Nets Are Scorching

The Nets played the Bobcats pretty tough throughout the night, but they just outclassed them in the end.  The Bobcats played their starters that game, however, tonight the Miami Heat may not be doing the same.  Ira Winderman has the info:

Based on shootaround, it looks like no Wade, no Jermaine and no Udonis tonight against Nets. Milwaukee seemingly to determine its own fate.

I didn’t like the Nets chances of getting 13 this morning, but after reading that, I am starting to like them more and more.  It is going to be interesting how Kiki goes about this rotation tonight.  Last game he gave Chris Quinn loads of minutes, will guys like Bobby Simmons and Josh Boone get minutes tonight?  Onto the lineups…

Devin Harris vs. Carlos Arroyo

Advantage:  Devin Harris

Courtney Lee vs. Dorell Wright

Advantage:  Courtney Lee

Terrence Williams vs. Quentin Richardson

Advantage:  Quentin Richardson

Yi vs. Michael Beasley

Advantage:  Michael Beasley

Brook Lopez vs. Joel Anthony

Advantage:  Brook Lopez

When I broke down the schedule when it came out, I had this year’s version of the New Jersey Nets winning 30 games.  Many people believed that was too low, but as it turns out it was too high.  Way too high.  The Nets enter their final game of the year with a chance to win their 13th game, but since they play the Heat (a team that is currently rolling right now), they will probably end with a record of 12-70.  70 losses.  That is incredible.  I wanted to take a look back at this season, and just give my opinion on some of the things that happened (this is just some quick thoughts – Mark and I are going to go pretty in-depth once the offseason starts).

The Losing Streak

The Nets opened the season 0-18, and instantly became the laughing stock of the entire NBA (something that would stick for the rest of the year).  The worst part about it was that it could have been avoided.  The Nets lost at the buzzer to the Minnesota Timberwolves, on opening night.  In fact, the Nets had a number of close calls during this record breaking losing streak.  In addition to the Timberwolves game, they lost to the Sixers by 3 twice, and they lost to the Heat by 1 (on a Dwyane Wade buzzer beater).

Lawrence Frank Fired, Kiki Hired

During the record breaking losing streak, Lawrence Frank was eventually let go, and while I have been calling for his head for quite sometime, it is safe to say that Frank handled the firing very professionally.  The problem with firing a coach in the middle of the season is that you don’t hire a new coach who is actually prepared for the situation.  No, you end up with an interm head coach, and that is what happened to the Nets as Kiki Vandeweghe as their headcoach.  Kiki was never a coach at any level, but Rod Thorn put him in that position as if to say “you wanted Frank gone, you take over.”

A lot of fans here and everywhere else have compared Lawrence Frank and Kiki as coaches, and I don’t think that is fair at all.  Kiki has never been a coach, but after a rough learning process (that may have cost the Nets some games), Kiki seems to have gotten the hang of it.

CDR and Terrence Williams

When you look at CDR and Terrence Williams’ seasons, it’s funny, they kind of reversed roles as the season went on.  During the first part of the season, CDR was one of the bright spots on the Nets, scoring in the 20s just about every game.  Meanwhile, Terrence Williams was getting the minutes due to injuries, but he wasn’t producing.  At all.  He took poor shots, made poor decisions, and didn’t really play defense.

Once Kiki took over and guys became healthy, Terrence Williams was sent to the bench, and he stayed there.  He wasn’t too pleased about, and took to Twitter.  He was also snapping at reporters, and many people were asking if T-Will should get sent down to the D-League.  Meanwhile, CDR was still getting his minutes but his production was down.  He blamed it on the offense (we blamed it on the lack of aggression).

CDR then started seeing his minutes decline, right around the same time T-Will started to get more minutes.  CDR was the one taking to Twitter, not really complaining (though it could be taken that way), while T-Will was producing (including becoming the 4th rookie this year to put up a triple double).  These two players career paths have done a 180, and now CDR’s future with the Nets is up in the air, as Terrence Williams seems to be a lock for the Nets future.

Brook Lopez

Brook Lopez was the lone bright spot throughout the season.  When he suits up tonight, he will be the only Net to play in every game this year.  However, that doesn’t mean it has been all smiles for Brook.  While he didn’t have any off the court situations (left reporters hanging once – but joked about it afterwords) and he played hard all season, Brook’s on the court body language was poor at best some nights.  While you can’t really blame him for feeling that way, it was hard to watch at times.  Also, as someone who really struggled with foul trouble, his reactions probably drew himself more negative attention (and thus, more calls).

The Future

In the end, the Nets weren’t as bad as their record showed, and this team can probably rebound very quickly if things go right.  They have the best chance at the #1 pick (and are guaranteed at least the 4th) and they have the Mavs first rounder as well.  They have tons of money for Free Agents, an exciting new owner (who is making news before even “officially” becoming the owner), and with the move to Brooklyn basically a lock they will probably draw some big names.  Add that to Brook Lopez, Devin Harris (if he stays), Terrence Williams, and Courtney Lee and you have a good squad.  In the east, a good squad can get you into the playoffs.  So don’t worry Nets’ fans, all hope is not lost.

The theme from the beat guys today is that this nightmare season is finally over. Here’s Devin Harris in Al Iannazzone’s write-up: “I think everybody sees it,” Devin Harris said. “We’ve underachieved. But everybody sees the potential we have, the room and the draft picks we have. We’re going to get better real fast.”

Dave D’Alessandro talks to Josh Boone: “People wonder how the season went this way, and I wish I can explain it,” said four-year veteran Josh Boone. “We have a lot of talent, to be honest with you — a lot of guys who can do a lot of things. It’s unfortunate the season went the way it did, but we’re obviously not a 12-win-talent team. There were other circumstances that led to this.

Fred Kerber, who’s had some of the best one-liners from the press box all season, gets one more shot in: “Imagine being hit in the head with a hammer. Over and over and over. Now imagine how good it would feel when it stops, and you have an idea how the Nets view the last game of the worst season in franchise history here tonight.”

Julian Garcia ponders Chris Douglas-Robert’s future: “Or they could let him go if they decide it’s not worth keeping a second-year swingman averaging 9.8 points and three rebounds while being outspoken and negative. Although Douglas-Roberts has been relatively quiet lately, he had a hard time hiding his disappointment – mostly in others and the team in general – for most of the season. It’s been difficult for him to find any positives about the Nets’ performance over the past few weeks, while others, such as second-year center Brook Lopez, have been optimistic.”

NJ Rep. Bill Pascrell, is still pushing for his investigation of Mikhail Prokhorov.

NetsDaily reports that Prokhorov will appoint a Russian woman from his Onexim group to direct the Nets’ business affairs once he takes over.

AP Photo/Bill Kostroun

Queen City Hoops – Rufus on Fire – View from the Couch

The Nets closed out their run of basketball at the Meadowlands last night in similar fashion to how the organization has spent most of their days in the New Jersey swamp: with an uninspired, ho hum loss in front of a paltry crowd. Outside of some excellent work by the YES Network, who were showing clips of “Meadowlands Moments” throughout, there was little pomp and circumstance to this evening. No images of Derrick Coleman and Chris Dudley cutting down the nets and wishing the New Jersey faithful a pleasant good evening. No signs of Jason Kidd or Kenyon Martin electrifying the crowd one more time before the lights were turned off. Instead, the only real connection to this franchise’s past came in the form of the opposing head coach, Larry Brown, who coached the first ever Nets game at the Meadowlands in 1981.

To be honest, I don’t know if there was anyone out there who felt like lingering past closing time at the Meadowlands last night. The Nets are one game away from finishing up their worst season ever, which says a lot for a franchise whose futility may only be rivaled by the Clippers. And while there have been some good times at the Meadowlands, it’s hard to call it a real home for an organization that’s jumped around the New York/New Jersey area for decades. Even their next move to Newark is just a temporary one with Brooklyn appearing to be their final home – for the time being.

As for the game itself – the Nets played poor defense early, squandered a run in the second half by going ice cold shooting-wise in the 4th quarter, and demonstrated their utter lack of depth whenever their bench took the court: ladies and gentleman, your 2009-2010 New Jersey Nets.

While the Nets are far removed now from being considered the “worst of all time,” they’re still a pretty bad team, especially when they’re giving up 59 first half points and allowing an offensively challenged team like the Bobcats to have an incredibly balanced scoring attack with 7 players in double figures. Meanwhile, only 7 players on the Nets even scored a point in this game. While the Nets looked pretty balanced with their starting 5 all scoring 14 or more points, the bench – sans Jarvis Hayes and Keyon Dooling from the start, and Kris Humphries after a first half injury – only scored 4 points total, compared with 50 for the Bobcats bench. Yes, these are NBA players, but it’s especially embarrassing when a guy like Gerald Henderson, who’s gone scoreless in four previous games, drops 14 on the Nets, including a posterizing dunk on Devin Harris in the second quarter.

Still, with all that, the Nets actually clawed back from a double digit first half deficit and briefly grabbed a one point lead in the third quarter. Harris hit two threes early in the third quarter, Terrence Williams was able to score at will near the basket, and the Bobcats were just cold enough to make it appear like a competitive basketball team was on the verge of happening. But it was three layups towards the end of the third that brought Charlotte’s lead back to six, and a 12-1 lead from the Bobcats in the fourth, pushed the game back out of reach for the Nets.

Fortunately, Terrence Williams continues to be a bright spot, and as Ian Eagle speculated after the game, you have to wonder if TWill wants the season to end right now. There was one point in the first half where Williams had 13 of his team’s 27 points.  On a night where Devin Harris wasn’t much of a factor outside of the third quarter, and Brook Lopez had a quiet 16 points and 8 rebounds, Williams was the best player wearing a Nets uniform last night – and with a plethora of impact swingman expected to be available in free agency and the draft this summer, the Nets are going to have to consider long and hard how they can improve their team, while still finding quality minutes for TWill, who is growing into a game changer before our very eyes.

A few more thoughts after the jump.

Read more…

Al Iannazzone of this season’s Nets and the Meadowlands: This has been the sorriest season in Nets’ history and their 8-33 home record is their worst ever. But they leave Izod with a lifetime 654-518 mark. Their most glorious times came during the past  decade when Jason Kidd led them to back-to-back NBA Finals and four Atlantic Division titles. But there was very little nostalgia for the farewell.

ESPN’s Chris Sheridan has some gems in his write-up of the Meadowlands: Outgoing Nets coach Kiki Vandeweghe reminisced about how Knicks fans used to pack the building and drown out the Nets faithful when he played for New York, and longtime New York Post beat writer Fred Kerber (who called the arena “Hades” earlier this season) had a chuckle as he recalled how he once scored two tickets for his friends, who found themselves seated alone in section 234 in the upper deck and were told by an usher to keep their voices down despite the fact they were cheering for the Nets.

Fred Kerber talks to Nets fans about their final impressions of the Izod Center.

Bruce Ratner reacts to New Jersey Congressman Bill Pascrell’s challenge of the sale of the Nets to Mikhail Prokhorov: “Everything is in great shape,” said Ratner, who called Pascrell’s accusation “inaccurate.”

Larry Brown seems sorry to see the Nets leave New Jersey: “When I was in Detroit, we had one of our greatest wins in this building, which is pretty special, when the Nets were really good,” he added, referring to the Pistons’ 2004 playoff triumph on their way to the championship. “I hate to see the Nets leave New Jersey, especially with that new building (in Newark available) that they’re going to.”

Terrence Williams on the final games of the season: “It’s important to win every game, definitely the last game,” said rookie Terrence Williams, who had 21 points, 13 boards and six assists. “[Moving] isn’t going to wash [the recent losing] away, but it definitely helps, especially if you come out and play well and start winning. You start winning, it puts it in the back of peoples’ minds and go forward from there.”

Another column arguing John Wall or Evan Turner.

Blogger Mark Travis sings the praises of Terrence Williams.

The Nets closed out the basketball-era at the Meadowlands the same way a vast majority of evenings at the Izod Center have finished this season – with a loss. The Charlotte Bobcats were able to brush off a strong third quarter by the Nets, cruising to a 105-95 victory.

• The Nets were torched by the Bobcats in the first half, giving up 59 points on 54 percent shooting to Charlotte. But the Nets actually grabbed a quick one-point lead in the third quarter, before going ice cold from the floor, giving the Bobcats breathing room to the finish line.
• Future trivia question: Who was the final player to score a basket at the Meadowlands? Terrence Williams. TWill’s late season run continued, as he scored 21 points on 10-19 shooting, grabbed 13 rebounds and dished 6 assists.
• Devin Harris heated up in the third quarter en route to 22 points on 6-18 shooting. Only 1 assist for the point guard.
• Charlotte had 7 players finish in double figures, led by Stephen Jackson with 17 points. They also had 31 assists on 43 field goals.
• With Jarvis Hayes and Keyon Dooling hurting, and Kris Humphries leaving the game early with an injury, the Nets bench only scored 4 points, compared with 50 points for the Bobcats. That’s right, a 46-point swing.

While most teams are resting starters as the playoffs quickly approach, you won’t be seeing that tonight from Coach Larry Brown.  Using my memory (which has been known to fail me), I don’t really remember coach Brown sitting his starters down the stretch, and I don’t expect that now.  This means the Nets are going to be involved in a battle for their final game in the Meadowlands.

While the Nets don’t really have anything to play for, the Bobcats are fighting for playoff position, and for pride.  The Nets have beat this Bobcats team twice already, and I can guarantee you they don’t want it to happen a third time.  The Nets have beaten some  solid teams, but the Bobcats are the best team they have beaten all year, and with them coming off of some rest, I see them pushing the Bobcats to the limit…onto the lineups…

Devin Harris vs. Raymond Felton

Advantage:  Devin Harris

Courtney Lee vs. Stephon Jackson

Advantage:  Stephon Jackson

Terrence Williams vs. Gerald Wallace

Advantage:  Gerald Wallace

Yi vs. Boris Diaw

Advantage:  Boris Diaw

Brook Lopez vs. Theo Ratliff

Advantage:  Brook Lopez

The last time the Bobcats came to New Jersey, it was victory number one of the season. Will the Nets be able to close the Meadowlands in style with a victory over the team they’ve already picked off twice? Here to discuss his playoff-bound Charlotte Bobcats is Brett Hainline of Queen City Hoops.

NAS:  The Bobcats are the only above .500 team the Nets have taken down twice this season. Is there something about the Nets that presents a bad match-up for the Bobcats, or is this totally coincidental?

Rather than cop-out and say coincidence, how about this:  The Bobcats struggle with turnovers (1st in turnover rate) but make their living forcing turnovers (4th in the league in forced turnover rate), and despite the Nets being a weak defensive team, New Jersey is 19th in turnover rate and 13th in forced turnover rate – not great by any stretch, but decent.  In their two losses to the Nets, the Bobcats lost the turnover battle 33-27.

NAS:  What are your expectations for the Bobcats headed into the playoffs for the first time? Is their defense capable of giving a scare to the Magic in the first round?

No expectations – I am just looking forward to Charlotte getting to host playoff basketball again.  This is a big step for the Bobcats winning the city back over and if they can win a game or two against the Magic, all the better.  With the center-quad squad healthy again, the Bobcats have a lot of bodies to throw at Dwight Howard and the more single coverage they can use the better.  Between the Cats defense, and Dwight’s occasional foul trouble, I could see Charlotte winning a couple, but not the series.