Post Time, 30 Days

So, no new news this week (real news, anyway) when it comes to our Nets.

The Pre-Draft camp is this week, where anyone who is a sort-of prospect (or more) will show off their skills in lovely Orlando, FL. The Nets will have the braintrust there, and since there are 3 draft picks that are in play (remember, it's #10, 21, and 40, for those of us who believe the Nets will actually use them) and a whole damned team to rebuild (and the latest skinny is the Nets will not get Gana Diop back in a uniform, and Boki Nachbar might be as little as 50/50 to return).

The Nets also are actively shopping Marcus Williams, according to Dave D, and while the news of a potential trade or more for Carmelo Anthony is out there, it hardly makes a ton of sense (rebuild your team around Allen Iverson, and his 150,000 miles on the driveshaft? I don't think so).

With all that happy news, and a constant pounding on Richard Jefferson this off-season about what a terrible player he apparently is, do you really think the Nets can take the slow road back to health by using 3 draft picks? Even if they stash one in Europe for a year or two (and look at how well that's turned out)?

Only if you think the Nets want to be players for the 2010 free agent field, which includes LeBron James.Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, among others. And in that case, then you need to believe that the Nets will break ground this fall on the arena in Brooklyn and be playing there for the 2010 - 2011 season, which is a big stretch right now. Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm sure the Nets will ultimately break ground (especially after the laser light show that Bruce Ratner and Brett Yormark put in in NYC last week), but at this point, to count on it happening when they want it to happen is probably dubious at best.

So, in that case, what do you do? Use all 3 draft picks, sign some serviceable free agents to be named to short term contracts, and play out the string with Vince Carter as the centerpiece, Devin Harris the point guard, Richard Jefferson his running mate, and 3 rookies for the 2008 - 2009 season? It seems criminal to take that approach.

More likely, the Nets will continue to try hard to move Richard Jefferson (hint: send him to the Clips for Elton Brand, and find a way to make it work by including salaries and the #10 pick of the draft) and try to reshape the roster with free agents (not much there), trades (have to get creative) and the draft (hey, the league says if you don't get rid of the pick, you have to draft somebody...).

Think they would try to package Jefferson and the #10 (and maybe #21) pick to move up in the draft? Unless they could get to #1 or #2, I don't think so. But maybe Chicago might be a willing trade partner for someone like Ben Gordon, the shooter (albeit somewhat streaky, but what shooter isn't?) the Nets so desperately need. They don't need Jefferson, but perhaps they need another high draft pick or some of the Nets roster fodder? It's a stretch, and it may take a third team, but who knows?

It's also possible the Nets make a pick at #10, then trade it like they did in the 2001 draft (that netted Jefferson and Jason Collins) after they make a pick for someone else. You never know.

In 30 days or so, we'll find out.

The playoffs continue to be exciting in my book, tough battles in both series, and no clear cut favorite despite the hurting the Lakers put into the Spurs (who, as championship timber, did a find job of getting back to basics and whipping the Lakers on Sunday night). While I wish the Nets could field a team to go that deep into the playoffs, no complaints thus far about the caliber of either series. The best 4 teams (though not the most exciting) got the the NBA Final Four. Congrats for that...

We'll check in with more rumors, thoughts and possibilities in the next day or so.

-Joe

We're #10

OK, so there wasn't any luck brought to the Nets by Jay-Z tonight in Secaucus, NJ. The pick they expected to be in, #10, is exactly where they finished. The Bulls drew the winning lotto, somehow coming from the number nine spot to get the first pick in the draft. Incredible, because of all the teams that made the lottery, the Bulls were one of the least needy of that pick. Figures.

In any case, while having the #10 pick isn't exactly a consolation prize, it's not the worst thing that could happen to a non-playoff, rebuilding team like the Nets. Given the status of this draft, where there are 2 guaranteed players at the top of the draft, then a lot of talent but no absolutely sure things, it just might make it easier for Rod and Kiki to trade the pick for an established starter or two. A top three pick you likely hang on to unless you get blown away with an offer, but a #10 pick, while nice and useful, might be better served being sent elsewhere.

After all, if you are rebuilding and you draft a project at number 10, you really haven't helped yourself if your core is Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson and Devin Harris. You might make the playoffs, but really, can you do much more than that?

That's why it's more realistic to combine the pick, and even the #21 pick, with a player like Jefferson to make a big, team-altering trade. We all heard the Carmelo Anthony rumors this week, and frankly, while we think he's a question mark coming to New Jersey, there's no denying that he's got serious talent and it would definitely qualify as shaking up the franchise. But, could he be a good soldier here?

Now that we know who has what draft picks, let the trade discussions begin. Do the Nets keep the pick 0r package it like the did on draft night 2001, bringing in Jefferson, Jason Collins and Brandon Armstrong for Eddie Griffin? Things will now start to get interesting.

OK, I'm on record - at #10, I'm ok if Thorn decides to keep the pick, but I would much rather see him move it on for other players to hasten the rebuilding.

More to come, obviously, since the names being floated about (Boris Diaw, 'Melo, Marcus Camby) are more than enough to get our attention.

Stay tuned.

-Joe

Draft Of Confusion

Tuesday's the day the lottery Nets find out their fate. Don't expect them to win a 1, 2, or 3 draft slot, but hey, you never know, as the New York State Lottery commercials go.

So let's suppose the Nets are drafting out of a mid-level (say #10) spot. Who would be there for the Nets to take? And more importantly, will the pick remain the Nets pick, or will it be moved for a player or players to hasten the rebuilding effort?

If you consult the Mock Drafts around the internet, well, there are never any definitives, but mostly they say the Nets will grab a big man. Let's hope there isn't an Ed O'Bannon in there somewhere.

Right now, the leader in the Mock clubhouse is a 6' 11" freshman forward from LSU named Anthony Randolph. He's said to have a world of talent, but he's skinny, he lacks fundamentals and he's got issues with shot selection. Does this sound like the kind of project that Rod and Kiki would want (actually, it does sound like Kiki, strangely enough - perhaps Kiki thinks he can train him to be the next Dirk Nowitzki).

Another favorite seems to be DeAndre Jordan from Texas A&M, a 7' 0" center. And again, he's a freshman with some of the same issues as Randolph. His upside comparison is Andrew Bynum, though, so that got my attention. Another good athlete who could be boom or bust (but really, that seems like most of the players in this draft).

How about a foreigner, G/F Nicolas Batum from France and the Euroleague? He's 6' 8" and he's been compared to Rudy Gay, with plenty of upside. Sound like the wing player the Nets need?

What about a point guard? You can find 5' 11" sophomore from Texas DJ Augustin on a few lists as well. That would allow the Nets to trade Marcus Williams, but any time you give me a PG that's 5' 11", well, I get the jitters...

Or my current favorite, UCLA freshman F Kevin Love. This 6' 9" brute with the high basketball IQ is not only talented, but fun to watch. He's a big who doesn't make any news or highlights, but just plays the damned game. Isn't it time for someone like that?

Other top nominees for the #21 pick (from the Mavs) include sophomore Marreese Speights, a 6' 10" F/C from Florida, Georgetown's 7' 2" senior center Roy Hibbert, and 7' 0" C Robin Lopez from Stanford.

There's much more to come on this draft - certainly, there will be a world of changes to the Mock Drafts once the drafting positions are settled. Of course, the Nets always need toughness, a shooter, another lively big, and now perhaps even someone who can defend AND score. Who knows what changes lurk behind the minds of Rod Thorn and Kiki Vandeweghe?

It's all confusing right now, since the Nets could just as easily trade their top pick as use it.

Check in again after Tuesday.

-Joe

Cross River Expressway

So the Knicks went out and hired (i.e. overpayed) Mike D'Antoni to coach that mess of a team across the river.

Hey, you have to start somewhere. Unfortunately, what you do with the players Mike inherits is another story entirely.

The Suns loved to push the ball, catch the defense on its heels, and take the first open shot possible. Defense was secondary, if not altogether unimportant. Can you see that working with the Knicks, and Stephon Marbury leading the charge? Eddie Curry hustling up the court to beat the defense? I don't think so.

In fact, the only players on that roster who are possibly able to play that way would be Jamal Crawford, Nate Robinson, Quentin Richardson (only because he once did, but he's damaged goods at this stage of the game), David Lee, and Wilson Pickett, or whatever that rookie's name is. That's not exactly a team to build around.

But maybe the Nets should take note that it'll be ok to run an offense in the East again. With all the slop that goes on in the East, it would actually be a refreshing change if the Knicks were able to bring the Suns style offense to New York.

As for the Nets, well, they can probably run that kind of offense better than the Knicks can right now, but they need to make sure they play defense. After all, no one wants them to regress any further than the 34 - 48 debacle we just witnessed.

But if the Nets are serious about rebuilding, and assuming they get stuck in the #10 spot in the draft that they currently inhabit (they apparently have a 1.1% chance of getting the top pick), they should seriously consider Kevin Love. While I'll get around to looking at the draft in the coming days ahead (JoeNetsfan.com's home base is getting set for a move, plus a new addition to the family, so things are really, really crazy in Joe's off-season right now), I'd love to say a few words about Love.

I think he'd be a great fit for the Nets. Let me lobby about that further, if they don't get a top three draft pick, then this guy ought to get serious consideration. Besides Rose and Beasley, what other game-breakers are in this draft? Excellent question, with a whole lot of different opinions for those who know. And if Tyler Hansbrough isn't coming out, then the Nets need some Love in their life.

Maybe things will perk up around here with D'Antoni in town. And while we feel sorry for Mark Jackson, who appears to have gotten a bit of a raw deal, we're actually glad that D'Antoni's coming east to the Big Apple to rebuild the cross river rivalry with a cross river expressway of an offense.

Let's just hope that Isiah Thomas' flawed pieces can be moved for some better ones.

Good luck, Donnie Walsh.

-Joe

Off Season Shenanigans

Yes, it's been a fun playoff season (albeit one without the Nets), but so much else is happening related to Netsland...

1) Richard Jefferson charged in Minnesota for choking a patron at a hotel (in a private party) back in the winter. He says the story is all wrong, he didn't choke anyone. Sounds like RJ's telling the truth on this one, and someone's looking for a quick payday, especially when the poor choking victim is claiming that RJ "grabbed the victim by the throat with both hands and began to choke him and the victim went unconscious for a small amount of time." RJ says the dude was drunk and he's got witnesses.

I'm with RJ on this one until proven otherwise. Jason Kidd he ain't...

2) The Rat got another hurdle out of the way when a higher court refused to dismiss a lower court ruling that essentially clears the way for condemnation to begin. Nice try by those rag-tag band of windmill tilters, but unfortunately, the Rat's got everyone in New York that matters on his side, and though the slowing economy and the lawsuits have hit him deeply in the pocketbooks, he's still got the wherewithal to pull it off. At least we think he does. Yes, it makes sense for the arena in Brooklyn to not be built, for the Nets to move to Newark, and all to be right with the universe. But at this point, no one wins that scenario, unless Ratner sells the damned team. Sure, things could change (hey, where was Jon Corzine's support when we needed it?), but don't hold your breath, Netsfans. And remember, when the Nets finally move to Brooklyn, I'm outta here.

3). Rod Thorn gave Kiki Vanderweighe more money, and a title that makes him the heir apparent today. Smart move, Kiki appears to know basketball talent (sure, the Russian kid whose name no one can spell was a mistake, but Rod's made a few doozies himself), seems willing to put in the work, and is motivated to rebuild the franchise. God bless 'em. Now get to work, Kiki!

4). Read with interest the other day how Gana Diop said he'd be willing to stick around if the offer were right. Well, don't hold your breath on that one - don't you think Mr. Desperate To Win A Title won't lure him back to Dallas with more money that Rod Thorn thinks is prudent? Of course, since Rod doesn't like to overpay (really, nor can he) any one of his bench players. Wonder if he and Boki will bolt when they get the expected insulting offers from the Nets. As long as we don't go back to 2004....

5). The Knicks need a new coach, and it appears that Donnie Walsh is getting vapor lock with all the possibilities. The front runner apparently remains Mark Jackson, local boy without a lick of coaching experience, but smart and savvy enough to motivate today's players to play the game the right way. But Mike (What Have You Done For Me Lately) D'Antoni is suddenly being fire saled in Phoenix, and Avery Johnson, fresh off two straight playoff collapses, is also looking for work, so suddenly there are two prime candidates the Knicks can overpay for 35 wins. Gonna take a lot of work to fix that mess...And won't it be ironic if the Knicks pick another candidate altogether (like Tom Thibodeau, who may have himself another month before he's available).

Go Byron Scott's Hornets - as much as I love to watch the boring same-ness of Tim Duncan, don't you want the Hornets to make it all the way to the Finals? It's been great basketball to watch.

OK, we're gonna look at the draft this weekend, no telling what we'll find there.

Back to your regularly scheduled off-season.

-Joe