No Word on Buyout for Battie, Others
Mar 2, 2010 Roster, Tony Battie
The midnight deadline has come and gone for players who are bought out by their teams to still be eligible for a playoff roster and there’s no word on the status of Tony Battie, Bobby Simmons, or any the other Nets veteran expirings who were candidates for a buyout. Tony Battie in particular was generating a lot of interest from Boston, and with Shaquille O’Neal hitting the shelf for the next 6-8 weeks with a thumb injury, Cleveland was another possible destination if he was cut loose by the Nets. However, the Nets were not looking to provide these players with charity, and were only going to buy somebody out if they could get some savings on the contract, something Battie, among others, was reportedly resistant to.
Nets on the Net: 2/27/10 Edition
Feb 27, 2010 Courtney Lee, Keyon Dooling, Nets on the Net, Rod Thorn, Tony Battie
The Nets had a hard time dealing with the snow, including Keyon Dooling, who was involved in a minor car accident.
Courtney Lee was equally miffed by the weather, according to Fred Kerber: “This is pretty brutal,” guard Courtney Lee said. “I’ve been in snow situations all my life, growing up in Indianapolis and then in Kentucky and this was probably the worst. [In Indy], we got snow like this once a year.”
Is Tony Battie a buyout candidate?
Nets fans disappointed by the team’s lack of activity at the trade deadline last week should hear what Marc Spears of Yahoo is reporting: Thorn said most of the teams talking to the Nets were focused on acquiring center Brook Lopez(notes) or guards Devin Harris(notes) and Courtney Lee(notes). Thorn considers all three to be key pieces of the Nets’ future – regardless of whether Thorn is around to call the shots after the team’s sale is completed. The New York Knicks, meanwhile, made deals to allow them to potentially sign two top-tier free agents.
Nets on the Net: 2/7/2010 Super Sunday Edition
Feb 7, 2010 Bobby Simmons, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Nets on the Net, Tony Battie
I’m sure all you sports fans out there are really focused on the Nets today on this Sunday since there’s nothing else going on out there….
Expect Bobby Simmons to either be traded or released in the next few weeks. Chris Douglas-Roberts is also on block, confirms Al Iannazzone.
In a profile in the Worcester Telegram, Tony Battie explains that the Nets goals for the remainder of the season are very focused: “We have that in the back of our minds,” Battie said. “I hate to say it, but that’s a goal of ours, to avoid that record.”
Mitch Lawrence of the Daily News gives a state of the NBA column and mentions how the Nets are one of 13 teams losing money hand over fist.
Another media outlet attempts to justify the Nets woes of this season by proclaiming, the Nets can turn it around next year.
Nets Are Peddling – But Who’s Buying?
Jan 5, 2010 Rafer Alston, Tony Battie, Trade Ideas
In the past week, a number of sources have reported that the Nets have been testing the trade market by offering some of their expiring contracts. First, there was the Nate Robinson/Darko Milicic for Rafer Alston/Tony Battie trade proposal, tweeted by Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski this past weekend. Then yesterday, in an ESPN chat, Chris Sheridan suggested that the Nets were “peddling” guys like Battie, Bobby Simmons, Josh Boone and Eduardo Najera. Sheridan speculated a possible match with the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for PF Boris Diaw, but he never says such a trade was ever floated by either team. Beat writer Al Iannazzone also speculated that Alston’s name will likely be connected in more trade talk considering how his playing time has been dramatically reduced despite coach Kiki Vandeweghe saying the erratic PG “deserved to play.”
Earlier this morning, Yahoo’s Marc Spears talked about a couple of trades that have seemingly fallen apart: Eduardo Najera to Dallas for Kris Humphries and Shawne Williams – which would have given the Nets a monopoly on player’s named some variation of Sean Williams, though the player from Dallas would have been bought out. To try and open a roster spot for these players, the Nets were looking to send Josh Boone to Denver for Joey Graham.
None of this news is surprising. The Nets are a last place team with a young core and most of the players mentioned in these trade scenarios could provide a playoff-bound team with a veteran piece on a short-term contract. However, depending on what these players may bring back in a trade – and considering that most of these players, especially Alston and Simmons, are experiencing miserable seasons – they may ultimately be more valuable to keep. Because once those contracts expire this summer, it equals salary cap flexibility for the Nets in one of the best free agent markets in recent memory.
Of the rumors being floated, the Robinson/Darko trade made the most sense for the Nets, since both are young players with expiring contracts who could essentially audition for supporting roles on the team next season, or be cast away come the summer for greener free agent pastures. Boris Diaw, on the other hand, makes no sense. While he was once a nice component of those exciting Phoenix Suns “7 Seconds or Less” teams, he’s also owed $9 million in each of the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons and is not enough of a difference maker to warrant sacrificing valuable cap space for. Kris Humphries has a player option worth $3.2 million is not guaranteed money next year, and the Nets would have been dumping Najera, who’s owed money by the Nets for two more seasons due to the absurd contract he was offered before 2008-09.
So what are the Nets options? Whereas the Nate/Darko trades sounds great on paper, common sense says the Nets are more likely to be offered a player of Diaw’s ilk – a salary dump that will clog their flexibility at exactly the wrong time. Humphries is mildly interesting, as he has above average PER 40 minutes numbers, but he’s known as a “shoot first” guy, with poor defense and has been turnover prone throughout his career. I don’t know how he’s that much of an upgrade in the frontcourt over Josh Boone. Plus it would cheat Rob Mahoney over at The Two Man Game of his weekly “Hump Day” post. But I guess if you want change for the sake of a change, he’s an option.
While Kiki may have a soft spot for guys like Alston and Battie – who probably deserve better than to be rarely used bench players on a 3-30 team in their contract years, this hopefully won’t lead the GM to make an ill-advised trade in an effort to make right by then. As I preached last week, the Nets need to stay true to their commitment headed into this season, even if the losses keep mounting. This rings especially true if changing directions brings the Nets a Boris Diaw type-player and contract.
Nets Tried Trading For Nate Robinson?
Jan 2, 2010 Rafer Alston, Rumors, Tony Battie, Trades
Apparently they did. Check out this tweet from Adrian Wojnarowski, a very credible source in my opinion:
Prior to Christmas, Knicks turned down a Nets offer of Rafer Alston and Tony Battie for Nate Robinson and Darko Milicic, league sources say.
That’s…well…interesting to say the least. Rod and Kiki have said a number of times that they weren’t going to take on any new salary for next year to make this year’s team better. A deal like this makes sense for both teams because all of the names involved are expiring contracts. If anything, this just confirms that Rafer doesn’t really have a place on this team anymore and they are looking to move him. I doubt that they can get a pick for him due to his poor play this year, but if they can get someone who they think will help this year, and won’t count against next year, I say they move him.
Injury Report: Courtney Lee and Tony Battie, Back Next Week?
Nov 20, 2009 Courtney Lee, Injuries, Tony Battie
Some news out of Nets practice today. Devin Harris still seems to be a definite go off the bench tomorrow against the Knicks, though expectations as to how much he’ll play are being kept to a minimum.
Meanwhile, Courtney Lee is looking possible for Tuesday against Denver, and Tony Battie, who hasn’t played a single game yet this season, could follow soon after.
From the Post’s Fred Kerber:
“I practiced a little bit today,” (Courtney) Lee said. “Timmy (athletic trainer Walsh) just wants to make sure, be 100 percent positive that when I come back it won’t be (any) re-occurring injury. I’m fine with it. It definitely (stinks) sitting on the side watching my guys go out there and play.”
And here’s Tony:
“I’m making huge strides,” Battie said but cautioned against any sort of timetable. “I went through practice, let’s just see how it feels.”
Nets on the Net: 11/12/09 Edition
Nov 12, 2009 Brook Lopez, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Courtney Lee, Josh Boone, Nets on the Net, Terrence Williams, Tony Battie
Despite his early-season injuries, Devin Harris is one of the more active Nets in the community, as detailed by this New York times piece.
Tony Battie has the green light to rehab his knee more regularly.
Despite being the only starter on the court right now, Brook Lopez is responding with some great play, according to Ben Couch.
Apparently Courtney Lee and Terrence Williams are driving buddies.
With this new opportunity to start at the four, Josh Boone hopes he finally found a place for himself on this team.
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.
Nets on the Net: 10/30/09 Edition
Oct 30, 2009 Brook Lopez, Courtney Lee, Develop Don't Destroy, Devin Harris, Jarvis Hayes, Mikhail Prokhorov, Nets on the Net, Rafer Alston, Sean Williams, Tony Battie, Vince Carter, Yi
In Al Iannazzone’s report, Jarvis Hayes is expected to miss the next 2-3 weeks with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, as expected, the Nets picked up the options for Brook Lopez, Courtney Lee and Yi Jianlian while declining on Sean Williams.
Courtney Lee talks with the Orlando Sentinel about his time with his former team, and why he still has love for Orlando.
But Lee tells Ben Couch that he’s going to approach them like any other team.
Some bullet-points on Lee, Tony Battie and Rafer Alston’s time in Orlando.
Devin Harris jokes about getting a chance to foul Vince Carter “one good time” tonight.
Blogger previews from Howard the Dunk.
Over at NetsDaily, Net Income talks about a cryptic e-mail discussing new potential names for the Nets after they (presumably) move to Brooklyn. These include “New York Nets” or maybe something without “Nets” altogether.
CCTV focuses on Yi’s performance in the season opener Wednesday night.
Atlantic Yards Report talks about the lowball offer Daniel Goldstein (of Develop Don’t Destroy Brooklyn) received for his Prospect Heights condo from the Empire State Development Corporation.
An opinion piece in the Star-Ledger talks about how the Nets in Newark could help “pay the rent” at the Prudential Center.
Nets on the Net: 10/27/09 Edition
Oct 27, 2009 Brook Lopez, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Devin Harris, Josh Boone, Mikhail Prokhorov, Nets on the Net, Prudential Center, Terrence Williams, Tony Battie, Vince Carter, Yi
On a team without a veteran superstar like Vince Carter and Jason Kidd, Devin Harris is evolving into the team’s leader.
Tony Battie, Josh Boone and Yi Jianlian left yesterday’s practice with assorted bumps and bruises are listed as day-to-day.
Small ball may be the way to go for stretches this season, especially when Terrence Williams is a part of it.
Brook Lopez and Chris Douglas-Roberts used to play together a lot in high school at basketball camp. Now, as part of the Nets, they’re developing a great chemistry with each other.
Al Iannazzone, writing for YES, believes the Nets will struggle, but could still be an exciting team to follow.
Gary Sussman is calling for a standing ovation for Vince Carter at the Izod Friday night. Bleacher Report tries to convince us that VC has never had a true big man to run with.
Zach Harper of TalksHoops gives us his Nets preview complete with an introductory mention of prostitutes in honor of Mikhail Prokhorov.
The Star-Ledger’s editorial board comes out in favor of the proposed temporary move to Newark next year.
You might have heard, but the Nets should have a lot of cap space next summer. But is it smart to build through free agency?