The Day After: We’re Going to be Okay Nets Fans
Jul 9, 2010 2010 Free Agents, Opinion
So who needed that LeBron guy anyway?
Now that all of the big name free agents are off the board, the Nets can get back to doing what they were supposed to be doing in the first place: rebuilding a roster. I understand that names like Travis Outlaw and Kyle Korver are not sexy choices, but they’re not bad building blocks either. All playoff contenders have good role-players like an Outlaw and Korver. Where the Nets lack right now is star power, but with some of the pieces that are already in place, maybe that point is overstated as well.
Obviously, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed in how the Nets struck out with the “big guns.” A LeBron-Bosh duo is the stuff dreams are made of, and while he has his flaws, I’ve always been bullish on David Lee and thought he could make for a scary three-man rotation frontcourt with Brook Lopez and Derrick Favors. But just because the Nets missed out on these players doesn’t mean they’re doomed to repeat as 12-win also-rans. If you remember the circumstances behind last year – an injury decimated roster in November followed by a clueless head coach in Kiki Vandweghe is an easy recipe for disaster. With new ownership that’s willing to spend, a new coach, new draft picks, and a stronger, more well-rounded bench that’s not overstuffed with expiring contracts, there’s no reason to believe this coming season will mirror last season. It’s also worth noting, HOW the Nets are rebuilding. As noted by ESPN’s Chad Ford yesterday, by spending about $20-$30 million this summer and leaving about $10 million for midseason acquisitions, the Nets are following a blueprint drawn up by the Oklahoma City Thunder, a team that’s evolving into a force in the Western Conference, all through this kind of intelligent roster building.
I think if we all sit down, take a deep breath, and think long and hard about the past year, we would realize that this team is right where we expected them to be. Brining LeBron and Bosh to New Jersey was always the longest of long shots, given the competition. Amare Stoudemire and Carlos Boozer do not have project to be good long-term contracts. Rudy Gay and Joe Johnson are not max players. So why should we lose face because our best option was never realistic and the Plan B’s were all rolls of the dice?
Perhaps, many of us were caught up in the way the Nets have been selling themselves the past week. The swagger, the taunting billboards, the “leaks” of information from negotiations… maybe it all created a false sense of accomplishment. They always tell a fighter not to lead with the chin, and Team Prokhorov has certainly put it all out there, inviting a backlash. But personally, after the past six years of Bruce Ratner’s focus on real estate, rather than basketball, I welcome an owner who’s willing to take calculated risks and not be ashamed if they don’t hit the bullseye when it comes to assembling a roster.
With or without the big free agents, we are entering a new era with this organization, Nets fans. Remember, Prokhorov spoke of a five-year, not a five-week plan. Let’s also remember that there’s more to roster building than just bidding on the best guys. There may not be playoffs next season. But who knows. After watching the 2008-09 season, would you have predicted the Thunder would give the Lakers a major run for their money in the playoffs last year? It’s going to take time, but the Nets have plenty of it – or at least five years.
The Problem of Yi
For the past two seasons, the Nets organization has blindly put their faith behind Yi Jianlian with very little to show for it in terms of statistical results. Now, as the front office gears up for one of the biggest off-seaons in the organization’s history, they are seemingly being punished for their belief in Yi. The Chinese import has no role in the future of this organization with the drafting of Derrick Favors and Damion James and the team’s reported desires to sign a top PF in free agency. Meanwhile, the $4 million and change they currently owe Yi for 2010-11 – because the front office just HAD to pick up his rookie option, sight unseen, despite two largely disappointing seasons to start his NBA career and reports that he’s a few years older than his birth certificate says – has proven to be an obstacle in their chase for two max salary free agents. Read the rest of this entry »
DeMarcus Cousins vs. Derrick Favors
Jun 1, 2010 2010 Big Board, 2010 Draft, 2010 Offseason, Advanced Statistics, Analysis, DeMarcus Cousins, Derrick Favors, Devin Kharpertian, Draft, Evan Turner, Opinion, Point Counterpoint
The guy on the left. No, the right. No, left. No, right. Ugh, screw it. Take Zoubek.
(Fair warning: You thought my John Wall article was exhausting to read? This is about twice as long. Good luck, guys.)
Since the day the Basketball Gods confirmed that they do not exist and allowed Washington and Philadelphia to pick above us, a debate has raged on in NetsLand about who they should select with their upcoming #3 pick. Assuming John “The Great” Wall and Evan “The Franchise” Turner are selected with the first and second picks, the third pick remains much more up for debate – between Derrick Favors of Georgia Tech and DeMarcus Cousins of Kentucky. Both freshmen big men, both with pronounced strengths and weaknesses, both with a solid case to be drafted.
Unlike my blogger-in-crime Dennis Velasco, who has made up his mind already on who we shouldn’t take, I am far more split. Because of that I’m going to do the only thing I can decide on: debate with myself on the issue. That’s right. Welcome to my own version of Stephen Colbert’s Formidable Opponent, only this one promises to be much more about basketball and much less funny.
There are six main points to the argument that I see that can make or break the pick: athleticism, ability in the post, other basketball skills, production, better fit, and mental makeup. Thus, I will be arguing all six, split-personality style.
I swear, guys, I’m not crazy.
Onward!
Why DeMarcus Cousins Isn’t The Pick
May 27, 2010 2010 Draft, 2010 Offseason, Brook Lopez, DeMarcus Cousins, Mikhail Prokhorov, Opinion, Rod Thorn
Regarding this year’s NBA Draft, conventional thinking has John Wall going first to the Washington Wizards and the Philadelphia 76ers, in all likelihood, selecting Evan Turner, the second best prospect by most standards. So, how about the Nets with the third pick?
What I gather most from what I’ve read of New Jersey Nets owner, Mikhail Prokhorov, is he likes to take calculated and minimized risks in business. Sure, a certain amount of luck is needed to succeed, but for the most part, he seems like he makes moves with a purpose (his recent media circus around the tume of the NBA Draft Lottery and his ownership becoming official being an obvious example). So, just knowing that, I don’t think he would chance having a potential seemingly issue-laden player on his team, drafted third overall in Prokhorov’s first NBA Draft, despite this player’s talent. It’s a new beginning for the Nets and DeMarcus Cousins shouldn’t be a part of it. Read the rest of this entry »
LeBron is Out: Now What?
May 14, 2010 LeBron James, Opinion
As if the Boston Celtics haven’t given me enough reasons to despise them over the years – winning all those championships and going from irrelevant to world-beaters in the course of a few months by importing Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen – the Cs have now done something that may be unforgivable from my viewpoint: they’ve given Knicks fans hope.
The out and out cheerleading for LeBron James from New York Magazine and the Daily News was innocent enough. Frank Isola, before he was openly belittling reporters from Ohio, was telling me to “not take myself so seriously” for mocking the Daily News for their ridiculous pandering to James in October. But now that the Celtics have successfully knocked off the Cleveland Cavaliers with their 94-85 victory last night, I think all Nets fans who are unfortunately immersed in NYC media have to brace themselves for what’s about to happen. If you thought this idea that it’s LeBron’s “destiny” to come to the Knicks was bad before, it’s about to reach intolerable levels.
I have believed all season that LeBron would stick it out in Cleveland, but a lot of that was based on the idea that the Cavs were such a good team, I couldn’t imagine a scenario where they weren’t at least in the Finals this June. The fact that they were knocked out in the Eastern Conference semifinals, against a team that resembled a barely warm corpse a few weeks ago (remember that stunning punch in the mouth you took from Courtney Lee and the Nets in February, Celtics fans? I’m not letting you forget, yet) may change things up a bit. I’ve maintained that LeBron goes where he has the best chance to win it all. If that team they built up in Cleveland this season can’t even get past the second round, then I have to wonder if that franchise is ever going to put the pieces together, especially as they become more financially limited with LeBron holding a max contract.
With that said, I still think it would be beyond ridiculous to assume that if LeBron leaves Cleveland, it’s only to come to the Knicks. Notice how I don’t write “New York” there. Because while Frank Isola, Will Leitch and their gang of cheerleaders may think that New York only means the Garden, I think Daniel Goldstein and his $3 million buyout will tell you that the Nets and Brooklyn are very much a reality and if LeBron and his agent don’t think they can’t make their “billion” playing two years in a major city 10 minutes outside of NY before spending the rest of their remaining years in NYC’s best borough (and I say this as a newly minted Brooklyn resident), then they’re nuts. However, I would be remiss in mentioning teams like Chicago, Sacramento, the Clippers and Miami, who will have the same ability as the Knicks and the Nets to sign LeBron or another max guy this summer. But don’t expect Frank Isola to let those facts to get in the way of a good photoshop contest, or an exclusive interview with Lenny the cab driver, who “knows” LeBron is coming here to win championships with Eddy Curry and the cock, Rooster, Danilo Gallinari. Because those guys are superior components when compared to Shaq, Antawn Jamison, and Mo Williams.
Why Evan Turner Is The Number One Pick For The Nets
May 13, 2010 2010 Draft, 2010 Free Agents, 2010 Offseason, Brook Lopez, Carlos Boozer, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Courtney Lee, Devin Harris, Draft, Draft Lottery, Evan Turner, Free Agents, HOPE!, John Wall, Mikhail Prokhorov, Opinion, Rod Thorn, Terrence Williams
There is no questioning that John Wall is an excellent talent and NBA prospect. Ask anyone that watches basketball and they will tell you in no uncertain terms that he’s phenomenal, an athletic freak, and quite the dancer. My NAS colleague, Devin, praises Wall and makes excellent points about Wall’s game. However, if I were the New Jersey Nets, I’d select Evan Turner if the Nets’ luck is as good as a picture of a bikini-clad Jessica Alba and the team wins next week’s NBA Draft Lottery. Turner is as versatile as they come and many consider Wall and Turner, Pick 1A and 1B, but we’ll get down to Turner and his skill set a bit later. First, let’s peep the point guard that most people think is no longer in the Nets’ plans and seemingly expendable.
Oh, and for the record, the Nets have a 25% chance of winning the NBA Draft Lottery and receiving the first overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft and I have a -25% chance of gaining any attention from the aforementioned Alba. Snowball meet hell.
I’m OK With Carlos Boozer Becoming A Net
Apr 29, 2010 2010 Offseason, 2010 Playoffs, Opinion
Before the season started if you would have asked me about the one free agent to be I wouldn’t want to see on the Nets, my answer would have been Carlos Boozer. I thought he was a solid player, but I didn’t really see his game fitting in with the current Nets roster, and I didn’t really think he was a guy worth a max contract. However, with that being said, the playoffs have really changed my opinion of Boozer.
As you probably know by now, the Nets aren’t in the playoffs, so when I am watching the games I am keeping my eye on soon-to-be free agents. Some observations have been obvious. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Amar’e Stoudemire are all really really good. Nets fans are going to have to prepare for these three resigning with their current teams (rumors are coming out that all three are planning – or at least going to try - to do so) and look towards other options. That is when I started watching (and rewatching) Jazz games and just focusing on Carlos Boozer, and he has been playing like a man during these playoffs. He has averaged 22 points and 11 rebounds throughout, even as he battles a ribcage injury (he isn’t playing against slouches either).
It wasn’t just the numbers that impressed me either, after watching his play I am really starting to think that Boozer’s style will fit with the Nets. The Nets really need a power forward with Yi Jianlian and Kris Humphries appearing that they both aren’t the answer (granted they are both nice pieces off of the bench) and Boozer could be the guy. His time with the Jazz has really made him into a very good pick and roll player, and pairing him with Devin Harris who is a very good point guard when running the pick and roll could lead to some pretty special things.
What about Brook Lopez you ask? Well, I can come up with two sets the Nets can run with Brook and Boozer in at the same time. The first would involve Brook and Boozer both at the high post on different sides of Devin Harris. Harris chooses what screen he wants to use and goes from there. Both Brook Lopez and Carlos Boozer have a good enough outside game that if they aren’t the screener in this set, they can just spot up for a jumper if their man helps.
Barclays Center Finally Within Reach…I Hope…
Apr 22, 2010 Brooklyn, Mikhail Prokhorov, Opinion
After the groundbreaking of the Barclays Center, it looked like a Nets’ move to Brooklyn was a lock, but as it has been the case with the move, something got in the way. Democratic Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., a New Jersey congressman says was demanding a government inquiry into Mikhail Prokhorov, the Russian billionaire poised to buy the New Jersey Nets, for his extensive business dealings in Zimbabwe. Now, I am not going to pretend to be someone who knows the laws, but in my opinion this was just political grandstanding from someone looking to gain some popularity. It also should be mentioned that when the Nets leave New Jersey, so does a pretty large chunk of money. So while Mr. Pascrell Jr. might have had some good intentions about questioning the deal, I refuse to believe ethics was the sole (or most important) reason.
Mikhail Prokhorov and David Stern were quick to respond to these attacks (from Dave D’Alessandro)
Prokhorov’s corporation, Onexim Group, issued a statement calling the New York Post report that on which Pascrell based his allegation “erroneous,” insisting that “the company and all its holdings have always been in strict compliance with all United States and European rules regarding Zimbabwe and we have no dealings whatsoever with companies or individuals on the sanctions list.”
The NBA, which came under criticism by Pascrell for a lax vetting process, took it a step further: The league said Pascrell had the wrong interpretation of the law.
“U.S. companies are not prohibited from doing business in Zimbabwe; rather, they are prohibited from conducting business with specifically identified individuals or entities in that country,” the league said in a statement. “The NBA is aware of no information that Mr. Prokhorov is engaged in business dealings with any of these individuals or entities.”
The statement reiterated that Prokhorov’s application is “still on track to be voted on by the NBA Board of Governors once a firm date is set for the State of New York to take full possession of the arena site.”
After this issue was swept under the rug, that left one more thing in the way of Brooklyn for the Nets. Daniel Goldstein and Develop Don’t Destory Brooklyn. Yesterday, that “problem” seems to be taken care of as Daniel Goldsteinagreed to move out of his home May 7 after reaching a deal with Bruce Ratner that will pay him $3 million.
A Miserable Season Comes To An End Tonight
Apr 14, 2010 2009-2010 Season Review, Opinion
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.
If the Nets Win, And No One Can Watch, Does it Count?
Apr 7, 2010 Opinion, YES Network
It’s been pretty tough being a Nets fan this season, and while I totally sympathize with why somebody wouldn’t want to watch this team play anymore, I still would like to and I can’t this week because not a single game is being televised until Saturday.
Personally speaking, I hate this. I understand that sports are a business and there are higher “corporate” powers at all levels that are determining the television schedule, but I also think that if the Nets are legitimately serious about turning over a “new” leaf after this season in Newark and then Brooklyn, they need to stop accepting this kind of second-class citizen treatment. It’s bad enough that the Nets have always been an afterthought on the Yankees Entertainment Sports Network (and as a Mets fan, it’s agonizing to have to hear about 27 world championships whenever I’m trying to watch a basketball game). But to be blacked out completely this week in order to make space for one of the 900 games the Yanks will play against the Red Sox this season is a slap in the face to the few Nets fans who want to see this season to completion.
So is the idea that I could just shell out $6 to watch the game on a one-day pass with NBA League Pass. I’m already dropping a ton of money each month in order to watch my favorite sports teams and to have the option to DVR those games when necessary. I should not have to shell out an additional $15-$20 at the end of the season to watch three more games.
I think what frustrates me even more is that I’m sure if the Nets were in some kind of a playoff hunt this April, some accommodations would have been made to get them on TV, somehow. I know individual games have been blacked out in the past, but I never remember a stretch of so many games consecutively since the Nets made the leap to YES. But given the team’s record this season, I’m sure the rationale was “who cares.” And I’m also assuming that somewhere along the way when this decision was made, someone with the Nets organization said, “eh, let’s not make waves.”
I know there’s something about biting the hand that feeds you, but rather than taking on fans wearing paper bags over their heads, I would have infinitely more respect for Nets CEO Brett Yormark if he publicly said something along the lines of: “you know what – I know we’re contractually bound to honor this agreement, but it stinks. It stinks that YES is bumping us like this and showing no flexibility in getting our games on the air in favor of around-the-clock coverage of the Yankees.”
Incoming owner Mikhail Prokhorov seems determined to make the Nets a winner once he takes over. In order to do that, it is imperative that he gives the green light to the front office to acquire the best players they can in free agency, to draft intelligently, and to select a head coach who will instill an organizational-wide philosophy that breeds winning. But it’s also important that Prokhorov values the perception and branding of the Nets organization. The Knicks, in all of their losing and ineptitude, at least continue to puff their chest out, talking about the mystique of the Garden and promoting their brand with the same gusto as if they were fresh off a championship season. The Nets need to mirror some of that pomp and circumstance, and they can go a long way in doing that, by taking a stand next season and not allowing such a lengthy blackout of games to happen again, regardless of the team’s record.