Nets Of the Round Table: Collison, Ariza, Winners of the Trade
Aug 13, 2010 2010 Offseason, Nets of the Round Table, Trade
Obviously, this is a New Jersey Nets blog, however, the NAS crew absolutely love the NBA in general. So, every week, Sebastian, Mark, Devin, and myself will answer questions regarding the L.
1) Is Darren Collison the PG answer the Pacers have been looking? Project his production for next season.
Sebastian: Yes, he is going to be the answer for the Pacers. He turned the ball over a ton last year, even for a rookie, but with the Pacers determined to move T.J. Ford, this is going to be Collison’s show to run the entire year, good or bad. He will struggle early on, but during the end of the season and two years from now, he will shine.
Mark: Collison was quite the pleasant surprise last season for NOLA and I’m shocked that they got rid of him with the Chris Paul situation so precarious. I think he’s going to be a huge plus for Indy. Predicting his number is tough business, but if he starts every day as expected, I can easily see a 16 and 8 season from him.
Devin: I think so. I’m not really sure how he fits in Indiana’s offense (since I flat-out don’t know much about Indiana’s offense in the first place), but he was certainly very exciting and turned a lot of heads when CP3 was out and he’s always been known as a talented asset. However, he seemed to be playing too fast for his own good a lot of the time – my guess is that it was due to the pressure of being Chris Paul’s replacement. If he can control the ball a little more effectively – it’s hard to forget his near-triple double of 25 points, 9 assists, and 10 turnovers – chances are he can make a big splash in Indiana.
DV: I’m a huge fan of Collison and definitely think he’s the PG answer for the Pacers. He’s quick, has excellent court vision, and can play defense. No matter the personnel around him, it’s hard not to have his talent mesh with any offense unless Larry Brown is running it or it’s the triangle offense which isn’t as friendly to point guards. I think it’s a good move for Larry Bird and the Pacers and think Collison will average 17 and 8.
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Trading For A Core Player: Danny Granger
Aug 2, 2010 Devin Harris, Trade, Trade Ideas, Trade Rumors
There has been some talk recently of the New Jersey Nets needing a core player in order for them to take “it” to another level. Of course, this all came about because of the likely availability of Chris Paul and no matter what he and the New Orleans Hornets say or don’t say, there are still rumors milling about that Paul can still be traded. Another reason for this talk of a core player for the Nets is Carmelo Anthony, who has until June 30, 2011 to accept a contract extension offered by the Denver Nuggets, which he still hasn’t accepted and hence the possibility that he could be traded at the NBA trade deadline. However, two things should be said: 1) my NAS colleagues will be talking about the aforementioned duo of Paul and Anthony and 2) while Brook Lopez is a core player, like most successful teams, another superstar-type of player/talent is needed to elevate a team. Today, we’ll take a look at Indiana Pacers forward, Danny Granger.
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Some Brook Lopez Quotes
Jun 29, 2009 Ben Couch, Brook Lopez, Trade
Ben Couch of NJNets.com was able to sit down with Brook Lopez and have him answer some questions. The first thing they talked about was Brook’s reaction of his buddy Ryan Anderson:
“We talked about it a bit and I told Ryan I was jealous of him being down by Disney – now he can go whenever he wants.”
I still find it hilarious that Brook is just a big kid. Here are some more quotes from the interview:
On Nets draft pick Terrence Williams:
“I played him in the NCAA Tournament my freshman year when he was at Louisville. (Louisville won, 78-58.–BC) We’ve been to a few camps together. I’ve seen his game before, and it’s going to be real nice to get to know him.”On being invited to the USA Basketball National Team mini-camp:
“I’m excited for that. It’s going to be a great experience. The best young players – and some of the already top players in the league – will be there. It’ll be a great way for me to see where I’m at.”
It is good to see that Brook is excited to meet, hang-out, and play with T-Will. Brook is our most important piece, and he needs to be on good teams with the entire roster. I am also glad that he is viewing the National Team mini-camo as a learning experience. He should be able to learn a lot from all of the other players/coaches there. For the whole interview go here.