to be thinking long term if you are Thorn, Vanderweghe and Frank, so you keep the 3 rookies active nightly (barring injury of course). Carter, Harris, Yi, Boone, Dooling, Hayes and Najera have to have spots, and you would think Simmons would too. So you're committed to 7 plus the 3 rooks, which leaves a lot of players on the bubble, including Sean Williams, Stromile Swift, Trenton Hassell, Mo Ager, Eddie Gill, Julius Hodge, and whomever else stays.
Much more to come - let's see if they can stay positive, give good performances and learn from and about each other...this certainly is a much different experience than the ones Netsfans are used to.
-Joe
1. We'll state the obvious - the Nets have found themselves a steal in Chris Douglas Roberts. He was instant offense, taking Carter's load when VC went out with the hammy injury (he played in this afternoon's win over the Heat in London, so I guess it's ok). Not only was he deadly efficient on offense, he showed a much greater defensive presence than I certainly expected. On the second team, off the bench, the world could be his oyster, especially if L. Frank is going defense on the second unit (think Dooling, CDR, Lopez, Sean Williams and pick your other forward). He looks good. And the cautionary, but it's early.
2. Devin Harris, though looking at times like he was playing with a bunch of strangers he just met on a subway car, with about a zillion first quarter turnovers, was a big part of what the Nets need on offense. He had 21 points, floated in and out of the lane, and did what everyone needs him to do - own the floor. Let's hope after he's adjusted to all his teammates, he cuts down on the stupid turnovers.
3. Ryan Anderson did not look like a stiff. In fact, he seems to understand where he needs to be on the floor, which is pretty generous praise for a rookie. His shot was uneven (he was 4 - 12 or something like that) but he stuck his nose in there under the basket and found himself wide open often (which, if he can make that three consistently, should lead to playing time). He didn't embarass himself in the least.
4. Sean Williams needs to get playing time, if only for his disruptive defense. He seems to have taken a step back from last year offensively, but pair him with CDR, and let him worry about scoring. Did you see his block on Dwyane Wade?
5. Bobby Simmons needs to do something, anything, to convince me he has a role on this team. Richard Jefferson he ain't, but so far he's looked either timid or lost, or both. Not optimal.
6. Josh Boone looks bonifide this year. Look for a good, solid year (think 10 points, 7 boards on average) from him.
Now we didn't see this afternoon's game, but boxscore gazing and reading Dave D. convinces me that there is something to this chemistry thing. Sounds as if Yi will benefit from Carter's presence, as will the rookies, especially Brook Lopez. By all accounts, Lopez shook off an uneven first half to finish with 8 points, 13 boards and 3 blocks, very impressive NBA center type numbers (and certainly not like the centers the Nets have had).
Only preseason, of course, but there was much more effort than I think we saw last year with Kidd in revolt. And if the Nets can run 10 men out there every night and give it maximum effort, why can't they threaten .500 (we are under no illusions that this team will make the playoffs in the East, however)...
Once they return to Earth, I mean New Jersey, let's see how the rest of the exhibition season fares. We haven't seen Eddie Najera, Jarvis Hayes or Keyon Dooling yet, and both figure to play roles off the bench, so the Nets may be sitting on a good problem to have - which 12 players to dress nightly. I think you have to be thinking long term if you are Thorn, Vanderweghe and Frank, so you keep the 3 rookies active nightly (barring injury of course). Carter, Harris, Yi, Boone, Dooling, Hayes and Najera have to have spots, and you would think Simmons would too. So you're committed to 7 plus the 3 rooks, which leaves a lot of players on the bubble, including Sean Williams, Stromile Swift, Trenton Hassell, Mo Ager, Eddie Gill, Julius Hodge, and whomever else stays.
Much more to come - let's see if they can stay positive, give good performances and learn from and about each other...this certainly is a much different experience than the ones Netsfans are used to.
-Joe
posted by Joe Netsfan at 8:15 PM
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