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

Mercy Rule

The list keeps getting bigger, even as the season creeps closer. Count Stromile Swift, Eddie Najera, Jarvis Hayes, Josh Boone and Keyon Dooling amongst the injured or ill, and with a week to go before opening tip, the Nets have no idea who will be in the rotation.

Another season starting off on the wrong foot. Isn't there some sort of mercy rule or something?

Last night's wipeout by the Knicks (there were some good moments, true, but a complete lack of defense doomed them again, and well, this team shouldn't consider getting into scoring matches with anyone, is all I'm saying) while again shorthanded leaves Lawrence Frank scratching his head about what to make of the mess that remains. We're pretty certain that he'll field enough bodies to go 8 or 10 deep, but I don't think many of them will be the ones he thought he was counting on.

Assume that Devin Harris and Vince Carter are the starting guards. I would say that one is safe. Despite a whole lot of inconsistency, they paid too much not to start Yi and Bobby Simmons (I'm still waiting for him to show us something), so they'll be in there (plus, they're healthy front liners, making them that much more important). And it looks like Josh Boone or rookie Brook Lopez at center, Lopez if Boone doesn't get clearance to play, Boone if he does.

After that, well, the pickings are slim. Dooling, Najera and Hayes are the veterans being counted on off the bench, but they haven't exactly had time to build up a lot of chemistry with the club. Sean Williams looks lost to me, Chris Douglas Roberts and Ryan Anderson have moments but they're rookies, and the rest of the roster is interesting at best and minor players at worst.

The Knicks completely showed every flaw in the Nets defense last night. They still can't get out on the perimeter and stop the three point shooter, but now they're clueless as to how best to stop paint penetration. Of course, having a rookie out there in the middle will do that, no matter how high of a pick he was. Yi looks like a traffic pole out there, with every Knick this side of Jerome James running by him as if his feet were glued to the floor. Devin Harris was shaky, Carter's not a defender per se, and Bobby Simmons works hard but accomplishes little. That's a helluva basis for defense, friends.

Outscoring quality NBA teams (or even the Knicks) isn't a long-term option either.

We like Lopez' abilities (he can step outside and shoot, and make, shots - even flat footed!) inside and outside. Hell, that's why they hired him. But the rook needs a lot of help, and well, we didn't see a helluva lot of it, even if they did score 106 points and almost pull it off in the end. Carter and Harris and then what? ought to be the offense this year.

And with everyone out, they haven't had time to implement much of an offense anyway. That should work out great, with the season beginning next week in Washington D.C. That's right, against their old pal Eddie Jordan.

The Nets should get back Keyon Dooling and Josh Boone, in any case, before the opener. It's certainly possible that Hayes and Najera are ready to go as well, but they'll have more rust than the tin man on them. Swift you can likely forget about for awhile if not ever, not really sure what his place on this team was going to be anyway.

Let's see what happens (and who's healthy enough to suit up) against the Sixers tomorow night. I'm going to Cleveland to check on LeBron (he's still not taking my calls - like it's my fault the whole Brooklyn thing is held up?), so wake me when the season actually starts.

-Joe

More Like The Season To Come?

Is this more like it?

The Nets, without Vince Carter and adding Stromile Swift and Josh Boone to the impressively growing injury list, lose a non-compete scrimmage with the Celtics today. Very little offense (is Mo Ager the great hope? I don't think so), less defense (what are you teaching these guys, Lawrence?) and a whole host of other troubles (they were outrebounded by 30...) make us wonder if this isn't what's to come this season, at least at the start.

Wiht Eddie Najera and Jarvis Hayes still not suiting up yet, and two more bodies to worry about, the Nets vaunted depth up front might have taken a serious blow, especially if there is anything heart-related to Josh Boone's problems. Yi seems to be trying to adapt and fit in, but he's still miles away from a finished product (this guy, even at 7 feet, apparently has never met a rebound he liked), but he might be one of the best hopes for offense the Nets have. VC and Devin Harris will certainly lead the charge, but if Yi doesn't throw in 10+ per game, who does that leave to pick up slack? Bobby Simmons?

Defensively, this team still looks like they just met in orientation yesterday. Of course, we might be seeing a team that will be defensively challenged all season, since with the exception of Trenton Hassel and maybe Eddie Najera, no one comes to the Nets with an outstanding defender label. So, if the Nets need to cover for Carter, and there are several more defensively challenged fellows in the lineup with him, there could be very many long nights at the Izod.

Let's see what kind of effort the Nets give tomorrow night against the Knicks. You would have to think, injured or no, the Nets would want to send some sort of message to their rivals across the river.

The question is, is this team capable of doing that right now?

-Joe

Go Offense

Interesting game tonight again the Celtics, a competitive, spirited loss in which the Nets appeared at times determined to lead the world in turnovers and fouls. Yi looked good on offense, but was a foul magnet (he had 4 fouls in the first 6 minutes or so of the first quarter! Not even Sean Williams can do that), while Brook Lopez and Josh Boone look to be a potential dynamic duo in the middle. The guard situation, with Vince Carter and Keyon Dooling looking ready for the regular season (with Dooling's first appearance as a Net), looks to be a potential strength as well, as long as no one gets hurt.

The fact that the Celtics didn't play any of their stars (Garnett, Pierce, Ray Allen)didn't seem to matter much to the Nets, who played this one like it mattered to them. And with everyone on the roster being new, it did, because playing time appears to have to be earned. DNP's to Ryan Anderson, Eddie Najera, Jarvis Hayes (all three injured), plus Mo Ager and Julius Hodge, who don't figure in the Nets plans at this point. Eddie Gill might make this team as the third point yet...

Devin Harris continues to not shoot well, which is concerning (though he had 8 assists), but this Nets team thus far has had no trouble scoring through the first three games. OK, they're not the second coming of the old ABA squads, but hey, it's certainly better than scoring in the 70's. I don't see a real place in the rotation yet for Stromile Swift, Trenton Hassell or even Sean Williams, but I'm sure Lawrence Frank will figure it out. Just like he has with the offense (what about defense, L Frank?)

Let the rookies play (and since everyone wants Chris Douglas Roberts to start already, give the kid some time to see what he can do). And since the offense appears to be flowing, get them heavy minutes this preseason and let them feel it.

Another chance against the Celtics on Sunday up in Boston. Should be another learning experience for the young Nets if nothing else (and hopefully, at some point Eddie Najera and Jarvis Hayes can get some playing time - we'd sure love to see how they fit in).

-Joe

The Long And The Short Of It

Stay positive, Netsfans. The chemistry on the court is brewing, the locking room is one big harmonic convergence, and all is right in the Nets universe.

It's only preseason.

The Nets are starting to sort out the pieces, especially with big men. We've read how well they're all playing, even seen it in some cases, but hey, you can't play 7 or 8 big men in one game, can you?

It's a startling amount of depth for Netsfans used to Jason Collins being the glue guy, Mikki Moore being the energy off the bench, and Nenad Krstic providing offense, with a whole lot of other roster fodder thrown in (anyone remember how Marc Jackson worked out?).

But it's a young bench, and aside from Josh Boone, who gave it his all each and every night last season, it's a seriously unproven one. Hell, even the vets on the squad, namely Stromile Swift and Eddie Najera, have question marks next to them because they're either consistently inconsistent (Swift) or NBA journeyman making the most of his talent (Najera). You've got 2 rookies in the mix - Brook Lopez and Ryan Anderson; a second year athletic wonder (but without a true position, according to anyone you ask) in Sean Williams; Josh Boone, who continues to grow and surprise (he added a damned outside shot!); Yi Jianlian, the Chinese sensation (or Chinese, anyway) who was traded for Richard Jefferson; and Swift and Najera. Plus you have Jarvis Hayes, Bobby Simmons and Trenton Hassell to consider at the small forward (maybe even Chris Douglas Roberts, when he isn't in for Vince Carter). That's one helluva stew.

Time to weed it down some, whether it be to a DNP-coaches decision or off the team entirely. I think we're all there with Stromile Swift, since we can't quite figure out what it is he does well. I don't see what he adds to this team if he can't begin to harness any of that athleticism for anything more than a minute or two at a time.

Great, that's one. Now it gets much harder. I think you have to play Yi regular minutes and see what you have. Boone's earned the right to be in the rotation. I think the team is insane if Brook Lopez doesn't get some minutes in a semi-regular role (why pick him 10th, dump half the team as you rebuild and then NOT play him?) I think Eddie Najera has to play, or at least you have to see why you brought him to the team. That's the preferred list of regular minute getters at the power spots.

I think Ryan Anderson has a place on this team, but he'll have to outperform someone to get that chance. Maybe he can bump Sean Williams from any sort of rotation, or maybe Williams does that to himself. Frankly, I think he's a difference maker on the second unit, as long as you don't give him a major role in the offense.

So let's say you keep Yi, Najera and Williams at the power forward, Boone and Lopez at the center (with Williams occasionally floating through the spot as well), and Anderson in a spot role. Now you add in Bobby Simmons (who has to start based on the amount of money he's being paid, plus the lack of other overwhelming choices)and Hayes at the small forward spot, Devin Harris and Keyon Dooling at the point (lord, do we not look forward to Dooling running the point, but that's for another day), and Carter and Chris Douglas Roberts at the shooting guard. That's no less than 11 players you have to find time for on a regular basis (10 if you say that Anderson is brought along slowly), and a coach that loves to play 7 or 8 regularly. As for having two complete teams (Harris-Carter-Simmons-Yi-Boone being replaced by Dooling-CDR-Najera-Hayes-Lopez, for example), I'll believe it when I see it, especially when it gets past the end of December or January.

That's the long and short of the roster at the moment. Not everyone can (or will) get playing time, and what will that do to team chemistry? If the team is playing the rookies regularly at the start, will they necessarily still be in the rotation in January, or will they fall out of favor by then as they make rookie mistakes?

They're good questions I am curious to watch unfold here as the preseason gets going. A game against the Celts tomorrow should be a really good measuring stick, since the second teamers on the Celts put a licking on the Nets regulars several times last season.

More after the game tomorrow night, which is being televised on YES.

-Joe

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

The Long, Slow Climb Back To Respectability

Ok, we're back, live, and we're trying to put the past behind us and move forward.

Joenetsfan.com had a brain failure, and bringing it back up to speed took way too long to do. My apologies to anyone who's still interested.

But we've been keeping our eye on the Nets, who are in Europe bonding and promoting good will amongst basketball players. They're even 1 - 0, after a victory over the Miami Heat in Paris this afternoon. But of course, wins come at a price, even in preseason. Vince Carter had a hammy problem, and was pulled in the second quarter.

Get your hands around that, Netsfans - the best and biggest hope for the Nets to not totally suck pulls a hammy. If it's one of those lingering things, or worse, if VC feels the responsiblity to come back sooner than he's ready to lead the rag-tag bunch o' Nets.

From the sounds of it, the men of Netsland have bonded, with bowling and bbq's and all kinds of stuff. Camp has gone well, lots of teaching yada yada yada. But there are still too many big men for a rotation, and too many players who potentially don't really play a position. So, what are the Nets to do?

It's looking like they may have a second team rotation - 5 in, 5 out, two squads of roving havoc-makers. Could be a good idea, since the Nets need to get the rooks plenty of PT while not sucking totally. This way, if the Nets go 1 through 10, or more, it'll work out where everyone gets some time on the court, and maybe the Nets can find a steady line up of players who can not embarass them.

Who scores? Did we find that out yet? Looks like Chris Douglas Roberts will get plenty of opportunities to light it up, since Carter, Devin Harris and that's about all you can count on for offense this early in the year.

I want to watch the first preseason game to get a feel for this bunch, since I didn't get out to the open house last Saturday. I'll post more about what I see after I get a chance to view it.

And lastly, I know the younger crowd apparently has no use for me. That's cool - do me a favor, just ignore me, or tune into the game reviews, which I still think have value to Netsfans one and all.

But I guess we'll see.

Back in the saddle, with a ton of work to do. Let me get to it, then.

Joe