Quick Recap: Philadelphia 76ers 82, New Jersey Nets 79
Nov 11, 2009 2009-2010 Regular Season, Nets vs. Sixers, Quick Recap
The ragtag Nets (0-8) continued their winless streak to start the season, as they fell in another heartbreaker to the Philadelphia 76ers (4-4) 82-79 in New Jersey tonight.
- The Nets actually had three chances to tie or take the lead in the closing seconds of the game, but couldn’t capitalize, most notably on the last play of the game when Rafer Alston threw the ball to Philly on the inbounds pass on an apparent miscommunication with Bobby Simmons.
- In a questionable play, Brook Lopez looked like he got hammered by Samuel Dalembert with under 20 seconds left and the Nets down 1, but doesn’t get the call.
- In his first career start, Terrence Williams had 10 points and 12 rebounds, but missed a long-two in the closing seconds that could have tied the game.
- Brook Lopez led all Nets in scoring and rebounding, getting 23 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. He even got to showcase his Devin Harris-esque dribble-drive in the fourth quarter.
- Trenton Hassell continues to be a pleasant surprise, chipping in with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists.
- Josh Boone was a spark, especially on the defensive end as he grabbed 8 rebounds and blocked 3 shots.
- Bobby Simmons continues to redeem himself with 11 points off the bench, though he was 1-5 from three-point land.
- On the Sixers side, Thaddeus Young had a nice bounce back game with 20 points.
- The Nets did a decent job taking care of the ball (14 turnovers) and outrebounded the Sixers 47-46, but at the end of the day they just didn’t have a single guy down the stretch who could hit the “big shot.”
- Next up on the Nets schedule is a two-game trip in Florida against the Orlando Magic and the Miami Heat.
LeBron Done Talking Free Agency
Nov 11, 2009 LeBron James
Not really Nets news, but still relevant, especially on the heels of a post from earlier today. From the AP:
Frustrated by the repeated questions about his future, LeBron James said Wednesday that he won’t talk about his possible free agency next summer until after this season.
The Cleveland star and reigning NBA MVP said before the Cavaliers’ game against Orlando that all the talk is “getting old.”
James cut off interviews after being hit with questions about free agency and teaming with Miami’s Dwyane Wade, who has said the two have discussed forming a mega-tandem.
“This free agent talk is getting old. It’s getting old and I think I’m going to stop. Tonight will be the last time I answer any more free agent questions until the offseason,” James said.
May I be the first to say, “good for you LeBron.” I’m sure there will be critics out there who say he invited the questions by not shooting straight with the media from the get-go (because remember, basketball is not a business, just as sports reporters and columnist don’t come up with nonsensical speculation to fill space), but I’m glad James is doing his best to put the kae-bosh on this.
Now is there any way LeBron can stop Knicks beat writers from talking about his free agency?
Meanwhile, from a Nets perspective, I wouldn’t read anything into LeBron’s comments today besides he’s sick and tired of answering questions about the topic. I still think he stays in Cleveland, because that’s the most logical place for him, but by refusing to answer any more questions, he’s not showing his hand one way or another.
Game 8 Preview Vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Nov 11, 2009 2009-2010 Open Thread, 2009-2010 Regular Season, Game Preview, Nets vs. Sixers
One more step. That’s all the Nets need to take to get a win tonight. They went from not playing well in the third quarter to not playing well in the 4th. Some of it probably has to do with the fact that they are only dressing eight players, so three days of rest probably did wonders for them (not being sarcastic at all). With a Florida trip at Miami and at Orlando, the Nets need a win tonight against the Sixers to ensure that they won’t start the season with a double digit losing streak
Nets Starting Lineup
- PG – Rafer Alston
- SG – Trenton Hassell
- SF – Bobby Simmons
- PF – Eduardo Najera
- C – Brook Lopez
Sixers Starting Lineup
- PG – Louis Williams
- SG - Andre Iguodala
- SF - Thaddeus Young
- PF - Elton Brand
- C - Samuel Dalembert
Their Mismatches
Thaddeus Young vs. Bobby Simmons – The Nets would be smart to put Trenton Hassell on Andre Iguodala since he is the better defender of the two. That leaves Thaddeus Young for Bobby Simmons. Thaddeus is a big guy who can use his dribble to get to the whole and he can hit the jumper consistently. He will be a handfull for Simmons.
Our Mismatches
Brook Lopez vs. Samuel Dalembert – Brook Lopez was 10-13 from the outside last game. If he can hit at least 50% of his jumpers, he will end up stretching out Dalembert which will allow him to be more comfortable in the post. Let’s see if the Nets use Boone in the screen and roll again tonight. It was successful in limited use last game.
Matchup Of The Night
Elton Brand vs. Eduardo Najera - Elton Brand and Eduardo Najera will battle in the “guys coming back from big time injury” matchup tonight. I actually might like Najera’s chances tonight, considering, Brand won’t outquick or overathletic him, he will try to muscle Najera, and Najera loves that.
Keys To Victory
Make Shots - Same as last game, if they can hit shots, the Sixers need to respect it, and that clears the lane for Brook Lopez. When Brook Lopez has room to work, he is good.
Keep Skip To My Lou Far Away – Skip to My Lou is the turnover prone Rafer Alston. He made his first appearance against Boston, and he really hurt the team. He needs to pick it up against Philly.
Stop The Three – The Sixers have shot 30.8% from 3 this year. Their first game against New Jersey? Against New Jersey, they shot 50%. It has been a running theme all year, and yet, the Nets can’t figure out how to stop it.
Prediction
Current Prediction Record: 4-3
This is it, the game the Nets win. I think they take this one, and end the losing streak. Just a gut feeling.
Programming Note
I will be over at the Daily Dime tonight again so if you want to get your fill of Nets chat, head over there. I will be around these parts, so anywhere you want to comment is good. Now, another issue for those who listened to the WHEN stream, how’d I do?
Blogger’s Talk: Philadelphia 76ers
Nov 11, 2009 Bloggers Talk, Nets vs. Sixers
Today with exchange some questions and answers with Carey Smith, from the TrueHoop Sixers site, Philadunkia.
NAS: A depleted Nets team was able to take the Sixers down to the final possession Friday night and then Philly followed-up with a loss to Detroit. Do you have any early-season concerns about the Sixers?
Smith: I don’t wanted to sound like the stereotypical “Negadelphia” fan but my list of early season concerns with the Sixers is very long, so lets just concentrate on the Sixers biggest issue so far in 2009-10. That issue is defense and everything that has to do with defense. Hell even spelling the word defense may be an issue for Eddie Jordan’s team. The Sixers are a horrible defensive unit – they can not guard the three; they can not pressure the ball; they can’t keep the ball out of the lane; they help way too much; they don’t take care of the defensive glass – and I do not see it getting better any time soon.
NAS: Elton Brand has scored in single digits his last few games. Any clue on why he hasn’t been able to regain his all-star form? What about the drop-off for Thaddeus Young?
Smith: It’s hard to regain your All-Star form when you are either on the bench or when you’re on the floor, no one cares to pass you the rock, no matter how bad of a miss match you have going that night. When he gets some tick and his teammates start passing him the ball, you’ll see a big improvement in Brand’s numbers, but I don’t know if he’ll ever get back to AS form with the Sixers. Thad’s drop off at the start of 2009-10 is just a shooting thing and he seems close to getting it straightened out – 5-10 for 15 points vs. PHX Wednesday night.
NAS: Are the Sixers wise to be shopping Samuel Dalembert?
Smith: Other then the rumors I heard this summer which I prayed were true, I am not sure they are shopping Dalembert. They should be, but I have not heard anything since the Sixers went to training camp on this front. Did you hear something, please tell me you have. I spoke with one Eastern Conference front office person who said that the Sixers did not find major interest in Sammy this summer and they may be stuck with him for a while. Although, I have this dream in which Ed Stefanski tricks Joe Dumars into trading Rip Hamilton to the Sixers for Dalembert. Believe it or not, the salaries work out. That’s crazy to think about, right?
NAS: Where would the Sixers be without PG Lou Williams right now?
Smith: The Sixers would be better, possibly even 5-2 right now without Louis Williams. I’m sure to those who simply see box scores and do not follow the Sixers closely on a nightly basis it looks like Louis is having a break out season. He is offensively, no doubt. However the Sixers defensive woes start with Louis and his inability to keep opposing point men in front of him, pressure the ball at all or guard the three point line. Once he’s beaten, which happens very often, the Sixers defense becomes a scrambling mess of switches and help defense and they are rarely ever able to recover in time. Until he gets better at defense or they put rookie Jrue Holiday in for major minutes the Sixers will continue to be awful defensively. Personally I don’t understand how a kid as quick as Louis can be so bad at defense every night, but it’s true, he horrible. After last night’s effort against the Suns in which Louis was taken to school by Nash (20 points & 20 dimes), several of us here at Philadunkia.com are asking for a switch to Jrue Holiday as the starting point guard. Holiday is a hound on defense thanks to playing for Ben Howland at UCLA and we’ll live with the growing pains at the other end because our fear is that if Iguodala doesn’t get some help on the defensive end soon, we’ll loose AI9 mentally for the season.
Game 8 Scouting Report
Nov 11, 2009 2009-2010 Regular Season, Nets vs. Sixers, Opponent Scouting Reports
Game 8 vs. Philadelphia (3-4)
Projected Starting Lineup
1. Louis Williams | 6′1″ | 175 lbs. | 34.4 MPG | 15.0 PPG | 4.9 APG | 47% FT | 21.7% 3 | 81.5% FT
Not a pure PG, but somewhat effective when he is running the point. Learning the position this year. Looks to outquick defenders to get into the lane. Solid albeit streaky shooter. Must be physical with him.
2. Andre Iguodala | 6′6″ | 207 lbs. | 38.4 MPG | 20.0 PPG | 4.7 APG | 51.4 FG | 36.4 3 | 68.6% FT
Eddie Jordan’s two guard set will allow him to bring the ball up every once in a while, along with Lou Williams. The 6.0 assists per game average this preseason shows he may be embracing that. Super athletic, great finisher when he gets inside the paint. Streaky shooter, if he starts hitting, we need to watch out. Solid defender, gambles a bit…might be susceptible to back-door cuts.
3. Thaddeus Young | 6′8″ | 220 lbs. | 35.6 MPG | 12.9 PPG | 4 RPG | 40.7% FG | 8.3% 3 | 74.2 FT
His size at the 3 spot allows him to be a tough physical banger inside. Good shooter when given time, but if you contest, he is wildly inconsistent. Not the best ballhandler on the team, so you want to close hard on him to make him put it on the floor! Defensively, need to use speed to get by him, probably won’t be able to out-muscle him.
4. Elton Brand | 6′9″ | 254 lbs. | 27.6 MPG | 10.1 PPG | 5.6 RPG | 45.2% FG | 0% 3 | 83.3% FT
A PF that likes to bang inside. Must be physical with him and can’t let him catch it deep in the post. Face up game is solid too, and he can hit from 10-15 feet. Good passer, so you must be careful where you bring the double from. Tough rebounder, must box him out!
5. Samuel Dalembert | 6′11″ | 250 lbs. | 22.1 MPG | 6.6 PPG | 6 RPG | 48.4 FG | – 3 | 84.2% FT
Not really an offensive threat from outside of 10 feet. Struggles to hit from inside 10 feet as well. Slow feet. Can be taken advantage of in the pick and roll set. Great timing and shot blocking ability though, must pump fake him! Terrific defensive rebounder.
Bench
F/C. Marreese Speights | 6′10″ | 245 lbs. | 23.4 MPG | 14.4 PPG | 6.9 RPG | 63.5 FG | 0 3 | 84 FT
We should all be familiar with this guy from summer league. Possesses a great athletic ability for his size, and when he is hitting his shot he is tough to stop. Needs to take a lot of shots to put up his numbers. Good shot blocker, you can pump fake him though. He has shown to be foul-prone.
G/F. Jason Kapono | 6′7″ | 215 lbs. | 15.4 MPG | 6.7 PPG | 1.1 RPG | 50% FG | 45% 3 | 57.1% FT
One of the league’s best 3 point shooters. Has 30-foot range. Need to stick with him and can’t help off of him. Doesn’t do much besides shoot, so close hard and make him put it on the floor.
G. Willie Green | 6′3″ | 200 lbs. | 14.4 MPG | 6.3 PPG | 1.9 APG | 45.7% FG | o% FT | 80% FT
Not a true point either, but the truest point on the Sixers. If they struggle getting into the offense, Green will come in off the bench to try and settle things. Hard worker on defense, but he lacks the quicks to stay in front of his man from time to time.
F. Jason Smith | 7′0″ | 240 lbs. | 14.2 MPG | 3.7 PPG | 2.2 RPG | 31.3% FG | 50% 3 | 75% FT
Missed all of last year with a knee injury. Can play either the PF or C spot. Has a nice back to the basket game and a nice touch on his mid-range shot.
G. Jrue Holiday | 6′3″ | 180 lbs. | 11.7 MPG | 5 PPG | 1.7 APG | 75% FG | 75% 3 | 0% FT
Wildcard. Athletic and quick, but is an inconsistent shooter and he sometimes is a little loose with the basketball.
G/F. Rodney Carney | 6′7″ | 205 lbs. | 9.8 MPG | 3 PPG | 1.2 RPG | 35.3 FG | 33.3% 3 | 60 FT
Carney can run and jump as well as any wing player in basketball, but he’s a poor ballhandler who lacks good instincts. His lack of feel reveals itself in the poor assist rate and his inability to get shots near the basket to take advantage of his superior finishing ability. A real tough defender.
G. Royal Ivey | 6′4″ | 215 lbs. | 9.6 MPG | 2.8 PPG | 0.8 APG | 66.7% FG | 50% 3 | 50% FT
Defensive specialist with no real offensive game to speak of. Quick and athletic. Very aggressive and can be caught on back-door cuts. Tendency to foul a ton.
C. Primoz Brezec | 7′1″ | 255 lbs. | No Regular Season Stats
Played in the Italian league last year. Nice touch for a big man. Slow and weak on the defensive end.
Offensive Tendencies:
One of the worst three point shooting teams last year. Kapono helps, but he is the only 3 point shooting threat. Must keep their 3 front-court off the glass on both sides of the court. Must keep AI from getting hot. Eddie Jordan will be implementing a Princeton-style offense this year. Expect a whole lot of movement.
Defensive Tendencies:
A lot of aggressive athletic players who like to take chances. Need to pump fake on both passes and shots. Backdoor cuts can work against these guys too.
Keys To Victory:
Get Brook touches inside. He can out muscle Dalembert and negate his athleticism. Keep AI from getting hot. Rebound! Don’t let Elton Brand get position inside. Close out on Kapono, make him put the ball on the floor. Must always know where he is, he is the only one who can hurt the Nets from three.
Listen To Me On WHEN Syracuse
Nov 11, 2009 Tooting My Horn
I will be on Sports Radio 620 WHEN in Syracuse today around 3:45. I will be talking about the Nets winless start, their outlook going forward, that night’s game with Philadelphia, and I might even touch on some Atlantic Division stuff, not sure though.
I don’t know how many readers we have from Syracuse, but if you get that station check it out. I do believe they stream as well, but I am not positive.
If anything it should be interesting. Check it out if you can!
A Low Point for LeBron-a-Palooza
Nov 11, 2009 Devin Harris, LeBron James
The impending free agency of LeBron James this summer is obviously going to be major storyline throughout this season, especially with the New York Knicks (and yes, the Nets) expected to make a run at him, but a column by Brian Schmitz in the Orlando Sentinel this morning is a bit of a head-scratcher.
In the column, Schmitz clearly doesn’t want to wait for the summer to find out where LeBron may end up (again, in all likelihood, he’s going to stay with the Cavs because they can offer him the most money, but facts like that don’t make good column fodder outside of Cleveland). So, while calling LeBron a “diva” in the process, Schmitz advises the Cavs to trade their franchise player mid-season in a variety of scenarios, including one where the Nets would send Devin Harris to Cleveland.
Schmitz writes:
LeBron wants the best for his Cleveland Cavaliers, but he isn’t willing to make a commitment. In the real world, the Cavs should demand an answer now. But this is diva basketball, so they are at his mercy and will wait to see how the postseason plays out.
A possibility looms that the Cavs might have to trade him, most likely in a sign-and-trade this summer if he says he’s resigning, not re-signing.
Schmitz sees the most practical secenario as a mid-season trade so the Cavs could net some real talent. His first suggestion, a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers for Andrew Bynum (their salaries, $15.7 million for LeBron and $12.5 million for Bynum are kind of close). Granted just the thought of this trade and the idea of LeBron and Kobe on the same team together, dominating the Western Conference until the end of time, just made me vomit in my mouth a little. Okay, I’m better.
Other trade scenarios in addition to the Devo-for-Lebron deal mentioned above? LeBron to Orlando for Vince Carter, to Denver for Carmelo Anthony, to Atlanta for Joe Johnson, to Phoenix for Amare’ Stoudemire, to Toronto for Chris Bosh, to New Orleans for Chris Paul and to the Knicks for …. well, he really doesn’t propose a name here but I guess he felt inclined to include them because they’re the New York Knicks damnit and the entire NBA is just so desperate to make Madison Square Garden matter again that they’re continuing to build this storyline up despite how illogical it is.
So it seems like Schmitz’s solution to LeBron-a-palooza is to just trade him for some other team’s best players and let the chips fall where they may. I guess that idea makes sense if you ignore some other things, most notably there is no way Cleveland would ever trade LeBron mid-season, and they still have the best chance to resign him at the end of the season just based on dollars and cents. I understand the LeBron-Shaq tandem is off to a shaky start, but it’s not like the Cavs are 0-7 right now (ahem). You would think the Cavs would want to wait a little longer for the team to gel, or try to acquire more complimentary talent at the trade deadline before giving up on their franchise guy and the best player in the NBA.
As for the idea of a Devin-LeBron idea – with Devo out with his groin injury, it’s certainly a great time to think about what this Nets team would look like if the organization was able to trade him for another superstar, but it goes against what the Nets seems to be attempting to do here. The team’s much talked-about salary relief this summer will come in the form of dead weight players like Bobby Simmons, Rafer Alston and Tony Battie. By cutting out those guys and adding a superstar like LeBron or whoever to the Nets young core of Harris-Lopez-Lee-CDR-TWill, the Nets will instantly become one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Why trade Devin Harris away for LeBron when it seems like all it could potentially take this summer is money to get him here?
Nets on the Net: 11/11/09 Edition
Nov 11, 2009 Chris Douglas-Roberts, Courtney Lee, D-League, Devin Harris, Lawrence Frank, Nets on the Net, Terrence Williams, Tony Battie
Don’t expect CDR or Courtney Lee for tonight’s game against the Sixers.
The big news out of practice yesterday was that Devin Harris started light practice and could take on more strenuous activity later in the week. Tony Battie was also spotted practicing.
Lawrence Frank talks about how Terrence Williams has been asked to do a lot in the early part of this season.
Despite the injuries and adversity, Lawrence Frank is still talking 40-wins for this team.
Business West profiles the Springfield Armor, the Nets D-League affiliate.
The Canadien Press mentions how the Nets are paying their dues right now with their tough start.
In a response to people who think everything is great about New York sports, NYTimes columnist George Vescey mention the Nets (along with the Knicks, Giants, Jets, etc.) regarding some things that are wrong with NY sports.