Keith: Netsfans have spoken – don't let the
door hit your ass on the way out.
Backlash Addresses
Email Us!
Send your emails to Joe
(joe@joenetsfan.com) or Champagne
(champagne @joenetsfan.com) about the Nets, the NBA, our site, or anything
at all, and we'll post them here with our replies.
Mountain of Mutombo Musings
Joe:
This is my take on the trade. I love it.
Mutombo, Kidd, Martin are three of the top defensive players at their positions. Add Jefferson, Kittles, Harris and A Train who are all solid defensively. Last year the Nets were one of the better defensive teams in the league and they replace Van Horn (and TMac) with one of the great defensive players of all time. The average fan doesn't realize what havoc Mutombo creates under the basket with his presence. Just ask all the players (including Jayson Williams) who had their nose broken by Mutombo's elbows. Mutombo gives them a whole new dimension.
And how about the demeanor of this team now with Martin and Mutombo? This will make their perimeter defense even better with Mutombo in the middle with his shot blocking, rebounding and defense. The perimeter guys can now overplay at times knowing players are intimidated when they meet up with Mutombo. Can you imagine the running opportunities now? Remember in order to run you must be good defensively and controlling the boards.
Forget about Van Horn and TMac on the fast break. Mutombo's defense and rebounding will have a much greater effect on the running game. I believe this is a tremendous trade. Richard Jefferson can now play more minutes. Keep in mind that you can't analyze a trade by comparing the traded players only, but rather you have to compare the former team with the new team. Also, keep in mind that this 2 for 1 swap also opens up a roster spot which may be filled by Tamar Slay (Nets feel he has potential) or another player.
This trade also makes sense when you consider the Celtics added a talented big man in Vin Baker and the Knicks added McDyess. The only thing you might question is that I believe Mutombo is guaranteed $54 million over the next three years – will he be serviceable in the latter part of the contract?. But obviously Thorn considered this.
-Ron, August 6, 2002
Ron,
Here's my take in short (I'll cover more of the trade in an upcoming diatribe): it makes sense. You can't stand still in this league, and although the Nets added Childs to back up their most important player, adding Mutombo toughens the Nets for next season. The most exciting part of the trade, frankly, is Richard Jefferson getting starters minutes, in my opinion.
Through it all, I liked Van Horn. He was the consummate professional, with the sweet shot (when his confidence was up) and a bucketfull of talent. But I think it was time for him to move on. As for MacCulloch, I think he was a much better fit in the Nets' motion offense than Mutombo will ever be, but he was a non-factor in the Finals, and that's what it's all about, isn't it?
The jury of Joe will be out on this one for awhile until I make it make sense in the context of the team. But thanks for your thoughts.
-Joe Netsfan
Off The Charts
Joe:
I like this deal! I'll tell you why. First Todd MacCulloch is not as good as Mutombo at any age. Second, Todd's expensive. This may free up some money for the return of Kidd. KVH was awesome for us, but he's not the answer to lift this team to the next level, which is a championship. Mutombo is good enough in the middle to compete with any center in the league. You can't say the same for MacCulloch or KVH at their postitions. This trade leads me to believe that NJ wants to win now!
Maybe Rod Thorn has that little voice in his head that tells him Kidd won't be back after next season, so let's make our run now. I also don't think NJ is finished dealing. Mutombo and Martin are very similiar in that they both block and hit the boards hard. Why would Thorn trade for a similar player unless something else is in the works? I do see Kevin Garnett in our future...This is the team that will win a championship for us. Mutombo, Garnett, Jefferson, Harris and Kidd. Out go Martin, Kittles and A-train. But then again, maybe Mutombo never wears the NETS jersey and moves to Minnesota in the deal. Either way I like the move(s) they've made so far. Get better, win now! Great F'n site!
- Steve Maney, August 6, 2002
[Steve, impressed that Joe actually responed to his initial email, sent more - Joe]
I live in Sacramento, moved out here to work in radio a year ago! Perfect timing on my part huh? I bought the NBA package on dish, and watched every single game from T-Mac hittin the free throws in the Indiana game back in November to T-Mac gettin mowed in the finals. It's nice to talk NJ Nets with a smart cat. Out here it's Kings or die. We lost by one to the Kings at home, and swore we were gonna beat the Kings out here. I told all my buds watch how good we are, the fans were clueless and stunned – it was great! So what do you think? Mutombo and Martin and RJ are great defensive players...but where's the offense? The scoring? That's why I think we're one more deal away!
BTW I lived in Tucson 2 years ago, and did a bunch of charity work with RJ through the radio station I worked at...He swore to me he wasn't jumping to the NBA. Just goes to show you how things change or how he lies! What's up with Jamie Feick? He's he gone?
Steve -
Your email was the first one that got me thinking of a bigger picture. Would the T-Wolves accept Mutombo, Martin and Kittles for Garnett? I wouldn't think so, but you never know. Making that trade leaves the Nets worse off, in my opinion. I don't think you gut 3/4 of the starters on an NBA Finals team even if you got your ass handed to you. But I could be wrong.
I am with you – where is the scoring? I asked that same question last year after the Kidd-Marbury trade and look what happened there. Guess I shouldn't worry about it. As for Feick, yup, he's done. At least he'll never play for the Nets again, if Thorn has his wish and gets him removed from the cap. Feick supposedly hasn't recovered from his ankle injury suffered almost two years ago, and according to Thorn he'll never play basketball again.
- Joe
Best Wishes, KVH
Joe:
I'd like to start off by wishing Van Horn the best of luck. While I don't think he will ever maximize his talents, I always liked him as a person. He had some good years for the Nets. But the Nets are a team now that will not settle for the finals. They need to improve the team and maneuver for a shot at the Tim Duncan sweepstakes.
I like what this immediately means for the team. They put Kenyon at his natural 4 spot. Jefferson gets to start at the 3. The running game never depended on the center, so it will not hurt us there. In fact, with a better rebounder and shot blocker, it should improve the run. Plus Motumbo averaged 76% from the line last year.
In the long run, the Nets dump 2 contracts. Motumbo could be packed for a Western team that needs more center help. It just seems to make sense if they plan to make a run for Duncan or Garnett.
- Chris Oshiro, August 6, 2002
Chris,
Classy move, Chris. Keith, although falling short of his potential while here, pretty much always stayed a good guy. I'm gonna miss him, anyway. And not just for all the material he gave Champagne and I.
You make some good points (imagine Duncan in NJ?), but most importantly, getting rid of two contracts (and their length) might be one of the best things to come out of this trade.
-Joe
Canadian Cold Front
Joe:
It looks like this might be a good trade for both sides. I ask myself this question: Will Motumbo be able to keep the pace that Kidd likes to generate? Kidd requires a lot of harmony and you have to move quick to keep up with him.
For Van Horn... it will be interesting to see his point average playing with Iverson. The only 2 shots that Iverson hasn't taken is the one with the lights out and the other one is from the parking lot. Don't know if Keith will get his hands on the ball all that much.
Liked MacCulloch...thought he did a good job while he was here. Sorry to see him go. Keep punching!
- Steve Halo, August 6, 2002
Steve -
Love your Iverson analysis. I think you missed one though – he hasn't tried to make a shot from a courthouse.
Overlooked in this trade is the loss that MacCulloch will bring. His sense of humor was a breath of post-game-comments fresh air. Godspeed T-Mac – I wish you nothing but success.
- Joe Netsfan
Sixer Elixir
Joe:
Well I live about an hour from the Staples Center and EVERY friend of mine who is a basketball fan is a Lakers fan. One of them posed this question to me....
How much better was Deke at guarding Shaq than TMac in each of finals match ups?
Hmmmm... I think this trade was based purely from the Finals (the way TMac handled Shaq and KVH's performance). I was more upset they dealt TMac then KVH. TMac is still only 26, and you are right he is better in the Nets motion offense. As far as KVH goes, I would use the argument that he just didn't live up to his contract, but then again... Deke is getting paid a ridiculous amount. I wish KVH luck as it was time for him to move on ... but to Philly??? Good luck, man if he thought Starbury was tough to play with, he's got DC and AI to deal with *ouch*. And those Philly fans will be NASTY if he doesn't play well.
The addition of Deke is great in other ways too, besides the defense, rebounding, blocks and the intimidation to anyone daring to take it to the bucket knowing Martin and Mutumbo are there, we can always deal him. He has great trade value to all these center hungry Pacific division teams – esp. Portland trying to guard Shaq.
Jefferson will be a star no doubt. He has that confidence about him, and I see him being either 1st or 2nd in scoring for the Nets. However, Rod needs to sign someone to back up Jefferson (too bad nothing more came out of those Devean talks). Deep down in my heart I still think we could have done better. IMO I would have been happier with the deal if Philly included Harpring in a sign and trade and we could have added in another contracted player(s) (Armstrong/Feick).
But in the end if this makes Jason happy and helps him to re-sign then it was all worth it.
- Farouk, August 6, 2002
Farouk-
First thing I thought of when I heard the news was: Good luck, Keith, with A.I. and D.C. Considering he didn't want to go there to begin with, and got roundly booed every time he so much as touched a ball in Philly, the poor boy's gonna have to be seriously sedated.
The Nets need one more piece (unless the move Dikembe elsewhere, as you theorize). Who should it be? Early consensus seems to be Rodney Rogers. That might work out just fine if it happens. Not to mention elevating Rod Thorn to God-like status.
And to think – the Nets will most likely wind up on Cablevision next season, and I won't even be able to watch the games. Sickening.
- Joe Netsfan
Shiny Happy Ted
Joe:
:)
-Ted Majdosz, August 7, 2002
Ted,
So, I guess you're in favor of the trade?
-Joe Netsfan
Jumbo Mutombo
Hey Joe:
WOW! I think Rod Thorn out did himself on this one. The benefits of this trade are deeper than they look at first blush. Obviously, Mutombo is an enormous presence that the Nets have never had. Also, as most people have picked up on, moving Van Horn opens up the door for RJ. I think RJ and Kenyon are going to have enormous years. But what I think is being overlooked is that all the speculation on Kidd's departure is related to Kidd wanting to play with a big man with low-post presence. . . HELLO MUTOMBO!!
-JL Cohen, ESQ, August 7, 2002
Mr. Cohen Sir:
Think Mutombo really qualifies in Kidd's book? Granted, it's a step in the right direction, but is he still holding out for Duncan? Dunno...
-Joe Netsfan
One Fan's Mantra
Hey Joe:
Well they did it, the got rid of Van Horn and the big T-Mac to pick up a defensive center who commands the ball and then doesn't know what to do with it...
If they dont pass him the ball...we win the championship...strictly on defense alone :)
This means the following:
PG - Jason Kidd. 1st team all NBA defense.
SG - Kerry Kittles.
SF - Richard Jefferson. Will be 1st team all NBA defense.
PF - Kenyon Martin. You know this boy plays D.
C - Dikembe Mutumbo. Former defensive player of the year.
That's some defense for your azz but I still think we should sign Rodney Rodgers too...then we'll be even nastier... no Van Horn......no Van Horn.....no Van Horn no Van Horn no Van Horn.................
-Tim Basset, August 7, 2002
Tim:
For you, it must be like you're still dreaming. The Nets shed Van Horn AND pick up a bonifde NBA center (no offense, T-Mac). Enjoy it Tim - you (and the rest of us) deserve it.
-Joe Netsfan
[Note: One of Tim's best friends, Anthony, then responded to Tim's email with some trash talk as only your close friends can do.]
Tim:
A great defensive team who now has to find a bench and some scoring.
-Anthony, August 7, 2002
Tim's Response:
I think RJ will pick up the slack and then some for Van Horn. Kenyon, Kittles and Kidd will do their parts respectively, and you know when Kidd wants to turn it on, on those nights where he does'nt shoot 1-11, we'll be fine.
Hence we should sign Rodney Rodgers.
-Tim
I think Tim's got it covered...Joe
Art Can't Be Rushed
Joe:
When are you guys gonna do cartoons of Dikembe, Childs, and Slay? I need to update my wallpaper!!!
-LuckyBoy, August 7, 2002
LuckyBoy,
Look for fresh caricatures in September or early October (along with revamped Martin and Jefferson and whoever else needs an updating/improvement).
You forgot Nenad, LuckyBoy!
-Champagne
Damn the Torpedoes
Joe!
Long time no see. I trust all is well on what, to me, is a fine, fine morning in Nets fan land.
Oh, as for the title of this email ... while listening to this song by Tom Petty, the lyrics hit me ... like some revelation. It's an apt description of the Nets this past season and beyond. Think about it ...
RUNNING down a dream (the fast break game)
Never would come to me
Working on a mystery
Going wherever it leads
Runnin' down a DREAM (NBA Champions?)
As I rolled on, the sky grew dark (past Nets seasons)
I put the pedal down, to make some time (Rod Thorn)
There's somethin' good, waiting down this road (more Finals appearances)
I'm pickin' up whatever's mine (the Larry O'Brien trophy).
ANYWAY...
About this trade ... I'm on board all the way. Yes, I understand that Deke is 36 and has some issues with his back. However, he is a legitimate center. The one piece this team really needed to cement their elite status. Deke is a shot-blocker, a rebounder, and a threat to score inside ALL the time. I loved having Todd in there but he admittedly only showed flashes of brilliance from time to time.
As for Van Horn ... I've mentioned this before, but he was the only guy on that squad that for whatever reason, DIDN'T take advantage of Jason Kidd's skills. Everyone else on the team grew because of Kidd. Van Horn however, never seemed to fit into the system as consistently as he should have. I'm a fan of the kid. He'll be a good player for the length of his career. I wish him well.
Now having said that, I have to wonder if this isn't setting up another trade for NEXT season. In other words, a package of Deke and maybe Kenyon for Tim Duncan? What do you think?
Personally, I would HATE ... absolutely HATE to see Kenyon go anywhere. But with Tim and Jason together ... I'm pretty sure I could learn to like it.
-Jeof "Down with the Clown" Vita, August 7, 2002
Jeof:
Deke and Kenyon for Duncan? You'd have to be a sucker to take that. Unless of course you had no choice, which the Spurs may well be looking at...Duncan, Kidd, and Jefferson might be a tasty trio, no? But we're getting way ahead of ourselves (and probably Rod Thorn too).
-Joe
That's it for the first round of email. If you don't see yours here, don't worry, it'll be posted soon. Stay tuned – much more feedback and analysis on the blockbuster trade to come, including a iatribe from Joe.
Archive | Backlash | Bio | Calendar | Champagne's Blog | Diatribe | Game x Game | History | Home | Joe Netsfan's Blog | Media | Opponents | Players | Playoffs | Search | Specials
© 2002 Shawn Belschwender and Michael Kozlowski
