Joe Netsfan's Blog

Pardon The Interruption

2008-12-21T22:55:00.002-05:00

So, it's been a long, long time away from anything to do with Joe Netsfan.com. If anyone is actually reading this, I'd be surprised.

Well, long time or first time, Joe's been battling with illness and surgery over the past three weeks, further stressing out the season of stress we like to call Christmas. In any case, though I still feel like crap, I am due for a long break of vacation and will be attempting to go through my copious notes of the Nets goods and bads over the last 9 games and catch the site up.

Some of the surprising things we continue to see in Netsfanland:

-Devin Harris is bonified. See the way he outplayed Kidd the other night? Priceless.

- The Nets, though they've surprised the hell out of us thus far, have a long, long way to go on defense.

- Love the way that Jarvis Hayes fits in with this group. Hope he can stay healthy.

- Brook Lopez is going to be a load in this league, and I mean that in the best way possible. Lopez vs. Jason Collins - compare. I'll give you two sentences, max.

- The Nets are blowing games they should be winning, but they're also winning games they should be losing. It's going to be a year of that, and if the Nets wind up at 41 - 41, I think we'll all be happy, playoffs or not. This team can definitely have a future, with Harris and Lopez the building blocks.

- Jury's still out on Yi. Can't seem to string together two consecutive consistent minutes, let alone two games. You have to wonder if he'll ever be Mr Consistency.

- Though you love to beat on him, Lawrence Frank has done a helluva job with the personnel he's been handed. You would have thought that 8 - 18 was a more likely record after 26 games.

- Lastly, Vince Carter has been mighty impressive as well. He's playing all out, and even if he has a bad game, he's showing leadership like Kidd used to provide for the younger crowd.

Give me the next week or so to catch up (assuming no setbacks with this damned bug). I may get the latest few up, and then do a summary of the other games I missed.

And if you weren't reading before, well, I guess no great loss, right?

-Joe

Say A Prayer

2008-12-04T22:39:00.002-05:00

Say a prayer for Rodney Rogers, aka Deebo, who was the scorer off the bench for the 2002 - 2003 Net squad that went to the NBA Finals. Rodney apparently fell off his ATV in the middle of nowhere and is now paralyzed from the shoulders down. Though it never quite worked out here for Rodney, he was a good guy, fun to watch, and his story got much better once he retired back to his roots of Durham, NC.

As for me, well, say I prayer that I can ever get back to the level of service I expect to provide. Trying to catch up to the present, but I've been trying to do that since May 31.

We'll regroup and get back on the beam shortly. For now, I'll get the Washington game (which I've yet to watch) and tomorrow's TWolves game up as soon as I can this weekend.

Here's to a hope for recovery for Rodney.

Joe

Setting Expectations

2008-10-26T23:35:00.003-04:00

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

2008-10-21T22:26:00.002-04:00

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?

2008-10-19T22:52:00.002-04:00

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

2008-10-16T22:55:00.004-04:00

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

2008-10-15T22:51:00.002-04:00

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

2008-10-12T20:15:00.004-04:00

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

2008-10-09T18:40:00.002-04:00

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

Like Death And Taxes...

2008-09-08T21:21:00.002-04:00

Things break.

Readers don't like posts, comments, ideas or critiques.

And time moves forward regardless.

We suffered a major computer failure here at JNF (the mother of all motherboard failures, apparently) that we're in the process of sorting out. Weeks behind, and with a ton of stuff to catch up on (and apparently bore you with, thanks Peter), we'll try to get back on the horse and figure out which way is up in Netsfanland.

While we were gone:

- The Nets held "voluntary" practices for a week, with everyone but Yi attending. While this is heartening, Waltons'-esque kind of family togetherness, will it make a difference since there are only 3 players left from last season's start? Sorry, I don't think it's going to help much. But it makes for good, no make it great, press.

- The Nets are going to run a new offense this season - the dribble drive offense that Memphis ran last season with Chris Douglas Roberts having a great offensive season. Probably more like drivel drive with the Nets' running it...

- VC's getting trashed (no surprise there, but has anyone who writes about the NBA actually watched Carter over the past few years? He's not the guy who wanted out of Toronto, and while he's not exactly comfortable as the go-to guy, he's going to have to be this year for certain. And that's not a bad thing for Netsfans, since Carter, at his motivational best, is a scorer to be reckoned with. IF and only if he stops settling for the jumper each time down the court.

- The Nets will start their training camp a weekend earlier than the rest of the league since they're headed to London and Paris for exhibitions. So that means we only have another three weeks of desperate, boring speculation to go before we start to see/hear about/understand what the 2008 - 2009 season will bring. Hey, at least Jason Kidd isn't around to age before our eyes...

- Yes, we're still annoyed that RJ was traded for Yi. Yes, RJ was overpaid and probably had peaked as a player (and who wants to see a formerly unselfish player turn selfish, practically overnight and when everything else was falling apart at the same time?), but aside from younger and cheaper, I don't see that this was the deal the Nets should have made. I also understand that there wasn't exactly a ton of demand for RJ's services, but unless the Nets retool with the likes of LeBron in 2010 and beyond, they might have been better off sticking it out with RJ. But as my new good friend Peter would say, there's nothing new there.

- I still have hope that this team will be better than the sum of its parts. I don't know that they'll look pretty doing it, but remember how much praise used to be heaped on Princeton and that damned ugliness they put on the court each game to get wins? With Boston, Philly and Toronto all better in the Atlantic, it's a rebuilding year and that's pretty much all it is.

Much more to come, including our usual preseason stuff and a whole lot more. I appreciate you hanging in there if you are even reading these words, and hopefully we have the web site worked out and back cranking out material daily in the next week or so. Luckily, as far as I know everything is backed up somewhere in cyberspace.

Looking forward to this season, as strange as that sounds. Perhaps like watched a car wreck in slow motion or something like that, but looking forward to it nonetheless.

-Joe

The Olympic Roundup

2008-08-19T21:41:00.002-04:00

OK, Netsfans, now it gets interesting as the Olympic basketball tournament gets to the medal round. Does anyone really expect the Redeem Team to lose to anyone?

The only real interest of note around these parts is the play of Nets newbie Yi Jianlian. In a word, it's been mediocre at best, and at times pathetic. He's young, it's a ton of pressure, and he's been playing basketball for Team China, so you could understand his almost complete lack of grace in the tourney. But what does this mean for the Nets?

Probably not a helluva lot. Unless you are one of those few who think that Yi will light up the NBA (and the Izod, or whatever it's called this year), what difference will it make if he struggles in the Olympics? We'd like to think this experience will make him a better player, and it may yet, it's just not going to translate to much in the Nets' 2008 - 2009 season.

Hopefully, you can accept that.

We get an entire season to see if this ploy works out, this salary dump to rid themselves of Richard Jefferson and invest in a younger, taller, much more Asian forward who can sell tickets and hold cap space for 2010. Sure, the Nets are hoping the Asian population buys every ticket in the arena so they can focus on moving to Brooklyn without having to declare bankruptcy, so what else matters?

The play on the court, that's what.

Like the Olympics, there's going to a lot of USA - Angola type matchups, I'm afraid. Vince Carter jacking 25 shots a night, Devin Harris driving and dishing (to whom, we wonder), and frankly, anything else they can scrape together. Keyon Dooling and Bobby Simmons will each have to score 15 points a game at this rate.

But at least the vaunted rookies should hopefully get some seasoning.

Sit back, relax, enjoy the Olympics and the expected domination by LeBron, Kobe, JKidd and co. It's the last look you're likely to get at a championship calibre team until 2010.

-Joe

Games Without Frontiers

2008-08-02T21:30:00.002-04:00

So as the world takes a pause from its troubles and strife and heads to China for the Olympics, let us take a moment and contemplate the NBA as of August 2, 2008.

There has been a lot of retooling around the league, to be expected in the annual chase to catch up to the latest thinking on how to win a championship - this time it's defense, 3 superstars, and the "right" role players. Of course, some of those role players have taken themselves to the Euroleagues or other places beyond, so it might be a bit more difficult for teams to find the right 10th, 11th, or 12th man. The money grab isn't exactly troubling, at least not until one of the big NBA stars decides to cash a $40 million per year check at the expense of some rich Russian team owner.

Many of the world's finest players will be on display at the Olympics, including our own Yi Jianlian, part of the home contingent. So too is Jason Kidd, the ex-Net and world beater (no pun intended) who still has an undefeated Olympic record, though he should be turning over the keys to Chris Paul any moment now. The USA squad, led by LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, looks pretty motivated, judging by the beatings they've put on teams in the pre-season so far.

Back closer to home, we continue to ponder this new-look Net squad, and the pieces that remain after losing Nenad Krstic to Russia. It has all the makings of a team in transition, one whose success will depend entirely on the whole being better than the sum of its parts. Yes, we're worried about scoring, shooting, and right now, even defense, but if these guys can put out maximum effort and get strong coaching, they could surprise, we suppose.

Of course, it'll come down to coaching, since the veteran quotient shrunk dramatically in the off-season. Two new coaches climb aboard - classic NBA overachiever Doug Overton and NBA washout Roy Rogers (hold off on the names till we play the name game). Plus, it appears Jim Sann may have a bigger role on the coaching staff as well, with holdovers Tom Barrise and lead assistant Brian Hill supplying the consistency.

But it will come down to head coach Lawrence Frank and his ability to whip together not only the new coaching staff, but all the new players as well. Since East Rutherford has become the international house of basketball players, will there be any large cultural adjustment needed that the coaching staff will have to smooth over? After all, one of the biggest off-season additions was Yi, who finds himself in the world's largest media market (even though the Nets might as well be playing in Siberia now that Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson are gone) and all the accompanying baggage that will follow. Can he perform at a high level under this coaching staff and the glare of bright lights (plus the knowledge of Netsfans that he was traded for Richard Jefferson, a local fan favorite?).

Right now the roster is unbalanced, and the more I review it, the more afraid I become. Too many front line players, not enough guards or shooters, and my word how about another point guard? A trade will likely have to follow, but who's buying what the Nets want to sell? So far, according to Al Iannazone, no one is interested in the two Net frontliners they'd like to be without, Stromile Swift and Sean Williams. Why you would give up on an athletic freak like Williams is beyond me, but again, if he's one of those guys the coaching staff deems will "never get it", then I guess it makes sense. Not having a true position doesn't help either. So if the Nets can rid themselves of at least one of those two, they could be forced to deal a player they'd rather keep, like one of the rookies or other youngsters who might have value. That wouldn't be optimal.

Instead Netsfans should get used to Vince Carter and Devin Harris at the guards, Yi and Bobby Simmons (or Eddie Najera) at the forwards, and either Josh Boone or Brook Lopez at center. Not exactly awe inspiring, but the bench is at least better than last year (with the exception of shooter). Keyon Dooling will back up both Harris and Carter, so he's in the rotation. But who else will be a regular contributor? Najera (or Simmons) for certain - Jarvis Hayes because he fills a definite role off the bench (shooter) - and at least one or two more big men. Figure Lopez (if he doesn't start) and fellow rookies Ryan Anderson and Chris Douglas Roberts get time in and out of the lineup (rather than regular, steady time so they can develop). After that? With the way Frank operates, your guess is as good as mine.

Celebrate the Olympics, and the US Olympic team (like him or hate him, you can't root against Kidd in this situation), and understand that the NBA will likely take a giant pause over the next two weeks. Things probably won't get interesting again (if they do at all) until late August or September, and then before you know it, the Nets will be right back in training camp.

Let's hope there's more to the story...

-Joe

Russian Winters

2008-07-28T21:11:00.002-04:00

Maybe the Nets are considering a farm team in Russia?

For the second time in a few weeks, it appears a Net will ply his trade in Russia intstead of hanging around the NBA. First it was Boki Nachbar, now it appears that Nenad Krstic ("we want him back, we swear") is leaving for more money and less pressure out in Russia. Good for him, we say.

Since the Nets have a glut of players up front, why not see if he can round back into form out in Russia? It doesn't cost the Nets anything, the retain his NBA rights, and for all we know at this time next year (Krstic has an opt out after the season to return to the NBA), the Nets are once again lacking depth up front and Krstic steps right back into the rotation. Of course, if he can't get his most formidable skills on the court back, well, Trader Rod was once again smart.

The Nets were hoping to do a sign-and-trade with another NBA team to get something back for Krstic, but this works just as well.

Frankly, even with the shaky comeback from the knee surgery, he was one of the Nets' more known commodities. Now what happens if all the depth up front doesn't quite pan out? If Brook Lopez isn't ready for prime time? If Sean Williams (if the Nets hold on to him) doesn't show any more maturity? If Josh Boone regresses? You get the point.

We'll miss Nenad - he was a godsend just a few short years ago when the Nets were thinner than thin up front, he was a rookie, and we expected absolutely nothing but 12th man status, and Nenad carried the frontliners? It all ended too quickly back in December 2006, for him as well as for us.

So the changes continue in Netsland, the Russians get a bonifide question mark, and we're not nearly done seeing all the new concepts in the NBA circa 2008. Who would have thought that the Euro would be the drawing card to lure talent away from the NBA?

- Joe

Marcus of Golden State

2008-07-22T20:40:00.002-04:00

Great fit - the no defense Warriors and the no defense Marcus Williams.

So, the Nets get a conditional first round pick (in 2011, 2012 or 2013, or 2 second rounders...interesting how complex this stuff gets) back for a guy who was clearly not in favor in Netsland (and with Lawrence Frank).

Shame, since he appeared to have all the talent in the world, but as I said before, no idea how to harness it. A questionable work ethic combined with an allergy to defense doomed him in the eyes of management.

Remember a few short off-seasons ago when it appeared the Nets got a steal and the heir apparent to Jason Kidd? Well, now you have Devin Harris and Keyon Dooling as your point guards, and Marcus is off to score a million and one points with the Warriors. Kind of makes you a bit nervous as to how he'll turn out under someone else's watch, since he does have the ability to do well in the all offense all the time game the Warriors play.

But, that leaves the Nets with 15 guaranteed contracts, and the likelihood that one or more current Nets will also be leaving the building (somehow, I don't think Nenad Krstic will be on the opening roster, and Mo Ager probably shouldn't be making firm plans for Christmas 2008 in NJ...). The glut of fowards also needs resolution, because there are just too many players to spread the playing time around for.

That's going to be the big challenge for Lawrence Frank - fielding a competitive though young team, and keeping them in games, without having a 12 or 13 man rotation. We all know Lawrence would like an 8 or 9 man rotation, so there are an awful lot of players who could be on the outside looking in.

Problems for another day. Marcus, we hardly knew ye, and though we were teased by your potential only occasionally, we wish you nothing but luck in the Western Conference.

-Joe

Taking Shape

2008-07-18T23:35:00.002-04:00

Wow, did you ever think you'd see a Net team under Bruce Ratner (motto: I ain't losing $40 mill a year forever) have 16 guaranteed contracts?

Well, that's what the Nets will have after they do a sign and trade for Keyon Dooling, who's been the object of the Nets affections for years.

A complete turnover of the roster since the start of last season leaves the Nets a very interesting team right now. Dooling is a young vet who can add some legs, some defense, and a turn at the point if necessary, which probably leaves young Marcus Williams packing his backs for points elsewhere (hey, is Memphis still collecting point guards?). A shame about poor Marcus, who appeared to have a world of talent but doesn't have a clue as to how best to harness it.

So with Dooling backing up Carter and Harris, and a logjam at the center and forward spots, this Nets team is taking shape and looking very much like a bit more than a rag tag team of definite losers. If Brook Lopez can learn the NBA game on the fly, if Chris Douglas Roberts can add a spark off the bench, and if the Nets can get some offense from a bunch of these role players, well, then maybe the Nets won't be a challenged as we had thought just a week or so ago.

And with Carter to (hopefully) sell some tickets, the rookies, Harris and a few others, it might not be the worst game in town (think maybe the Knicks will still play that role in the NYC area?).

Of course, it all comes down to Lawrence Frank and the coaching staff to get everyone to buy in, put together a rotation that capitalizes on strength, and hopefully go against type and give the rookies some PT so that they can develop. That might be the biggest challenge facing these New Jersey Nets - getting the coach to trust his youngsters and give them the PT they need to develop. I for one would rather watch a 35 win team that hustles and learns and grows throughout the season than a 40 win team that's flat out boring and going nowhere fast.

The next trick is to see who goes, and how fast - (no the Nets won't keep 16 guaranteed contracts, or even 15 for that matter) Nenad Krstic? Marcus? Sean Williams? Stromile Swift? Josh Boone or Mo Ager or the Keith Van Horn contract?

Put your money on Marcus and Nenad, unfortunately. The Nets likely want to have no more than 14 guaranteed contracts, and you know the 3 rookies, Carter, Harris, Najera, Hayes and Dooling are sticking around, so that makes 8 potential players that could be had in a trade. There's some value in Swift (expiring contract at season's end), Ager (same), Van Horn's contract, and I would guess that the Williams' boys value has declined somewhat and the bottom feeders will be out in force trying to catch Rod at a weak moment. But as has always been the case, no one will get the better of Rod.

Stay tuned - things continue to get interesting...

-Joe

International Flavor, But What's To Savor?

2008-07-12T20:56:00.002-04:00

Oh, dear me...it looks like the Nets are going to fill their roster with "serviceable veterans" after the signings of Eddie Najera and Jarvis Hayes brings the roster to 15. Seems like about 13 of those 15 are forwards or centers, so perhaps the plan by Thorn and Vanderweghe is to corner the market on big men, and hope that some team needs what the Nets have and will want to deal with NJ.

Or not, because frankly, there is no way this can be over (and Thorn even said so himself).

I'm a bit baffled by the signing of Hayes, who has never done much in the "making an impression" department. Supposedly he can shoot, but really, is this an upgrade over Boki Nachbar (and I've read the pros and cons from everyone out there already - perhaps Thorn thought that Boki was a permanent bad back waiting to happen after last season?)? Frankly, I think not. Let's hope this guy doesn't wind up as the 14th man, because that's an awful lot of money to spend on a guy who is as inconsistent as they come.

Najera I understand. Not only is a solid front line player, good soldier and even a decent three point shooter, but he's the league's only Mexican born player, which fits right in with the Nets new motto - "hey, we may not challenge for a playoff berth, but we'll be able to market to any ethnicity in the tri-state area". Eddie's hard-nosed and frankly we don't understand why Mark Cuban didn't want him back (and seriously overpay for him) in Dallas.

So, Eddie got a 4 year deal, that puts him into the 2010 "let's sign LeBron" fantasy camp. He's likely front loaded on his contract so that he doesn't screw up the cap space, but we're still wondering if this is the best way to rebuild the team.

I guess it is if you are refusing to take large losses, but then again, if the team stinks, won't it just be harder to get fans into the Izod?

Jarvis Hayes? Ok, I'll stop repeating his name now, and accept that this may be this year's Jeff MacInnis. Wouldn't the money have been better spent on a backup combo guard like Keyon Dooling (and I am no fan of his either, but he's got to be a better signing than Hayes).

I did read some optimism over the past day about the Nets being better than anything thinks they will be. Well, until Thorn makes more changes, you can forget about that.

But, the Nets do have hope - though it's only the summer league, Brook Lopez looked like a man amongst boys in the pivot, Ryan Anderson had some moments to build on, Chris Douglas Roberts played like he had that second round chip on his shoulder, and this Jaycee Carroll guy may have found himself a home after going undrafted. Suddenly, you have to wonder if Sean Williams or Josh Boone are expendable...Williams because he doesn't have a true position and seems a bit thick in the head, and Boone because there are others on the team that might be better served in the offense.

But again, we'll see what transpires, since the Nets are thin at guard.

Let's hope the 3 rookies stick around and get some NBA tutoring from Vince Carter and others...because otherwise, there really isn't a lot to get excited for with this squad.

More thoughts coming tomorrow.

Joe

Yi Haw!

2008-07-09T22:03:00.002-04:00

Well pardners, Yi is in town, and things will never be quite the same again in Netsfanland.

No, he's not an international superstar, at least not yet. But he's bringing in a media horde from the world's most populated country, and he's playing in the largest media market in the world. So, the Nets now have that going for them. Even if no one shows up at the Izod Center next season, the world's eyeballs will be watching...

Oh, we don't even want to get into the details of the wonderous press conference, where it was said that Yi is very talented and they expect big things out of him yada yada...what we want to know is, was it worth trading Richard Jefferson for him or not? Unfortuntately, that won't be proven out for awhile, and it will also largely depend on whom the Nets surround him with on the court.

And there's the Lawrence Frank factor. L Frank has never has as much talent or depth on the front line in his time here (guards and wing players ruled the day, obviously), but now he's got Brook Lopez (who went for another 22 and 8 tonight in a win over the Seattle Oklahomans...), Yi, Simmons, Josh Boone, Sean Williams, and Stromile Swift, not to mention the other rook Ryan Anderson and Trenton Hassell and possible Nenad Krstic. That's probably too much (who the hell shoots the damned ball from outside if Boki doesn't return, but it's a nice problem to have.

If they produce.

And when Yi is your best immediate hope for offense up front, well, that's trouble right there. His game needs polish, and Joe's still concerned that he doesn't want to put in the time, especially with his international Olympic commitments for China. Will he break down come February, or sooner?

Sure, the marketing will go into overdrive in Chinatown and the New York area (can't you see it now - come see the Chinese sensation from New Jersey and the Italian Stallion from New York in Danilo Gallinari), and it can't hurt when it comes to making news in the post Kidd era, but I think expectations had better not be high for the men on the court. We'll starve until 2010 and the move to Brooklyn as the youngsters learn how to play, and won't that be great for New Jersey Netsfans...

We'll have to comment more on that in the coming days, because the more I think about it, unless Thorn's got more moves up his sleeves, we're doomed to some boring, low scoring ball in New Jersey next year.

Just what Netsfans needed...

OK, we'll give it a chance today, especially if Thorn can move pieces for a Marcus Camby or someone else. But with the Sixers grabbing Elton Brand today, the division hasn't gotten any easier between the world champion Celtics, the improved Sixers and the always dangerous Raptors. More work is needed.

More to come tomorrow. Maybe we'll rank on Bobby Simmons, and talk about some of the other moves in the NBA (since the Nets appear to be striking out on their free agent hit list, with Pietrus and Mason signing elsewhere).

Joe

Who's Gonna Score?

2008-07-08T23:36:00.002-04:00

Finally, back online to worry about the Nets and not where the furniture's gonna fit in the office....

Yes, Joe moved JNF HQ, and all the baggage that goes along with it. Memo to self - never have a baby and move within a month of each other...

But while JNF HQ was being prepared for moving, Joe had a lot of time to think, and adjust on the fly, as things started coming together for the Nets on draft night.

This is a very interesting, very young Nets team at the moment. This is both good and very bad.

First, let me applaud Nets management for pulling the plug on something that wasn't working, blowing things up and deciding to reach for future glory (and cap space). Though Richard Jefferson was moved, this is a good thing.

What's not so good, ok, very bad, is what this team is left with. An NBA marketing dream in Yi Jianlian in the New York area, sure, but is Bobby Simmons going to resurrect his career and suddenly throw in 20 points per night? In fact, is this Nets team going to break 70 points a game as presently configured?

Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson have already dissed the Nets as currently configured, by the way...

With 3 Net rookies likely to make the team, and Marcus Williams, Sean Williams, Josh Boone and Mo Ager still on this team, they are certainly young. But they're also without a lot of scoring options aside from Vince Carter, especially if they can't hold on to Boki Nachbar (and don't be too sure he won't wind up in the Garden, playing for the Knicks).

So, it's good to change, but unfortunately, we Netsfans may be the ones to suffer.
No major scoring threat from Carter means you need a whole lot of contribution from Devin Harris as scoring option #2 and try to establish a consistent and regular go-to option #3 (is that Yi?). Maybe they'll play like the Jeff Van Gundy teams of old and they'll win a lot of 72 - 70 games.

Ick.

Looks like the Nets could have found a diamond in the rough as they start play in the Summer League in Orlando. Jaycee (what a dumb name) Carroll might be an interesting bench player, from all early indications. Lord knows they need someone who can shoot. And the big men down there seem to be proving themselves especially defensively, as Michael Beasley ran into a buzz saw named Sean Williams tonight even as the Nets lost. But Sean's uneven play in the first game makes you wonder where his head is at, and if he's ever going to truly get it. He should be dominating that league...

We'll keep an eye on Chris Douglas Roberts and Ryan Anderson, perhaps they may be the keys to some offense this season. Though it's hard to come in as a rookie and make nightly contributions, so that's not exactly a legitimate hope right now...

While we're here - what's with Richard Jefferson expressing surprise at being traded? How could he not know it was coming, and that the team was working hard to accomplish it? Kind of a sad exit for RJ fans (and yes, I was one of them, up to the end and even though he'd decided defense wasn't a priority...).

More thoughts coming tomorrow, as I get back into the swing of things...I would love to know if you are excited or not about the changes made so far, and if you're just dreaming of 2010 and massive cap space (and willing to wait at that...). Drop me a line if your head is there...

Joe

...And Chris Douglas Roberts, too

2008-06-27T21:26:00.002-04:00

The Nets may have gotten the steal of the draft at #40, Chris Douglas Roberts of Memphis, who was expected to go in the first round.

Of course, my first paranoid reaction was, "why did he slip so far?", but a steal's a steal (just like Marcus Williams was a few years ago?).

So, the Nets get younger, they get under the cap, they change out the roster in a heartbeat (ok, I'm still not ok with Yi, but I'll let it work itself out), and likely they've seen the last of Nenad Krstic, Boki Nachbar and Gana Diop.

This is a young, young team as it stands - are we sure that Rod doesn't have something up his sleeve? Could be another painful year, Netsfans, even with Carter and Harris returning...

Overall, a good to great draft for the Nets, but we are officially in - we can say it now - rebuilding mode.

More to come, have to get the move of JNF HQ out of the way in the week ahead. Then, we'll see where we are once July 1 rolls around, who stays and who goes around the league, and start cleaning up the site for the 2008 - 2009 season.

Just think - a few more years before the Nets move to Brookly and I can get out of this gig.

Brooklyn (Brook) Lopez playing in Brooklyn? You can't make this stuff up.

-Joe

The Change Has Begun - But For The Better?

2008-06-26T21:25:00.002-04:00

Wow. Rod and Kiki were serious about making a change, and not just a small one.

Richard Jefferson to the Bucks for Yi Jinlian and Bobby Simmons is about as much change as we can expect. It's not the deal that any Netsfan wants, but it's the deal nonetheless.

It certainly changes the complexion of the Nets, and now as I see the Nets have drafted Brook Lopez with the #10 pick, the Nets have gotten larger quickly. Maybe somewhat tougher, but Yi is likely not going to be confused for a tough guy any time soon.

Lopez is a good pick, the right pick considering who was left on the draft board. Will he be an immediate game-changer? Likely not. But he can most likely come in and contribute right away. And the Nets need all the help they can get, even if the help they appear to be getting is younger (Yi is only 20, and Lopez came out after his sophomore year).

The big question is - do I like the moves? Not entirely, but I think we'll have to give it a chance, or perhaps Thorn isn't done yet. I don't get why they are so high on Yi, since he never did much of anything against the Nets last season, but I guess we'll have to play it out.

Jefferson was a solid citizen who maybe regressed last year as all offense, little defense, which was exactly what the Nets DIDN'T need.

And was this a move toward the big 2010 free agent class led by LeBron? The Nets will gain flexibility with this pick since Simmons' deal is a year shorter than RJ's, but it's probably a pipe dream to think the Nets will be in the running for him.

The Nets are retooling - they had to, this team wasn't exactly scaring anyone last season - but will the trade, plus the draft picks, plus the remaining core, be enough to put the Nets back into the playoffs?

Right now, I don't see how...

The Nets second pick, #21, is just in - Ryan Anderson from California. Interesting pick for a team that is now swimming with bigs. This just begs for a trade.

A bit surprising the Nets didn't pick a shooter or slasher - guess this was a "best remaining athlete on the board" pick? Seems he's a good outside shooter, though - so maybe he's Boki's replacement (or training under Boki if he comes back)

The Nets roster now has:
C Nenad Krstic (restricted free agent I assume the Nets will pick up or trade)
C Desagana Diop (free agent - the Nets must not think he's coming back)
F/C Josh Boone (a staple last year, his growth one of the few bright spots)
F Boki Nachbar (free agent)
F Stromile Swift
F/C Sean Williams
F Trenton Hassel
F Yi Jinlian
F Bobby Simmons
F/C Brook Lopez
F Ryan Anderson

That's a lot of front liners...If Diop is gone, and maybe Boki too, it makes sense. Otherwise, there must be some dealing to come, since the first round picks get guaranteed contracts.

And looking at this, and the roster, the Nets are painfully thin at guard, with only Carter, Harris, Marcus Williams and Mo Ager on the roster right now (Armstrong DID retire, correct?).

More to come, I'm sure.

A reminder (as if you were really going to remember) - JNF will be largely silent for the next week or so as we pack up and move headquarters about a mile east.

-Joe

Caffeine Buzz

2008-06-24T21:29:00.002-04:00

Now we're talking - rumors are flying, things are starting to heat up, and still there is zero consensus of what's to come on Thursday night.

All of this should work in the Nets' favor.

Teams are unsure of where the real talent is in this draft beyond #'s 1 and 2, and it sounds like even #2 Miami isn't all that in love with Michael Beasley if Chicago does the expected and takes Derrick Rose with the first pick. That's good news - more and more it looks like the Nets will find someone unexpected falling into their laps.

That is, if they don't trade up. Or trade down. Or even trade out.

Rod Thorn is fielding calls for the Nets' picks, and apparently things are starting to get interesting. Trading down with Portland for the #13th pick sounds like a real option.

And the latest word is plenty of teams covet the Nets #21 pick and so far they're not biting. Too much youth ain't a good thing, but maybe Thorn has ideas to package bodies later in the summer...that's probably too much to hope for.

In any case, this is the best part of the off-season, when the caffeine buzz finally kicks in and months of talking about everything and nothing starts to come to fruition.

I'll say it again - the Nets need to make changes, and quickly. Not just hiring Doug Overton to replace Pat Sullivan kind of changes, but big, meaningful changes. Adding 3 more rookies to the mix isn't exactly a short term growth plan, but if that's what Thorn and Vanderweghe decide, then we're in for a bit of a long season.

But I can't imagine that Rod wants to wait 3 years or more to be a good team again. I'm sure he'll come up with something before hanging it all up when the move to Brooklyn happens.

And speaking of that, it appears the last of the major legal hurdles has been cleared, since the Supreme Court refused to hear any arguments relative to the case. So, despite the heavy costs incurred to date, looks like Mr Ratner will get his wish. And we'll eventually see the Nets leave New Jersey, to the usual blanket of apathy...

Let the countdown begin...

At least to Thursday night, when the Nets world (hopefully) starts changing...

-Joe

Big Bigger Biggest

2008-06-21T19:20:00.002-04:00

We're dialed in exactly 5 days before the draft, and from the looks of things, the Nets are keeping their picks at #10, 21, and 40.

Or maybe not.

Such is the life of the Nets right now - in stealth rebuilding mode, wanting to move one of their chief assets (albeit one that's overpaid) in Richard Jefferson while bringing in newer and younger blood. Holding some good draft pick spots in a draft where quality will come, but will it be at #3, #10, or even #24? It's that kind of draft - Rose and Beasley and then everyone else.

So the #10 pick will likely net quality, but is also something of a crap shoot. How do you feel about that, Netsfans? Can the Nets afford to take someone with serious upside potential but also needing 2 or 3 (or more) years to get there? Do they need to cast the waters for Antoine Wright version 2.0?

Dave D and others say the Nets have five players on their wishlist for #10, including 2 guards. The expectation is the Nets will pick Danilo Gallinari, the forward with the sweet stroke (but unathletic)from Italy if he's there at 10. Certain folks feel he could be another Dirk Nowitzki in the making, and the Nets would be fools to pass him up if he's still there at 10.

Let them be fools, I say. Will he be the second coming of Nowitzki, or Andrea Bargnani? Is that something we want?

Others on the list of five - F Joe Alexander, C Brook Lopez, G Russell Westbrook, and G Eric Gordon, if any of those folks are still on the board.

Not expected to be on the board, but with a serious man-crush by Vanderweghe and Thorn, is Kevin Love of UCLA, who isn't expected to make it past #5.

Anyone on the list excite you more than any other? Should the Nets trade up, or trade down? Or better still, package the pick for existing, established talent?

At this point, you know how I feel - move the pick, either for a better draft position in the top five or for someone who can help the Nets right away (like Elton Brand, perhaps, though he's only an example), rather than settle for Gallinari or even Lopez (and they might turn out to be fine pros, but the Nets need someone to help them win NOW, not in three years' time).

But, if the Nets don't go that way, and stay at #10, grabbing a big over a guard would be a good idea (though Westbrook intrigues, to say the least, as does OJ Mayo if by miracle he drops down).

Go big, says Joe. Of course we love Love over here at JNFHQ, but there are others on the board we'd certainly be interested in bringing in, everyone from Anthony Randolph to Mareese Spreights, and a whole bunch more. Can the Nets get quality at #21? Even better.

Of course, #21 could surely be reserved for a shooter, which the Nets seem always to be in short supply of. There isn't anyone in the draft that should be considered a lock, but there are options to pick one up (and I won't get into them here, because no one is really interested in them per se).

Go big. Do something big. Bigger. Biggest. That's my opinion on things - whether it means trading up to get some Love, or trading down to get a veteran body plus a draftee, whatever.

Hell, right now I'd even consider the muck in the papers that has Richard Jefferson going to Phoenix for Leandro Barbosa and Boris Diaw. Just because it would be doing something different. Add Love or Lopez or Darrell Arthur upfront, and it will at least begin the serious change away from the Jason Kidd era.

Face it, no one is convinced the Nets can win anything with Jefferson and Carter and a cast of role players. Might as well make the big play.

Of course, draft night always throws us a curve somewhere (like in 2002, when the Nets selected Eddie Griffin and Netsfans were for the most part despondant, then a bit confused when he was traded for 3 bodies), and there is no better time for that curve to be from the Nets.

Sure will be interesting to see what the Nets actually come up with, and who falls downward or floats upward in the draft.

More thoughts to follow, especially based on any last minute conjecture as we head into the final week.

-Joe

Chem Class

2008-06-09T22:22:00.003-04:00

Well, in the slow-news Nets world, the competition has started for picking the perfect players in the upcoming draft. With the candidates slowly drifting in, it appears the Nets have their sights set on a forward with the #10 pick, bringing in the likes of Darrell Arthur, Mareesse Spreights, and DJ White and pledging to bring in anyone who is anyone in this draft.

If they keep the pick, or picks, that is.

Still too early to firm up rumors, but Kiki himself said the picks could be in play if the right offer comes around. Forget Denver and 'Melo, at least for now. Could we be looking at Elton Brand, or Rasheed Wallace (perish the thought, but he's likely out there).

In any case, one thing the Nets need to do with the young remnants left on the roster - make sure they establish some sort of chemistry for this team. The chemistry of the Nets went horribly wrong last year, and once their leader in spirit and body chucked in the towel, there was no turning back on the wasteland that things became. Kidd, for all his strengths, deserves a lot of the blame for that. But, he didn't put the roster together, either..

Let's face it, no one is Jason Kidd, and asking Devin Harris to be anything like him is just wrong. But the Nets do need players who can all play in the same style, which given that Lawrence Frank is still around, will be defense first, with a bit of a more wide-open offense with Harris at the controls.

But with 7 players on the current roster at 24 or younger, the Nets need to bring in some veterans to go with that youth (or use that youth as trade bait) to ensure the rebuilding doesn't take another 5 years. With no impact player likely coming out of the draft for the Nets (immediate impact, anyway), the Nets have to make sure they have a good mix of personnel, skills, youth vs vets, complimentary players, and all that jazz.

They also need to make sure they don't come away empty handed if trading is what they're about. Same is true for free agency.

Though it won't be a terrible thing if the Nets keep the picks, they certainly need to move some bodies and make some changes beyond that. Doubtful they can pull off a Garnett or Gasol miracle, but they need to be trying, and consider any opportunity.

How about those Celtics, speaking of KG? Up 2 - 0 against a Laker team I thought was more powerful, and unleashing the likes of Leon Powe against the Phil Jackson hate machine. Incredible, really, but these Celtics really can play some defense.

And how about Eddie House, ex-Net, winding up in nirvana, even if he's not getting all that much playing time. Not to mention former fave Brian Scalabrine, who's making $15 million over 5 years to not dress and will probably still wind up with a ring. Now that's living...

The JNF world headquarters is packing up to move locations at the end of the month, so we'll try to hang in as long as we can and keep discussing the draft and other things Nets. Draft night itself might be the last you'll hear from me for awhile, but once we're up and running in July we'll try to take a look at everything we'll likely miss over the course of the next month. Keep checking back, though, because I'll try to get posted no matter how much painting I need to do.

-Joe

Post Time, 30 Days

2008-05-27T22:24:00.004-04:00

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

2008-05-20T22:20:00.002-04:00

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