This might seem like a very PC answer, but I think both players have a great upside to them. Andrea has the potential to be like Dirk, a former MVP (despite that Finals debacle); not saying he’ll necessarily be MVP, but a guy with similar numbers. While Lopez has the potential if he keeps improving at the rate he’s going to be like David Robinson, though again, not saying he’ll necessarily be that calibre of player, but similar.

So where does the advantage to Bargnani come in? Well, on defence, you’re always a seven footer. Since Bargnani has the advantage offensively in the system they’re in, and he’ll always have the innate advantage over other players that Lopez has (being 7 feet tall), he’ll invariably get blocks and rebounds. If you remember, at the end of last season Bargnani averaged more than 2 blocks a game, really adding on the defencive intensity. And with the added physicality of Reggie Evans in practice every single day, I can’t imagine Bargnani not getting more scrappy.

As for the whole DeRozan / Bellinelli v. Lee debate, I’m almost sure coach Triano has said DeRozan will be starting, though only seeing limited action in the season until he really gets a feel for the NBA. It’s really impossible to compare them at this point, since Lee had a great year in the system Orlando used, but this is a whole new system for him and being a young kid it might take him a while to get used to it; while at the same time DeRozan has never really played an NBA game. In either case, I’d have to give the advantage to Lee just because of pure experience and better footwork at this point. Though the athleticism nod definitely goes to DeRozan. It would be a rather interesting match-up to see on the court.

Power forwards is really no contest, so let’s leave the very disappointing Yi out of this.

It’s interesting when you mention the 3 spot you say Turkoglu has been overpaid. Living in Canada and only getting positive feedback on the raps, we never hear things like this but thinking about it now, you’re probably right. But as for the immediate future, I’d say you’re spot on putting him over Hayes. On both ends of the floor, at this point, Turkey-glue has the thumbs up.

The point guard debate really comes down to what you’re looking for. If you want a great passer that won’t turn the ball over and is not a liability elsewhere on offense: Calderon. If you want a lightning quick scorer that can get out on the break: Harris. So let’s break it down a little: Calderon is coming back off of a hamstring injury and has yet to get his defensive timing back, so in the pre-season and the beginning of the regular season he might be getting burned a little, and it will be up to guys like Bargnani, Evans and Bosh to help out. Harris on defence isn’t spectacular, but you rarely hear the wonders of defencive point guards and he does what the Nets want, go-go-go and score-score-score. Again, the defencive frontcourt of the Nets will be able to help out Harris should he get bumped around inside (which is where his defence is really lacking). Basically, I agree with the original assessment in saying it’s a wash comparing the two.

Now here’s where my gripe really comes in; bench’s. WOW! First off let me say Raefer Alston is team cancer, while Jarrett Jack could start easily on many a competitive team in the East or West, with exceptions of some all-star guards like Chris Paul and Derron Williams. Given a chance to shine, I guarantee he could be great. Centres? Even Patrick O’Bryant (little known 7’1″ Raptor project) could take on Josh Boone or Sean Williams, while Nesterovich could take on Lopez just as well as Bargnani. Power Forward: While Bosh won’t be out that often, given his excellent conditioning, the defencive upside and hustle of Reggie Evans will just give the other huge amount of scoring talent outside of Bosh on the Raptors to shine. Battie? Hamilton? T. Williams? Give me a break. While the depth on the SF and SG spot isn’t too deep (though I have hope for Antoine Wright, Amir Johnson, and ultra hops machine Sonny Weems), the Nets bench really doesn’t compare. Raps have the advantage in shooting, defence, and athleticism in the 2 and 3 spots. Our only real downfalls are Marcus Banks and Quincy Douby… God their contracts are atrocious.

(sorry for the long comment)

I like DeRozan i think he’s one of the better players in the 09 class but he’s not a proven commodity untill he’s played a full year in the pros there no telling how good he is. Either way he’s not in the same league as Lopez who seems like a lock for the all star team in a few years and who was one of the best rookies in a much stronger draft class. Personally I’d rate Lopez second only to Rose (sorry OJ))

Bargs is number 1 pick thats been disapointing he’s getting better but he’s been labeled a bust by many despite a good season (not fair really just the added preasure that comes with going nubmer 1.)) He certainly doesn’t have near the upside Lopez has. While Bargs is getting better is at a much slower rate than Lopez comparing three years here to one. There is no real flaw to lopez’s game he an above average defender with a great shot and post game. Bargs can shoot but has no realy post game and lacks the physical nature to play the position. I’d rate him bellow most of the leagues center. Lopez also is much more athletic than

Also Batie is one of the weaker member of the nets bench ((refer to the summers rumors abour him getting cut)) we have depth at serveral positions. As a nets I would also mention your reference to wright when talking about the strength. Granted he’s improved since leaving us but I think raptors fans tend to overrate him. I love that VC gets brought into the discussion still getting no lover from the raports anyway.

On the harris discussion Calderon’s a better passer than Harris but nothing else no comparison to Harris offensivly or defensivly if he gets back to the way he used to play ((lets not forget it only been one season in which he was really focusing on devolping his offense i don’t the few months with the nets as he was just adjusting to the team.))

Defending on the perimeter isn’t really the centers’s job but like I said Lopez is a solid defender. Finally on the Claderon issue offensivly he’s got a better shot than harris but he sturggles to get off which I think will be a problem for the raports next year although the issue has been improved slight with Turk there now. I still think a lot os guys on the raports have toruble creating their own shot. Even Bosh at times and Turk despite being a clutch he sturggled to get a shot attempt in the finals when they needed him to and a lot of his shot were assisted on last year meh just my random thoughts

And Lopez is definitely better on defense and around the basket, Bargnani is definitely better away from the basket. Bargs wins on offense and Lopez wins on defense. That said, if they were going head to head as someone already mentioned, Bargnani at least has a chance to defend him, whereas Lopez has virtually no chance of defending Bargnani. But I can’t fault anyone who said Lopez, kids gonna be good

Harris > Calderon (mainly because of D)

Lee> Belinelli

Turkoglu > Hayes

Bosh > Yi

Bargnani > Lopez
(why? because after Jermaine O’Neal got traded halfway through the season, as a starter with consistent minutes Bargnani averaged 18PPG/6REB on 45% 3pt shooting)