Flowers for Keith Van Horn?
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Ode to KVH
Joe:
2:33 in the morning.
I just got home from work. MSNBC is the bearer of bad news. Keith. Beloved one. Softy McSoft. Cookie Puss. Replaced by a finger-wagging dick head. What can I say Joe?...I am not happy.
Everyone who knows me knows how deeply I will mourn for Horny. He gave us all so much. Not because he was so good. But because watching him reminded me of how weak and strong we all can be. He was such a sulking bitch, really. But when he planted those clown shoes behind the three point line...god I can still see it...my heart would skip, my palms would sweat, my legs jumped off the couch...if only...If only he could knock one down...(pause for a moment of silence).
The crowd would ignite like the oil refineries just off the turnpike. And Keith... Keith would hop ever so slightly. Restrained, with a stiff upper lip; getting only a moment of bitter-sweet revenge on those who said he sucked dick. And although the evidence suggests that he missed A LOT...(Retreating flat footed, shoulders sagging, with his eyes firmly planted on the hardwood painted with any number of failed Net logos)... he had his moments.
Joe, I know you're with me. I know what you and me, and all the rest of our fraternity of habitual losers thought back in '97. We thought we were getting a can't-miss winner. He was the next big thing, the next Larry Bird. How comforting to find out that he was no such man. That he was (weep)...very much a NET.
He was the quintessential underdog. Which is amazing since he was drafted at #2. I often wondered how someone like him ever got to be the number 2 pick in the first place. I know all about his storied career in Utah blah, blah, blah! Didn't anyone notice that he was slow, weak, couldn't jump, dribble or drive?
There were nights, early on, where he was incredible. Maybe because of the weight of expectation, he pushed himself to be someone he was not during his rookie campaign. He kept up a brave face. But I think he knew that he was never going to be the perennial All-Star some had predicted he'd be. What do you think was going through his mind when NBA players began to abuse him physically? He must have felt like retreating.
He stuck it out though, to his credit. There were nights so bad that I thought David Stern would call him up personally and tell him that he was longer qualified to play in the NBA. I thought he might have told the Nets franchise the same thing.
In the end, I cannot defend him. Except to say that I loved to watch him play. He was painful to watch one moment, glorious to behold in the next – just like everyone I know. In a sport where false bravado and tough-guy attitude prevails, he was something different. Even when he was being called out by his teammates and coach, he never responded. Soft-spoken, affable and kind, he was and is a men amongst boys. Probablly too mature to play in this league. Wait 'till he meets Iverson! Seriously, I think he will help Allen personally, if not on the court.
I remember Charles Barkley predicting that Keith would turn into a star during the finals during this past year (before game one). I guess Chuck liked him too. Like Chuck, I liked him well enough to look past his faults (Good prediction Charles! My God!). He never became a star, but he is good enough to be considered good, and for a guy like Keith that is a helluva an accomplishment.
No, I am not gay.
Anyway Keith. Bon Voyage. I will keep an eye on you in Philly. I am glad you don't have to move. As for the Nets...Well, who are we anymore?
This doesn't feel right. We are morphing into a Steinbrenner juggernaut. Things will never be the same. This is really the end of an era.
-David Pavia, August 7, 2002
P.S. "It was a no-brainer" - Lord Byron. Nice Byron, you can be a real dick. At least say you will miss the guys you lost. 3:56 AM.
David,
So much angst. So much sarcasm. All in one email. Nice job. I'll miss him as well.
As for Byron's comments, well, he was nice to him the day after the trade. But Keith had nothing to say about Byron in his introductory press conference in Philly. So, I doubt they'll be on each others' Christmas card list.
- Joe Netsfan
Insulted and Revolted
Dear Joe:
I know that everyone dumped on Keith for all the times that he was weak on the D and missed shots that he should have made. But Keith Van Horn gave the New Jersey Nets some electrifying moments. I'm going to miss him being on the team.
Keith was a lightning rod of criticism and praise. You have to admit that when he would go on a run and score a bunch of 3s in a row, the Meadowlands would get into it. I just think that it's sad that they put together a team that finally started winning, and now they are going to alter the chemistry forever, and screw up the whole damm thing.
Mutombo? What the hell is he going to amount to? Does anyone in the frigging world think that he's going to do any better against Shaq? I doubt it.
I loved the team this year, I thought that they worked well together, and I think that the Nets were, for a moment there, onto something. The team is back to rebuilding now, and I don't ever think it will be the same again. I doubt they even make the playoffs this year.
-Stephen Ericson, August 7, 2002
P.S. Furthermore, I think that after going to the finals, and having a wonderful season, it's insulting to get rid of Big Mac and KVH as if they were to blame. Both had good, effective seasons, and the team had chemistry. Well, that's over. Does anyone really think that Childs and Muntombo are going to jibe with Kidd? The whole thing is so stupid, I don't know why they would break up a team that was doing so well together. They only stood to get better.
Stephen,
Trust in Rod. What else can I say to ease your concerns?
-Joe
Cookies of Fortune
Joe:
Wow, this was a shocker. I NEVER thought they'd be able to get something back for Keith. TMac had promise, but the foot thing made me a bit nervous...chronic injuries and the Nets are all too familiar with each other. A bit disappointed about Garnett not coming over, but glad to keep Kenyon. If Dikembe lives up to his rep & plays like he is able to, we're gonna have a NASTY front line. Looking at the team now:
C: Dikembe Motumbo
PF: Kenyon Martin
SF: Richard Jefferson
PG: The People's MVP, Jason Kidd
SG: Kerry Kittles
Bench:
C: Jason Collins
PF: Aaron Williams
SF: Brian "Veal" Scalabrine? Tamar Slay maybe...
PG: Chris Childs
SG: Lucious Harris, the Man in the Unnecessary Mask; Brandon Armstrong perhaps?
Some shuffling could be done....
Hey, is Feick expected to return anytime? Armstrong hasn't really shown me anything...perhaps Rodney Rodgers could take his place. I'm still kinda miffed that they missed out on the return of Jim Jackson after the game he showed he still has last year, and it would have been nice to have a shooter like him around...but basically, if Kittles can play like he is able and be consistant throughout the playoffs, the Nets have as good a shot as anyone of returning to the finals. And I think Dikembe will be good for Twin...he showed signs of coming into his own last year, studying under Dikembe can only help.
Well, I'm off to figure out how I'm going to pull off getting married while still having enough money to keep me in over-priced Mrs. Field's cookies for another season.
New slogan: Donate your first born child to help save a New Jersey Kidd.
- Jim, August 7, 2002
Jim,
Pretty soon those cookies, and the Nets, will be the only vice you'll have left. Trust me.
- Joe
Healthy Dose of Skepticism
Joe:
Hey Joe, hope today finds you well. This momentous trade has disturbed my summer slumber as I dream of the glorious Nets season gone by, and I post as a way to clear up my mixed feelings on the deal and the departure of ol' Pale Rider.
Right off the bat, one good thing about the trade is seeing all the highlights of Van Horn knocking down big shots in the championship run, bringing back some great memories. But lets face it, Van Horn was done in New Jersey when Kenyon Martin, who conveniently left the boxscores of the first two game of the series in his locker, stepped up to the podium after the Nets had been unceremoniously swept by the Lakers in the NBA Finals and called out Van Horn for his lack of heart. Jason Kidd didn't exactly give a ringing endorsement when he followed Martin. Bottom line, Van Horn wasn't the type of player Byron Scott wanted to go to war with during a hoped-for return trip to the championship.
But mark my words, he will be missed. I think the main problem fans and the media have with Keith Van Horn is that he is always judged by what he did not become and never appreciated for what he is: A versatile player who sacrificed his own game for the sake of the team. A good shooter who stretched defenses, a solid defensive rebounder, and an improving passer who fit in surprisingly well with the team concept of the motion offense. The Nets never would have gotten past Indiana if it wasn't for Van Horn, and he was absolutely huge in every win of the Boston series. Now with him gone and the addition of Mutombo, the Nets are a stronger defensive team, but with the huge offensive question of perimeter shooting. Kidd, despite being a tremendous player, didn't earn the nickname -ason for nothing (there's no "J" in him), and both Martin and Richard Jefferson toss more bricks than union masons.
I also don't know how well Mutombo is going to contribute offensively with the Nets' "motion/push the ball concept." He doesn't pass well from the high post, like TMac did frequently and effectively, he has poor hands, a limited offensive repertoire and at 36, doesn't run the floor as well as he used to in the past. But, hey, he is a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, multiyear All Star, and a legit big man, so it's not like the Nets got hosed. Remember when people wanted Lorenzen Wright for Van Horn?
As long as their MVP point guard stays healthy, the Nets will be in the hunt for the Eastern Conference championship next year. Kidd and four guys off the street could win 45 games in the East. The key to this trade for the Nets is, of course, Richard Jefferson. It's one thing to light up the Shaw Summer League, but for this trade to payoff, Jefferson's play has to match his potential and ego.
Oh, and by the way, Keith? Remember that "beautiful friendship" you had with Stephon Marbury? Let me introduce you to Allen Iverson. And also, if you thought Nets fans were fair-weathered, mean-spirited and capricious, you ain't seen nothing yet.
Take care Joe, keep up the good work.
- Mike from Trenton, August 7, 2002
Mike -
I know you wrote this last week, but just curious – are you feeling any better now that Rogers is on board? Thanks for the props, always appreciated.
- Joe Netsfan
Scary Monsters
Joe:
Until I read Champagne's bit, no one brought up Nenad in regards to this move. Without N.K. in the bull-pen, this trade would be horrendous (2 young guys who both got injured during the All-Star break for an old guy). Deke, if he is healthy, only has two years left in him and only if we use him like we used Todd M. last year. Thirty-two minutes, non back-to-back games with Jason Collins and A-train getting the other minutes. By the time Deke is done full-time, he can mentor Nenad as only another foreign-born center can mentor him. It is rather fun to listen to the Philly viewpoint on WIP AM 610 on the dial. Apparently, since Deke spent most of last summer working on his hospital, he came out of camp out-of-shape. He also had difficulty with the pick-n-roll. We can give him plenty of practice next year. Instead of an additional free agent, I would like to include my vote for the twelf man: Tyrone Hill of the Cavs. The Cavs like getting fleeced. They will take Jamie Fleck and a ball of lint.
Get any feedback from your family?
- Edward Caffrey, August 7, 2002
Edward-
Deke and the pick-and-roll. Somehow, I cringe over that thought.
My family – honestly, they're crushed by Van Horn's leaving. He lives nearby, we've seen him playing with his kids in a local park, and somehow they can identify with a 6' 10" white dude who moves about as well as they do. They'll be positively frightened when they get a load of Deke.
On the Cavs – well, you're right, almost. I think they would settle for Feick and the rights to Mike O'Koren's hairstyle. Tyrone Hill, huh? He'd add some toughness. What else would he bring to the Nets, though? Think he could run up and down the floor for more than 30 seconds? Hopefully, Rogers is the last piece to this puzzle.
- Joe Netsfan
Mount Mutombo
Joe:
I like this trade because it puts RJ at the 3, KMart at the 4 and Mt. Mutumbo in the center to help out a weak rebounding team last year. KMart already said he's ready to bulk up to play the 4 and he knows he's going to have to change up his game and he accepted it. I think he has more of a chance to be an All-Star at the 4 than the 3. This trade also opens up a roster spot so that Thorn can go after Rogers [Ed. note: done!], Russell, Harpring or whoever is out there to provide us with offense off the bench (I'd like Walt Williams to play that role).
We got rid of KVH's ridiculous salary and TMac's hefty salary for one of the best defenders the NBA's ever seen. Even if he's in his late 30's the man is still top 5 in the league at his position and I would rather overpay an All-Star center and former leading rebounder and shot blocker than a soft PF that shows up every couple games, and a 26-year old center in worse shape than Mutombo.
-Gaston Parrotta, August 8, 2002
You Deserve a Break Today
Hey Joe:
I feel this trade really molded the Nets into the team they wanted to be, that is a FAST BREAK team. If the Nets are done with the major trades (besides going for Rodney Rogers), and this is the squad to CRUISE the courts in the 2002-2003 season, I think this trade was tremendously benenficial to the Nets fast-break vision.
Honestly, Keith Van Horn (as many fans have already commented), did NOT FIT into the Nets fast break offense! Granted he was there for the three – but he just couldn't run along with K-mart, Kittles, and Kidd! And even in the half-court game his moves were always very hesitant and awkward (the dreaded 3 point pump fake – just shoot it KEITH!). True, there were some games that he actually showed up and really wrecked havoc on the other team (and even made game-winners when it really mattered, thank you), but for the most part and the majority of the season, the power foward spot seemed badly served by Keith Van Horn's play. Ohhh... Keith Van Horn, #2 draft pick: WE HAVE TO START HIM; him and his overpaid salary! He was good...granted...but with respect to his gameplay many of the nights of the regular season, I believe if Richard Jefferson started RJ could have been much more productive.
R.J. is an excellent runner. He is the perfect foward with which Kidd can exercise his basketball wizardry (same thing with K-Mart for that matter). As a rookie he did some crazy stuff his freshman year in the NBA. He and Kidd have created some of the most beautiful displays in the art of the alley-'oop as I have ever seen. R.J. also has something many NBA players just lack – ambition. This kid has fire burning in his veins! He isn't just satisfied making the NBA; deep inside he wants to be the best! I believe this ambition will propel R.J. to be an ALL-STAR in time. With him and K-mart starting on the foward spots, you've got some good offense! SO enough with the "where's the offense gonna come from?" attitude, R.J. always takes it to the basket; he can definitely suffice as a go-to player, in my opinion. And should I even talk about KMart??? My point is, we got good offense in the front court.
Defensively, our team is superb. Kidd is the best defensive point guard in the league (which other point guard nabs 10 or more rebounds almost every night?!). It's kinda funny that Kidd outrebounds even the forwards on his team. I always look at the box score after a game hoping to see K-mart or Keith with the most rebounds, but on a lot of nights it's Kidd. Ok, so enuff with Kidd. R.J. and KMart take extreme pride in their D. I still remember R.J. swatting away John Stockton's ball on a fast break. OUCH. Not many NBA players have that kinda defensive intensity. And KMart? I remember him one time pinning David Wesley's ball against the backboard as if it was child's play. Heck, he did it better than Jordan! Mutumbo?? Hmmm...considering last season was the first time in a while that he didn't lead the league in rebounding; and is back with a vengeance this summer, workin' himself out to try to win his rebounding and blocking title back, we got a defensive MONSTER on our hands in N.J.
And the defense is what will catapult our fast break offense. With Kidd and Kittles (who I didn't even get into – but in a nutshell, he is the best fastbreak guard in the NBA), KMart and R.J. running the floor like hellhounds expect to see alot of 4-1s, 4-2s, 4-3s, and a whole alotta easy buckets. I think this is the perfect team for Kidd. He's got runners everywhere, and a defensive center who will rebound and get him the ball to do his magic.
We got a great squad on our hands. I'm sure this year will be much more exciting than last years'. To Van Horn and T-Mac, I wish them good luck in Philly. But now it's time for the Nets to rev up the intensity to a whole new level. GO NETS!
-Kiwook, August 8, 2002
P. S. Joe your site is awesome, needless to say. Keep the good work goin'!
Kiwook:
Thanks. Keep up the passion, and the faith.
- Joe Netsfan
The Start of the Breakdown?
Joe:
Does anyone think that Mutombo will do any better than against Shaq than T-Mac?
Didn't they watch what Shaq did to him in 2001?
I can't believe that after all they went through this year, all of these "fans" are so willing to applaud breaking up a winning team. I doubt that they go past the first round this year.
Mark my words.
Hopefuly KVH won't spend more than a year in Philly, and will get to a place where his talents can shine. Just because his average is down, people can't see anything else. To say that Keith didn't pick up on what Kidd gave to the Nets is freaking stupid. The Nets won't be the same without him. He made a lot of big plays, and scored a lot of points for the team. How can all of you look at the series with Indiana and Boston and think that he was so bad? The finals, the finals, the finals...
Nobody talks about the freaking refs being so lopsided toward the Lakers. It's like all you fuckers do is sit around and look at the stats.
I think that he deserves a little more respect then that. Whatever.
- Stephen Ericson, August 8, 2002
Stephen:
Now I'm starting to worry about you, fella. Are you going to be able to get over this? Are you feeling any better after a week and the Rogers signing? Email me and let me know you're OK.
- Joe
Kidd Pleasing
Joe:
I just wanted to say that I feel that all of the NJ fans are giving Kidd too much of a break. We all know that he was the MVP last year and he deserves the max salary when he signs his new contract. But if Thorn is making all of these moves simply to please Kidd, then why not consult with him before making the trade for a center or actually let Jason be the GM?
While Kidd did a wonderful job in NJ, it was Thorn who showed confidence in him and took him out of a bad situation and brought him to a place where the team and fans embraced him. Kidd never won much in the NBA before coming to NJ (of course I realize he was in the West).
I am sure Thorn will continue to do whatever he feels is necessary to improve this team. About the Duncan sweepstakes next summer, it seems that around 5 or 6 teams are trying to free up money to make strong pushes to sign him. The Nets drafted Nenad and hopefully he can come in 2-3 years and be a top-notch center in the league, plus it seems that Collins will continue to improve and be an extremely productive back-up center for years to come.
As fans we must realize that stars come and go, but only teams play for championships. I hope that Kidd realizes what a good thing he has going for him in NJ.
Let me finish by stating that I believe that the Mutombo trade makes New Jersey a better team, granted we sign someone like Rodney Rogers to spread out the offense off the bench. When the fans talk about the decrease in offensive production with this new starting lineup I laugh. Mutombo = MacCulloch (10pts/game) and Jefferson should be able to contribute at least the 15 pts/game that KVH gave us last season. That leaves us with RJ's 9 pts/game off the bench, which should be alleviated by the future small forward signing or the stepping up of one of the younger players. I appreciate you offering a wonderful outlet for NJ's faithful fans, it is truly a beautiful site!
-Shaun, August 8, 2002
Shaun:
Even though I have nothing to base it on, I'm pretty confident that while Thorn didn't necessarily ask Kidd's opinion on the trades and signings, you can be sure he ran it by him before he pulled the trigger. I think Kidd's gonna stick around, with or without Duncan. I feel more sure about that than ever.
Thanks for the praise – it's our pleasure to bring this site to Netsfans and we hope you get some enjoyment from it.
- Joe
Time Check
Joe!
You rule! And so does Rod Thorn!
Keith went to the top of the mountain and got dizzy. He's a very good player and a nice guy, but he doesn't deliver. Not "the franchise" after all. Keith, you ARE the weakest link. Goodbye!
As for Todd, I like the big doofus as much as the next guy, but am I the only one who realizes that his career could be done? Bad feet = no more NBA! Seen it time and time again. At least Mt. Mutumbo is basically healthy. Just hope he lasts long enough for Jason Collins to take his place! Now there's a prototypical NBA center for you!
They will love Todd in Philly, but he will never play big minutes again for any team. Another Nets one-year-wonder, sign and retire. And I doubt KVH will ever put on a Sixers jersey. Can't see it. It's a terrible match. Just more trade bait. Go west, young man!
I think Jefferson (15+) and Mutumbo (10) will pick up the scoring that we lost in the trade. If Kerry can play another 82 game season and build on last year's success, we have a killer starting five. As far as the bench goes, Chris Childs is an upgrade from AJ, no argument possible there, and this rookie Tamar Slay is getting raves, maybe he can be a spark, who knows?
7 weeks to training camp? Gee, I didn't know the off season could be so short (but sweet)!
- Deitz, August 8, 2002
Deitz:
Now it's down to six weeks. So much for vacation for ol' Joe! Thanks for the kind words. You guys are great.
- Joe
Dikembe Mutombo Jumbo
Joe:
Love the site, it makes the workday a little more tolerable. I love the trade because this is now a team that can compete for a championship, not just get there. Last season was obviously a dream season for all of us, but now that we are near the top, let's get greedy and win it all. Our major shortcomings were defensive rebounding and a stopper in the middle. We now have the best defensive center in the league.
Anyway, besides the obvious stuff, what I like is that I honestly think this may help the offense too. The reason I say this is as we saw last year, the Nets best offense comes when they play great defense. If they can get as many stops, blocked shots and defensive rebounds as I think this lineup will, we can run and gun all day with J-Kidd and all that will really matter is if guys can make layups and dunks. We will never be confused with a good shooting team, but KVH was an inconsistent shooter anyway, and this defense is going to lead to a lot of easier looks the other way. No matter what, I'm just glad next time KVH sets up for a corner 3 and steps out of bounds it will be for somebody else.
By the way, I haven't seen anything on how Mutombo feels about the trade, whether he's happy to be a Net or not. Have you seen any Mutombo reaction? If so, maybe you can post it on the site.
Keep up the good work and just the fact that we are talking Nets in August is a great thing.
- Lane, August 8, 2002
Lane:
Deke seems to be happy. If you haven't seen his comments, check out some of yesterday's articles from our various sources such as the Bergen Record and NY Post .
- Joe
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