Setting Expectations
So the Nets roster has been set at 15 after the cuts of Julius Hodge, Brian Hamilton, Eddie Gill and Keith Van Horn. Not that anyone thought these fine young fellows had a chance at sticking, although Eddie Gill is probably a better pure point guard than Keyon Dooling and deserves better. It's such a bittersweet fairwell to Keith Van Horn, isn't it?
So from those 15 the Nets have 5 guards (Carter, Harris, Dooling, Douglas Roberts and Ager), 7 forwards (Yi Jianlian, Bobby Simmons, Jarvis Hayes, Eduardo Najera, Stromile Swift, Ryan Anderson and Trenton Hassell) and 3 centers (Josh Boone, Brook Lopez and Sean Williams). Not exactly murderer's row, but at least they are young, long and athletic, which is the exact opposite of what they had been, especially the bench, in the past few years.
How the rotation will shake out is still a mystery, as too many injuries have made the judging impossible. But if the final Nets preseason game was any indication, expect Lawrence Frank to lean on veterans while force feeding Brook Lopez. Lopez has shown a nice tough from outside, a decent game inside, and the ability to alter a team's offense by swatting a few balls and generally making life miserable inside with his length. You would think that Chris Douglas Roberts will get time but not consistently, and Ryan Anderson will find himself getting playing time only if the other players aren't going well, at least at first. Lord knows Lawrence Frank won't be able to deal with a 10 or 11 man rotation.
So Carter, Harris, Simmons, Yi (if healhty) and Boone (if healthy) will start. Too many defensive weaknesses in this group for my liking, but it is what it is. Hopefully, their best defense will be to outscore the other team, especially since practically everyone is new to each other on the team, and team defense is suffering because of it.
Expect Dooling to get minutes at both guard spots, Hayes to replace Simmons as the offense off the bench, and Najera when healthy to cause general havoc. You paid those guys and brought them in because they are good citizens, so you have to play them. Lopez should get consistent minutes because no one else can do what he does.
Everyone else is likely situational, including fan darlings Chris Douglas Roberts and Sean Williams. Sorry, though I'd like to see both get PT, there is no way that can happen and have Frank keep an effective rotation.
I would also guess that Mo Ager, Stromile Swift and Trenton Hassell to take turns being deactivated for the games.
After that, all bets are off. This could be a very surprising team, but in both directions. Underachieving when nothing is expected, though, is the worst sin of all. So let's hope the Nets give 48 minutes of effort every night and see what develops.
It's going to be an interesting season. For now, these are the players you have to live with. Lots of young talent, but can they rise to the challenge behind Vince Carter's leadership?
We'll find out beginning Wednesday.
-Joe
So from those 15 the Nets have 5 guards (Carter, Harris, Dooling, Douglas Roberts and Ager), 7 forwards (Yi Jianlian, Bobby Simmons, Jarvis Hayes, Eduardo Najera, Stromile Swift, Ryan Anderson and Trenton Hassell) and 3 centers (Josh Boone, Brook Lopez and Sean Williams). Not exactly murderer's row, but at least they are young, long and athletic, which is the exact opposite of what they had been, especially the bench, in the past few years.
How the rotation will shake out is still a mystery, as too many injuries have made the judging impossible. But if the final Nets preseason game was any indication, expect Lawrence Frank to lean on veterans while force feeding Brook Lopez. Lopez has shown a nice tough from outside, a decent game inside, and the ability to alter a team's offense by swatting a few balls and generally making life miserable inside with his length. You would think that Chris Douglas Roberts will get time but not consistently, and Ryan Anderson will find himself getting playing time only if the other players aren't going well, at least at first. Lord knows Lawrence Frank won't be able to deal with a 10 or 11 man rotation.
So Carter, Harris, Simmons, Yi (if healhty) and Boone (if healthy) will start. Too many defensive weaknesses in this group for my liking, but it is what it is. Hopefully, their best defense will be to outscore the other team, especially since practically everyone is new to each other on the team, and team defense is suffering because of it.
Expect Dooling to get minutes at both guard spots, Hayes to replace Simmons as the offense off the bench, and Najera when healthy to cause general havoc. You paid those guys and brought them in because they are good citizens, so you have to play them. Lopez should get consistent minutes because no one else can do what he does.
Everyone else is likely situational, including fan darlings Chris Douglas Roberts and Sean Williams. Sorry, though I'd like to see both get PT, there is no way that can happen and have Frank keep an effective rotation.
I would also guess that Mo Ager, Stromile Swift and Trenton Hassell to take turns being deactivated for the games.
After that, all bets are off. This could be a very surprising team, but in both directions. Underachieving when nothing is expected, though, is the worst sin of all. So let's hope the Nets give 48 minutes of effort every night and see what develops.
It's going to be an interesting season. For now, these are the players you have to live with. Lots of young talent, but can they rise to the challenge behind Vince Carter's leadership?
We'll find out beginning Wednesday.
-Joe
posted by Joe Netsfan at 11:35 PM
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