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Backlash #2 - November 9, 2003
The Return
Of NetsNut
Joe:
Last night [Tuesday, at the Rockets - Nets game] sitting behind
the Nets bench was none other that me, "The Fiery and Smokin' Hot" NetsNut!!!
I saw first hand the "boneheadedness" of our beloved head coach.
Two losses that the Nets have so far were late game meltdowns purely due
to lack of correct personnel on the court, execution and recognition of
the opposing teams game plan...Another words, "BAD HEAD COACHING".
I was going to give Byron a 15 game reprieve before I started bangin'
away at him, but I couldn't wait that long. They say, "If nothing changes,
nothing changes..."
I looked to my left during timeouts to watch "What should have been the
Nets new Head Coach" Van Gundy, and how he used every second to communicate
his thoughts and ideas with his players. His intensity, earnestness and
fire was sent from his lips to his players' ears. Each player was looking
directly into JVG's eyes as he spoke, during every time out. I watched
as Van Gundy directed his troops during every play, picked out every Nets
offense, immediately made adjustments while his team was playing throughout
the contest. I watched the Rockets run, what the general ordered, especially
down the stretch. Then I turned my attention to the Nets bench.
During timeouts, I watched, totally amused I have to say, as Byron Scott
looked around the arena for 43 seconds during the first "full" timeout.
His 3 assistants, didn't say a word in the "Coaches Huddle" for 17 seconds,
then coach Frank started and the other 2 assistants bent over to hear
him but not Byron. When the coaches broke from their huddle they went
to "Lord Moron" and laid their thoughts on him. Byron shook his head and
proceeded to the Nets bench. While Byron was birdwatching during the timeout,
Alonzo said something to the team then they commenced "Group Fan Watching"
themselves. This is not good fellas, this team was not focused at all!!!
Then "Lord Muckitty Muck" comes into the fray and not one Net player even
looked at him as he was speaking... If body language tells us anything,
this team doesn't respect this guy. Oh, by the way, Scott called 3 timeouts
down the stretch and talked to his team a total for 31 seconds for all
three!!! That's an average of 10.33 seconds per time out. Riveting information,
if I say so myself!!!
I know I drummed this into all your heads since Byron's been here but
it's going to get worse. I'm on a one man/NetsNut crusade to get this
A-HOLE fired!!! I don't care what it takes.
Let's talk about last night's observations I had. With 9:00 left in the
game, I saw Byron mutter something to Alonzo after the Rockets took the
lead and Alonzo didn't look too happy. Then he (Zo) never returned to
the game. Our best post player, rebounder, post defender and shotblocker
and he didn't play the final 9:00 minutes of the game!!! Mourning was
visibly pissed and I think he's already found out why Mutombo couldn't
stand this guy. Please fellas, don't believe that Byron's smart enough
to be saving Mourning for the playoffs. And by the way, Mourning didn't
look tired at all. Kittles and Kidd did...
Armstrong should have gotten some time last night, Kerry was horrible
and needed a break and no Armstrong. In the games that I saw this season,
so far, Armstrong looked pretty good so I couldn't understand why he wasn't
used. No, I'm not saying that Armstrong is the cure all here but when
EVERY TEAM IN THE NBA PACKS IT IN DURING THE GAME AGAINST YOU, wouldn't
it make sense to put your "best perimeter shooter" on the floor???
I guess not to Byron...
Van Gundy forced the Nets to take open (3pt) shots last night and he rolled
the dice that they couldn't make them when the game was on the line and
of course, he was right. This is the history of this franchise since Scott's
been here. If you keep it close with a few minutes left, they will break
down offensively and become predictable...
Mourning should have been used and given the ball in the post. He needs
the work and the confidence of his teammates. This guy is a warrior and
even if they lost at least it would have been with a fight. That team
last night against the Rockets threw the towel in. Tired??? Sure, when
the coach leaves you out to dry and won't use the bench, of course they
were tired. I'm tired too!!! I'm tired of this team being run into the
ground by someone who is not capable of doing the job that he's extremely
overpaid for. I had a terrible time at the game yesterday, it was boring,
lackluster and frustrating for me to watch. I'll be in my normal seats
Thursday against the Pacers. I don't expect the Nets to win that game.
And I don't think the Nets are winning over 50 games if "Lord Moron" is
coaching the entire season. I don't think he'll make it. But I thought
he wouldn't be on the bench opening day either...
Sorry I haven't been socializing with you lately, as you know, I run a
summer and fall high school basketball program and that takes up a lot
of my time, but it's over and I'm back...
Relentless as ever...
Yours in Netsdom...
- "The Lovable
and Humble" NetsNut, November 5, 2003
NetsNut:
Welcome back, I suppose. At least you're consistent. As for Lord Byron,
well, at the moment I'd have to say that Rod Thorn was smart to hold off
on that contract extension...Stay tuned.
- Joe
Binky's Bashing
Joe:
I went to the Rockets game (last Tuesday night). The only benefits were seeing Scalabrine start, and getting a Chinese Drum thingy. Oh yeah, they called it "Chinese Night", maybe when a Mexican player comes to town, they can call it "Mexican Night" or the next game when an African American comes, they can call it "Black Night". Smooth move to the genius who came up with that brilliant idea.
- Binky, November 4, 2003
Binky:
Amen, Binky. Amen. And they still couldn't get a sellout.
- Joe
Richard Jefferson Equals Kendall Gill?
Joe:
I am already concerned about the Nets. I know it's a long season, but I am already seeing weakness with the Nets. Who is shooting the ball? I just finished watching the Rockets/Nets game and one of the reasons why the Nets lost is poor shooting.
There is not one guy who can't shoot well and that could kill the Nets this year. I love Jason, but shooting is not his strong point. Kerry Kittles looks like he is shot for good. Zo is probably the best shooter on the team at this point. I like RJ, but he can't seem to come through in crunchtime. He can post good numbers, but that means nothing if you can't do well in the fourth quarter. Kendall Gill was like that for the Nets. He put good numbers, but he was meaningless in the fourth quarter and that's where RJ has to start excelling. The Nets got by the last couple of years, but this could bite them badly this year in the Eastern Conference playoffs if this continues.
- Leslie Montiero, November 4, 2003
Hey Joe,
Let's the end hype of Richard Jefferson right now. He is not a future superstar and he is not a player that will have an impact. He is nothing more than a servicable player.
I know he scored 21 points against Houston, but my complaint on RJ stems from as far as crunchtime goes. He was invisible again in the fourth quarter. If he could have found a way to step up in the fourth quarter, Nets win that game against Houston. The only guy that came up big in the fourth quarter was Brian Scalabrine of all people tonight.
RJ should be shining in situation like Tuesday night, but he never does. He comes up too small in the fourth quarter and I have grown tired of it. He is never assertive in the fourth quarter. He does not even want the ball in the fourth quarter. You realize Brian Scalabrine of all people is out there screaming to get the ball against the Rockets Tuesday night. Isn't that what RJ is supposed to be doing?
I swear I remember more games where he comes up small in the fourth quarter than when he comes up big. RJ puts up good numbers, but so did Kendall Gill when he was a Net. Kendall Gill always scored 21 points for the Nets, but he could never deliever in the fourth quarter when the Nets needed him the most in a tight spot during the John Calipari and Don Casey years. RJ is doing the same things as Kendall used to do which is why I get so frustrated with RJ sometimes.
I just think it's silly of the Nets and even the fans to even call RJ a "star" when in reality, he is nothing more than a role player. The sooner the Nets and the fans realize it, the better.
Leslie:
Wow. What did RJ ever do to you? As I see it, Jefferson has the potential to be what you claim he can never be - a star. He's a year behind Kenyon Martin, and in many ways he's following the same growth curve as KMart (minus the defensive intensity). Yes, he needs to improve his jump shot, and continue to get better and showing up late in the fourth quarter, but he does have the tools, and more importantly, the desire to be the best, which is what stars have to have. I'd bet if Martin, Rogers and Harris were healthy, and offense wasn't a problem, you wouldn't have the same complaint. Jefferson the next Gill? Hardly, in my book. Thanks for the thoughts.
- Joe
King's World
Joe:
Matt King's Nets Player Guide
# 1 Brandon Armstrong, SG - 6'-5" - Pepperdine
Wow, Armstrong really can play. Sure, he was a poor first round pick, but he's shown that he can contribute. The lefty shooter has shown an excellent ability to knock down shots, and he doesn't back down in any facet of the game. It seems that Armstrong has the confidence to succeed, but his defense and poise have been questioned. If Armstrong can continue to score, he may be around beyond this season.
# 31 Damone Brown, SF 6'-8" - Syracuse
Brown is an athletic forward who earned a roster spot out of training camp. It seems that the Nets like his scoring touch and defense. Looking at the roster, Brown is the only true small forward off the bench. (Now that Donny Marshall's gone).
#35 Jason Collins, C - 7'-0" - Stanford
"Twin" has secured the starting center job and is ready to break out. Collins is a big man with sound fundimentals and a good shot. He came to camp after another summer of dropping pounds. Now, the former Stanford star will get more minutes and his understanding of the offense will make him a vital member of the team. One more thing to note, is Collins becoming Kenyon Martin? He got a technical for flexing with a war cry after a huge dunk.
# 12 Lucious Harris, SG - 6'-5" - Long Beach State
With Harris injured, New Jersey is missing some serious bench scoring. Sure Brandon Armstrong has stepped up, but can anyone turn around a game like "Sweet Lou?" If Harris hadn't injured his back, the Nets wouldn't have had to throw Zoran Planinic into the mix, and I bet that New Jersey wouldn't have lost to Toronto. Hitting open jumpers, being a team player and providing instant offense is what Lou brings to the table.
#24 Richard Jefferson, SF - 6'-7" - Arizona
A year has made quite a season for Jefferson. "RJ" made some noise last season, his first in the starting lineup, and he's ready to breakout with an expanded game. Basically, Jefferson showed that he could dunk with flair last season. The problem was that he couldn't shoot. If Jefferson can knock down his shots, he'll be virtually unstoppable. With Lucious Harris out of the lineup, Jefferson's been asked to play some guard and showcase his decision-making and dribbling. So far, Jefferson has shown a better all-around game and is well on his way to averaging 20 points a game.
# 5 Jason Kidd, PG - 6'-4" - Cal
There's really not much left to say about Kidd. Kidd is the best passer and runs the most efficient fastbreak in the league. He has an outstanding crossover and can keep defenders honest with a steady shot. On the defensive end, "JKidd" is second-to-none in terms of hustle and effectiveness. Kidd is fearless and it shows when he drives the lane to draw a foul or jumps over a power forward to grab a rebound. Kidd has silenced all critics by becoming a team leader (the Nets' captain) and a dangerous shooter. But this isn't stuff you don't know, right?
#30 Kerry Kittles, SG - 6'-5" - Villanova
Kittles is one of the streakiest players in the NBA. When he has his shot, Kittles can pull up and drain it from anywhere on the floor. When he's struggling, Kittles will become hesitant but still end up forcing poor shots. Despite his struggles, I think we should all appreciate the fact that Kittles is still playing after his bum knee forced him to miss a season. Now, with the knee healthy, Kittles is a runningmate for Jason Kidd and a threat from the perimeter.
# 6 Kenyon Martin, PF - 6'-9" - Cincinnati
"KMart" is a hard player to judge. He's the kind of player who gets you jumping out of your seat with a vicious tomohawk. He's also the kind of player who pisses you off by forcing up shots. (Game 6, 2003 NBA Finals) Looking at the positives, Martin brings an incredible passion for the game of basketball that causes him to demand the best of himself and his teammates. (Keith Van Horn) Martin has established himself as a post-presence with a good hook-shot. This season, the jumper has been flowing, but last year's playoffs will always cause me to cringe when Martin pulls up. For me, Martin isn't worth the money he demanded during the offseason. He is worth something, though.
#33 Alonzo Mourning, C - 6-10 - Georgetown
"'Zo" is back in business, ready to take on the East in limited minutes. I never liked Mourning when he was in Miami, but it's hard not to smile when you see him in a Nets jersey. He dedicated himself to overcoming his kidney ailment, and that's something that's quite an accomplishment. But Mourning didn't stop there, he had a good preseason and has been very effective off the bench in the regular season. I think New Jersey is the perfect situation for Mourning because he doesn't have to play. When effective, Jason Collins and Aaron Williams are nice enough to take a seat or more to power forward. But when he's not on his game, Mourning can take a rest with assurance that his position is being covered.
#2 Doug Overton, PG - 6'-3" - La Salle
Overton is on the Nets roster to serve as a mentor for Zoran Planinic. (As if Jason Kidd isn't a good role model) During the preseason, Overton impressed the Nets by providing energy off the bench and being a team leader. I'll be surprised if Overton gets many minutes.
#10 Zoran Planinic, PG - 6'-7" - Croatia
Planinic's job this season is to learn. Doug Overton can handle any minutes Jason Kidd needs to relinquish. Already, Planinic looks like he has the tools to be a Net. He runs a run-and-gun offense and has shown Kidd-like unselfishness. It may be early to compare Planinic to Kidd, but they play similar games. Planinic comes off screens to hit shots, and he loves to get his team running in the open court. I think he'll be a pleasant surprise.
#54 Rodney Rogers, PF - 6'-7" - Wake Forest
I don't like Rogers. He's too big (I won't say fat) to help in transition, and he couldn't hit threes. So what can Rogers do? He's pretty solid fundamentally in the post, he's got some nice pivot moves. Rogers can hit the offensive glass, and he can handle his position defensively. Sorry, but I'm not seeing Rogers as 6th Man of the Year. Still, he brings some offense to the table and eats up minutes.
#21 Brian Scalabrine, PF - 6'-9" - USC
Who doesn't love Scalabrine? He's all-out-hustle all the time. He dives out of bounds for loose balls. He scores cheap points on out-of-control drives and grabs rebounds as a bonus. "Veal" has the support of his city and coaching staff. Now it's a matter of finding playing time to show off his odd way of producing. Scalabrine will never be smooth or poetry-in-motion but he'll put up numbers. And hey, who doesn't love watching a guy named Veal make awkward moves on his way to success.
#8 Tamar Slay, SG - 6'-8" - Marshall
When he gets his chance, Slay will be a very good player. Like I said last year, Slay reminds me of a Tracy McGrady with some shooting issues. Slay has the athletic ability to be a dependalbe swingman, but his shooting's holding him back. Who taught him to stick his elbows out like that? Brandon Armstrong could teach Slay a thing or two and vice-versa.
#34 Aaron Williams, C - 6'-9" - Xavier
The "A-Train" is pulling into Jersey for another season. Again, Williams will be the third center on the depth chart and will grab some minutes at power forward. It's so great seeing a hard-working, undrafted player like Williams succeed. He's shown devestating post moves and a dependable jumper which has come in handy. On defense, Williams is foul-prone but he gets the job done without complaint. Williams is soft-spoken and doesn't demand playing time, important traits for being the third-string center on the Nets.
- Matt King
Matt:
What, didn't like my writeups? Seriously, thanks for the thoughts on the 2003 - 2004 Nets roster.
- Joe
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