Nets Are Scorching

After a 24-58 season, the New Jersey Nets will have to make some changes heading into 2012. This week, Nets are Scorching takes a closer look at some soon-to-be-available names.

Stats: 82 G, 1 GS, 26.0 MPG, 12.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG, .541 FG%, .273 3P%, .707 FT%, 110 ORtg, 18.4 PER

Why Billy King Should Be Texting Him Now: Give Young the rock and watch what happens. Hint: it’s usually good things. Coming out of Georgia Tech four years ago at the tender age of 19 (born 6.21.88), Young was raw, but generally considered in having unlimited potential thanks to his long wingspan and off-the-charts athleticism. Why the Philadelpia 76ers haven’t unleashed the beast by giving Young all the burn on the deck that he wants, I’ll never know. Damn the depth chart!

Young has the physical tools and skill to play both forward positions, although his jumper still needs a bit of consistency and more accuracy for him to play the three on the regular. He shot 33.3% from 10-15 feet, 34.0% from 16-23 feet, and his shot from beyond the arc is negligible.

However, Young can finish at the rim, shooting an amazing 73.4% by the basket. And it’s not just off of alley-oops or putbacks. Young has enough handle to drive from the top of the key and go down the middle on a break with the pill. He has a multitude of ways to finish, which is where his athleticism comes in, and has great touch to kiss the ball off the board.

Young also has the ability and physical tools (length, foot speed, lateral quickness) to be a very good defender. Most importantly, he’s a hard and intelligent worker. Oh, and he’s only going to be 23-years-old this upcoming season.

Don’t Risk The Fine: Young is still not as polished as he could be, which just means there’s more upside. However, that also means he’ll get paid for that huge upside, which the Sixers seem to be willing to pay for. So, this can all be one big tease. Besides that, Young still needs to work on that J and his ball handling is only average. Young’s ability to penetrate to the rack would be so much more better and pleasing if he had better handle.

And the Winner Is… Tamper: There’s a lot of potential here as Young’s 18.4 PER this past season attests to. The youngster only averaged 26.0 minutes per game this season and still averaged 13 and 5. Imagine the potential and production if you add 10 more minutes per. Sweetness.

After a 24-58 season, the New Jersey Nets will have to make some changes heading into 2012. This week, Nets are Scorching takes a closer look at some soon-to-be-available names.

Stats: 78 G, 13 GS, 29.5 MIN, 11.7 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.4 BPG, 1.0 SPG, .448 FG%, .736 FT%, .133 3P%,  12.83 PER, 101 ORtg, 100 DRtg

Why Billy King Should Be Texting Him Right Now: Glen “Big Baby” Davis has been a key component of the Eastern Conference’s best team over the past four seasons. Primarily as a back-up PF and C, Davis has been a willing player in Doc Rivers’ defense-first system and has also demonstrated a decent mid-range offensive game, shooting 43.7 percent on 10-15 foot jumpers and a less impressive 35 percent on long two’s (16-23 feet). He’s also improving on offense, posting career highs in points per 40 minutes (15.9), free throw percentage (.736 – important because he’s good at drawing fouls), and turnover rate (7.8). While he won’t block shots, his wide body, strength and agility make him an above average post defender. And most importantly, a good coaching staff trusts him. The most frequently used Celtics rotation this past season featured Boston’s Big Four and Baby, with Kevin Garnett at PF and Davis at C, logging 515 minutes together, 113 points per 100 possessions offensive efficiency, a 96 points per 100 possession defensive efficiency, a +/- of +169 and a win percentage of 70 percent. While critics of Davis will say those numbers are due in large part to his superstar teammates, Davis has demonstrated over the course of many seasons that he is a trusted part of Boston’s championship-level rotation.

Don’t Risk the Fine: Pedigree is one thing, but Davis still makes questionable decisions on the offensive end, and parts of his defensive game are severely lacking. For such a wide-bodied player, it’s a little confusing that he takes so many jump shots (68 percent of all field goal attempts). And he’s not hitting enough of them (.372 effective field goal percentage) to justify the shot selection. Sure, he’s hit some huge shots over the years for Boston, but he’s not someone you want taking a 18-footer with the game on the line. Meanwhile, his rebounding rate of 11.4 is approaching Brook Lopez levels of being bad for a big man. Baby has demonstrated a knack for grabbing offensive rebounds, but I’d be worried pairing Davis and Lopez together at the same time if the team needed a board. And then of course there’s Davis’ conditioning, as he’s not exactly the most svelte individual in the NBA.

And the Winner Is … deciding … Tamper: I want to say “push” but I know that defeats the spirit of the series here. Cutting to the chase, I think Davis would be a great player off the bench for the Nets, backing up Lopez and Humphries in a three-man PF/C rotation. I think he’s better offensively and defensively than Humphries, better defensively than Lopez, and would be a nice compliment to those two on this roster. However, with all that being said, I realize it’s unrealistic that we’ll see Davis on the Nets in that kind of role. If he leaves Boston, a major-if in my eyes, he’s likely going to be seeking starter’s minutes and most importantly, starter’s money. He essentially is a starter on the Celtics. Why would he come to a team that won 24-games last year to play 20 minutes a game? But I do think people who criticize Davis as a player, are missing out. He’s a good glue guy, and he’s certainly way better than what the Nets currently have for backup PF/C depth and is likely the best sixth man available this summer. As for other frontcourt FA options, I think Davis would be a better bet than the more emotional – but frequently injured– choice, Kenyon Martin, and he brings more to the table than a defense-only guy like Jason Collins.

According to ESPN’s Ric Bucher, Dwight Howard is set to decide on whether he will stay with the Orlando Magic soon. However, Bucher is almost certain in saying that Howard will leave Orlando and prefers to team up with either Chris Paul or Deron Williams.

If Howard is truly deciding now as to whether he wants to stay in Orlando, then this is a very crucial time for the Nets. Bucher has said that it is inevitable that Howard will bolt. If that’s true, then Billy King should be calling Otis Smith immediately.

After a 24-58 season, the New Jersey Nets will have to make some changes heading into 2012. This week, Nets are Scorching takes a closer look at some soon-to-be-available names.

It's "Denver Day" Here at Tampering Week.

Stats: 79 G, 6 GS, 24.9 MPG, 12.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG, .435 FG%, .390 FG%, .738 FT%, 109 ORtg, 16.4 PER

Why Billy King Should Be Texting Him Now: J.R. Smith can absolutely score on anyone. He can knock down 29-footers with two hands in his face. He’s athletic and can dunk on nearly anyone. He can take you off the dribble or pull up. His per-game numbers say mediocrity, but his vast array of ridiculous shots and dunks argue otherwise. On top of that, Smith is a Jersey boy, and even if only for a year this would be a nice welcome home for him. With a dearth of legitimate, multifaceted scorers on this roster, Smith is the type of guy that would fill a serious role on this team when focused. I honestly believe that when he is, he can play like a top-10 scorer in this league.

Don’t Risk The Fine: Whenever you have to qualify a player’s good quality with “when this guy is focused…”

J.R. Smith is crazy. Like a hot steaming bowl of crazy. I honestly think he’s the only player in the NBA who could be the best scorer on a contender or a bottom-feeder, depending on what kind of year he’s having. That speaks more to his inconsistency and regimen than his ability. Just look at the picture; Smith is just launching. That’s what he does. Launch. Besides, outside of scoring inconsistently, there’s not much Smith really does. He’s not a phenomenal team player. He’d clash with Avery Johnson and Deron Williams. He’s one of the worst perimeter defenders in the NBA. The only thing he’d bring that Anthony Morrow doesn’t is dunks and bad shots.

And the Winner Is… Avoid: Look, I love J.R. Smith. I do. I freely admit that. I love players that don’t give an eff and will knock down shots with four hands in their face. I think the last two minutes of a game become intensified by 11 billion when he’s in the game, because he could effect the game as much as a nine-point swing by himself in a matter of seconds. He’s a hell of a lot of fun to watch. Really, he’s the opposite of Stephen Graham and Quinton Ross: while Graham and Ross are about as interesting as a whole wheat breakfast, no matter where Smith ends up, something will happen. I just don’t think that “something” is what the Nets need to surround Deron Williams with; they need consistent, good players first, guys who would understand their role and place on the franchise. I don’t think J.R. Smith can be one of those guys.

After a 24-58 season, the New Jersey Nets will have to make some changes heading into 2012. This week, Nets are Scorching takes a closer look at some soon-to-be-available names.

2010-11 Stats: 75 G, 75 GS, 30.5 MPG, 14.5 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.0 BPG, 1.1 SPG, .615 FG%, .711 FT%, 123 ORtg, 20.49 PER

Why Billy King Should Be Texting Him Now: I love Nene. I love that he only take shots close to the basket. I love that he prioritizes team success over personal accomplishment. I love that he cares enough to play defense in the halfcourt. I love that Ian Eagle loves him enough to make a “foreign facial” every time Nene converts a dunk. I love that he displays some range at times when he’s uncontested. I love that he can defend an interior jumpshot but jump out to the perimeter to contest a jump hook or late jumper. It’s this versatility and commitment that allows an acquisition of Nene to be beneficial.

Don’t Risk the Fine: The problem with acquiring Nene is that the Nets already have a great player in Brook Lopez at center. Sure, Nene might be able to adjust to the power-forward slot while playing for the Nets, but it wouldn’t be fair to subject one particular player to positional restrictions. Should the Nets manage to acquire Nene to play alongside Brook Lopez, it might prove to be advantageous to the relevant organization.

And The Winner Is… Tamper: Barring the acquisition of certain inhuman centers who change the landscape of basketball altogether, it is worth it to pursue Nene next season. He only takes efficient shots, and he also draws offensive fouls and draws easy baskets at the hoop with his physical play. Acquiring Nene would allow the Nets to develop a poor man’s Duncan-Robinson frontcourt and dominate the paint with elite offense and defense on each side. Moving forward, there are so few actionable power forwards that making an investment to play Nene at the 4 and coexist with Lopez would be a worthy pursuit.

After a 24-58 season, the New Jersey Nets will have to make some changes heading into 2012. This week, Nets are Scorching takes a closer look at some soon-to-be-available names.

2010-2011 Stats: 72 GP, 49 GS, 33.3 MPG, 15.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.3 BPG, 0.7 SPG, .450 FG %, .350 3P%, .807 FT%, 14.7 PER

Why Billy King Should Be Texting Him Right Now: Wilson Chandler is much, much, better than any of the wing players that are currently on the Nets. Chandler was in the media spotlight during his time in New York and his time in the Big Apple this season was very impressive. While with the Knicks, Chandler averaged over 16 points and a shade under 6 rebounds while producing 109 points per 100 possessions – above the league average.

Chandler has great length and can play some pretty good defense. He’s effective going to the basket and draws enough fouls to justify the occasional poor shot. He’s also only 24 years old and has room to grow. The guy has All-Star potential and could be worth a long-term contract.

Don’t Risk the Fine: His time in Denver was, in a word, unimpressive. Chandler really regressed from the efficient scorer that he was in New York to a traditional possessions-eater. Almost every measurable statistic, advanced or per game, decreased after the trade. One could argue that Chandler was just a product of Mike D’Antoni’s system, rather than the scorer that the Nets would need him to be. He’s also a restricted free agent, so the Nets might have to break the bank in order to get him.

And the Winner is…..Tamper (under certain circumstances): Wilson Chandler is a good player and is definitely a solid rotation guy. However, there are players in this free agent class that play his position that I would prefer. Chandler would by no means be an immediate target for the Nets. Giving Chandler a long-term contract is a definite risk, but one that the Nets should take given the right contract if they can’t get anyone better.

Colin Stephenson of the Star Ledger asked Brook Lopez about the Dwight Howard rumors on Tuesday. Lopez, not surprisingly, claimed that the rumors don’t bother him at all and even stated that both Howard and he could co-exist in the frontcourt. Lopez added that his right arm was feeling great and that it wouldn’t be a problem next season.

I’ve definitely shown my desire for Dwight Howard to be in a Nets uniform. However, I have no qualms with Brook Lopez and I’m happy that Lopez isn’t allowing these rumors to distract him. Lopez has done everything the franchise has asked of him and is a pro’s pro. Hopefully, a dream comes true and both he and Howard do play in the frontcourt together.

After a 24-58 season, the New Jersey Nets will have to make some changes heading into 2012. This week, Nets are Scorching takes a closer look at some soon-to-be-available names.

2010-11 Stats: 73 G, 23 GS, 24.3 MPG, 12.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.1 BPG, 0.9 SPG, .434 FG%, .367 3P%, .788 FT%, 106 ORtg, 16.5 PER

Why Billy King Should Be Texting Him Now: Here are some numbers from Thornton’s brief stay with Sacramento this past season, which totaled 27 games – 21.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.7 SPG, 2.0 3PTM, .450 FG%, .805 FT%. Don’t think that these numbers are flukes from the sophomore either. All Thornton needs is a chance. During his rookie season with the New Orleans Hornets, in 29 games after the All-Star break, he averaged 20.3 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 2.0 3PTM, .466 FG%, and .835 FT%. The kid can score and rebound and create a bit for others and play passing lanes to steal the pill and shoot well from the floor and charity stripe and I like him a lot for the Nets. He’d finally be that scorer that can create his own shot and score in bunches, as well as spot up, receive the rock from Deron Williams and snap twine on the regular from the perimeter.

Thornton turns 24 in June and if you’re going to give a long-term contract to a player, you give it to someone as young as him. He’s physically strong and has to be hungry to get regular big-time minutes. He’s certainly earned them and if you’re you’re a Thornton and Nets fan, you have to hope that Thornton and Tyreke Evans don’t like each other and/or the tenuous situation regarding location for the Sacramento Kings has them not matching any offers for the restricted free agent.

Don’t Risk the Fine: There’s a lot of upside to Thornton and he’s proven in his short time in the NBA that he can get the J-O-B-D-O-N-E like Big Daddy Kane given the burn on the deck. If there is any negative aspect to Thornton, it’s his lack of height and a wingspan to make up for it for the two-guard position. He’s only 6’4″ and can have his man shoot over the top of him. Thornton can body up with any shooting guard in the league, but isn’t athletic enough or has the ridiculous hops to overcome defending a 6’6″ player.

And The Winner Is… Tamper: Get this guy. He’s an offensive weapon and isn’t a defensive liability at all. He’s not a stopper, but he isn’t a pushover either. In fact, his 108 DRtg isn’t far off from Arron Afflalo’s 111 DRtg and Afflalo is the one with the defensive rep. Thornton is young, can take it to the hole, get off his shot, hit from three-point land, and he’d be an excellent complement to D-Will and Brook Lopez. Again, GET THIS GUY!