Nets Are Scorching

Games like the Rookie/Sophmore game that took place on Friday are more for the guards than for the big men.  The up and down pace with no defense translates into a ton of outside shots and drive opportunities where the guards finish at the rim themselves instead of dumping it off to the big men. This was part of the reason for Brook’s quiet 6 points on 5 shot attempts.  In fact, the only memorable impression Brook had on the night was during the award presentation when he was obviously upset DeJaun Blair didn’t win the MVP:

However, what Net fans should take away from the game is what two current All-Star big men had to say about Brook Lopez.  Throughout the game, TNT had players come in and help commentate.  Both Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol participated, and both had nothing but good things to say about Brook.  First Dwight:

And here is Pau:

I know that if you watch the Nets on a nightly basis, you already know about Brook’s talent, but it is nice to see two premier guys talk about it on national TV. We have a special player in Brook Lopez

While denying interest in the Nets head coaching job, give Mike Krzyzewski some credit for humor: “I’ve not been contacted by anybody,” Krzyzewski said. “The guy’s Russian, right? You think he’d hire a Polish guy?

CBS Sports continued to push a scenario straight out of my worst nightmares by speculating that John Calipari could take the head coaching job if offered by the Nets.

Awww… LeBron James is complimenting the Nets again: “The Nets have a lot of talent,” said James, a six-time All-Star in seven pro seasons. “I think Brook Lopez one day will be an All-Star. I don’t see why they are where they are at this point in the season.”

Al Iannazzone on the current state of the Nets: The Nets are in the midst of the best week of their season: they can’t lose a game, and some actual excitement is being generated by the team.

The futility of the Nets is part of the Washington Post’s All-Star break report.