I don't think a day has gone by since Melo refused to sign his extension, that we haven't mentioned Carmelo Anthony on NetsDaily.  We are all guilty of it: this website, the media, and Netsfans including myself (both pro and anti melo).  With good reason though.  We lost out in the Lebron sweepstakes and we hunger for a winner after last years debacle of a season.

We also talk a lot about the NY Knicks.  Of course we would.  The Knicks have been a TERRIBLE team for YEARS but they are still better respected than our Nets.  We have an impenidng move to Brooklyn coming up and I was moved to write this article because in both respects (Melo and the Knicks), we might be missing the big picture.

In my analysis of the Nets and what we should aim for, I never lower my goals to "be  at least better than the Knicks".  The Knicks are a desperate team that overpayed for the basketball version of Pedro Martinez,: one and a half years of performance with a high risk of an injured riddled superstar with an albatrosscontract for the rest of it's lifetime. 

I don't want to compare our Nets to this team.  They have a coach that doesn't preach defense, a starting C that is a project/unknown and an PG that makes me thrilled to have Devin.  They have some serviceable wings and a weak bench, but no picks and an uncertain direction.   LET'S AIM HIGHER AND IGNORE THE TROLLING KNICKS FANS!

 

There is a three-fold purpose:

1) To elicit why we should have higher aspirations than comparissons to the Knicks and essentially ignore them as we continue our march towards a bright future

2) To help those that are pro Melo understand why they may be missing the big picture

3) To acknowledge that we are indeed playoff sleepers because sometimes, the experts' knowledge  goes only as far as looking at last year's record of 12-70

 

Let me analyze  2 rosters that we can aspire to emulate for this season:  The Bucks and Hawks.  We are short of the top 4 teams in the east (assuming a healthy Boozer for Chi) but both the Hawks and Bucks have been listed as potential 5th and 6th seeds coming out of the east.  In addition, we will analyze the rosters of our 09-10 Nets and our 10-11 team.

Milwaukee Bucks
POS	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH	5TH
Point Guard	Brandon Jennings	Keyon Dooling	Earl Boykins
Shooting Guard	John Salmons	Chris Douglas-Roberts	Michael Redd
Small Forward	Carlos Delfino	Corey Maggette	Darington Hobson
Power Forward	Drew Gooden	Luc Richard Mbah a Moute	Ersan Ilyasova	Jon Brockman	Larry Sanders
Center	Andrew Bogut

 

 

Atlanta Hawks
POS	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH	5TH
Point Guard	Mike Bibby	Jeff Teague
Shooting Guard	Joe Johnson	Jamal Crawford	Jordan Crawford	Pape Sy
Small Forward	Marvin Williams	Maurice Evans
Power Forward	Josh Smith	Josh Powell
Center	Al Horford	Zaza Pachulia	Jason Collins	Etan Thomas

 

As for our beloved Nets, here is a breakdown of the difference in our roster from this year to last:

Subtraction                            Addition

Yi                                              Murphy

Boone                                       Favors

C. Lee                                       Morrow

Hayes                                       Outlaw

Dooling                                     Farmar

CDR                                          D. James

Hassel                                     J. Smith

Battie                                        Petro

Quinn                                        Uzoh

Simmons                                 Graham

 

Look at those differences.  I think it is safe to say we have improved with each addition significantly(or at least a wash)  There might be some C. Lee supporters or CDR and Dooling supporters but as a whole, I feel this group is so much better.  Half of these guys are no longer in the league or waving a towel on the end of the bench!

When I factor in improved play from Brook, Devin and Twill(with better supporting cast, their overall play will be better) I see the roster  improvements accounting for 14-15 more wins(give or take).  Where are the other 14+ wins you might ask?  Well I haven't even gotten to the most important addition (followed by a more subtle addition):

Subtraction                                    Addition

Frank/Vandeweghe                     *Avery Johnson*

Izod/Continental                           The Rock/Prudential Center

 

I have Avery pegged for an additional 8 to 9 wins(partially not because AJ is that good but  because Vandeweghe was HORRIBLE).  The Rock and our re-energized fan base is another +4-5, which takes me to 29+ more wins.  Avery has already shown that he will pull Outlaw when he's not doing well, big contract notwithstanding.  If the opposing coach leaves a poor free throw shooter in, he will apply Hack-a-Wallace or Shaq?  If a rookie is hustling and producing, Avery will play that rookie(Favors) instead of just having him ride the pine just because he's a rookie.  As fot the Prudential, I'm so much happier there than in the Izod/cont. which was truly a dump and continued crowd support will definitely help these guys.

 

Now, getting back to the Bucks and Hawks roster's.  I personally think that we are very comparable to the Bucks roster.  Brook-Harris vrs Bogut-Jennings is a wash (personally, edge Nets).  Both teams have tough minded, no-nonsense former pg's for coaches and then some good role players.

As for the Hawks, they have a good pg in Bibby and some exciting young playes in Smith, Horford and Williams.  (Much like our core of Lopez, Harris, Twill and Favors)  Where they truly seperate themselves from the Nets is at SG where they have their best player and All-Star, Joe Johnson.  This led me to thinking:  Do we want to be the Hawks?

Having Melo would be our version of having JJ (melo is better, but...).

 

Here are some stats to digest:

Joe Johnson (ATL only)

 

G

GS

MIN

FG

FG%

3P

3P%

FT

FT%

STL

BLK

TO

PF

OFF

DEF

TOT

AST

PTS

05-06	ATL	82	82	40.7	7.7-17.0	.453	1.6-4.4	.356	3.2-4.0	.791	1.30	0.40	3.3	2.3	1.2	2.9	4.1	6.5	20.2
06-07	ATL	57	57	41.4	9.4-20.0	.471	2.1-5.5	.381	4.1-5.5	.748	1.10	0.20	3.1	2.0	0.9	3.3	4.2	4.4	25.0
07-08	ATL	82	82	40.8	7.9-18.3	.432	2.1-5.4	.381	3.9-4.6	.834	1.00	0.20	2.7	2.0	1.0	3.5	4.5	5.8	21.7
08-09	ATL	79	79	39.5	7.8-18.0	.437	1.9-5.2	.360	3.8-4.6	.826	1.10	0.20	2.5	2.2	0.8	3.6	4.4	5.8	21.4
09-10	ATL	76	76	38.0	8.4-18.2	.458	1.7-4.6	.369	2.9-3.5	.818	1.10	0.10	1.9	1.9	1.0	3.7	4.7	4.9	21.3
10-11	ATL	3	3	35.3	7.3-16.3	.449	1.3-4.3	.308	7.0-9.0	.778	1.00	0.00	4.0	1.7	0.7	3.3	4.0	4.0	23.0

veresus Melo

03-04	DEN	82	82	36.5	7.6-17.9	.426	0.8-2.6	.322	5.0-6.4	.777	1.20	0.50	3.0	2.7	2.2	3.8	6.0	2.8	21.0
04-05	DEN	75	75	34.8	7.1-16.4	.431	0.6-2.1	.266	6.1-7.6	.796	0.90	0.40	3.0	3.1	1.9	3.8	5.7	2.6	20.8
05-06	DEN	80	80	36.8	9.4-19.6	.481	0.5-1.9	.243	7.2-8.9	.808	1.10	0.50	2.7	2.9	1.5	3.4	4.9	2.7	26.5
06-07	DEN	65	65	38.2	10.6-22.4	.476	0.6-2.3	.268	7.1-8.7	.808	1.20	0.40	3.6	3.1	2.2	3.8	6.0	3.8	28.9
07-08	DEN	77	77	36.4	9.5-19.2	.492	0.8-2.1	.354	6.0-7.7	.786	1.30	0.50	3.3	3.3	2.3	5.1	7.4	3.4	25.7
08-09	DEN	66	66	34.5	8.1-18.3	.443	1.0-2.6	.371	5.6-7.1	.793	1.10	0.40	3.0	3.0	1.6	5.2	6.8	3.4	22.8
09-10	DEN	69	69	38.2	10.0-21.8	.458	0.9-2.7	.316	7.4-8.9	.830	1.30	0.40	3.0	3.3	2.2	4.4	6.6	3.2	28.2

 While Melo is the better scorer, they shoot similar percentages and Melo takes a lot more shots.  JJ is a better 3 point shooter.  Both offer nothing spectacular defensively and JJ is a more willing distributor.  I'm not saying JJ is better but Melo doesn't do enough other things besides score to make him that much better thaan JJ.

So I once again ask:  Do we want to be the Hawks?

A team relegated to the 5th seed.  That doesn't even factor in the numerous assets we'd have to trade to get Melo so we might not even be the Hawks!

In summary:

Let's not worry about the Knicks.  They are a team that due to insufficient draft assets, poor drafting (pass on Jennings and Brook) and hitching their wagon to an injury waiting-to-happen Amar'e, that we should NOT WORRY OURSELVES ABOUT.  When I actually see Melo pass up on as much as 10-15 million to go to the Knicks next year, I will believe it.

Second, don't touch Melo!...  His addition to our team at the cost of valuable assets (do we really want to tradfe Favors?) makes us no better than the Hawks.  To those that argue that we need him to lure CP3, I think the saying a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush comes to mind.  Luring CP3 with the new CBA  looming and an assets supply that will have been abused by the initial trade with denver is very risky!  Let Melo smell the coffee, watch the Knicks crap all over themselves this year and join us as a free agent next year for nothing!

Third, who gives a crap about the Sheridan's of the world and the plethora of other beat writers on the Knicks payroll.  I'm not worried.   If we stay healthy, we have a promising season ahead of us as well as a bright future.

 

Let's keep developing our talent, maintaining our assets and cap flexibility until the right deal comes along!  Let's all see how happy we will be when we keep our picks and still finish 41-41 with a 7th seed or higher wrapped up!

To my surprise, I found out on NBA TV that Erik Spoelstra, coach of the Miami Heat (for now at least) is hafl Filipino (mother).   Upon further inspection, I can see the Filipino blood:

 

via jerpoop.com

Whether that's enough for Filipino Nets fans to root for Lebron and company is an individual decision, but if Miami does have success this year, I hope he gets some credit.  I also really hope that Pat Reilly doesn't swoop down and stealthe job from this young (39) up nd coming coach.   The NBA tv special showed his trip to the Phillipines and his work for NBA Fit.  Good for him and those of Filipino heritage.

 

On a side note, another intresting half Filipino:

 

via www.sportsrubbish.com

 

None other than San fran's Tim Lincecum.  Tried to find a picture that made him remotely look Asian but his mother is indeed Filipino.  Good luck Tim vrs Philly.

 

Other interesting partial Asian's in sports.  Johnny Damon is part Thai.  Rex Walters, former Nets #1 draft piack in 93 (#16 ahead of Sam Cassell of note) is half Japanese.  The chair that guarded Yi was half chinese too.

For those Filipino's and Nets fans that knew the above info, I leave you with this.  The first Pinoy NBAer was....

via lh6.ggpht.com

Raymond Townsend (mother is Filipina), drafted by the GSW in 78.

 

Hope you enjoyed.  GO NETS!

 

via www.indenvertimes.com

To the chagrin of Andres, I'm here to make my pitch for Melo, but one that gives us enough assets to make a run for a healthy CP3 too, and BRING THEM TO THE ROCK!

I understand that neither of these guys has ever won anything, but it would be interesting to see what they could do together.   I anticipate and welcome any critcism or skepticism.

Part 1: 

Murphy, Favors, Ross and 1st and 2nd rounder (we can debate which picks) and cash(3 mil)

for

Melo. 

This scenario ONLY works as follows.  Anthony signs extension and Murphy is BOUGHT OUT by Denver.  (That's why we sweeten pot with draft picks so they let Murphy out)  We re-sign Murphy in the time needed to elapse (see last yr's Ilgauskus deal).  Hopefully our Jersey guy Murphy, wouldn't screw us.

This would leave us with Harris, Twill, James, Brook etc. and salaries are even.  Then we let season start until Outlaw and company's contracts are tradeable.  (also time to see that CP3 is healthy)  We have solid squad with this deal even if we don't go to part 2: Lopez, Murphy, Melo, T-will/Morrow, Harris with plenty of depth.

 

Part 2:

Outlaw, Harris, Humphries, Petro, James, May, 3 mil cash, GS pick and a 2nd rounder 

for

CP3 and Okafor  (total salary difference is about 2 mil NO>NJ but we are still 2.5 under cap after 1st deal)


Let's look at our potential lineup

Lopez

Murphy

Melo

Morrow (or T-will)

CP3

Bench: Okafor Farmar T-will (Tazmanian devil 6th man!) Uzoh Zoubek and pick up 2 vets min or rooks or NBDL

We essentially lose Favors Harris and James plus 2 1st rounders for Melo, CP3 and Okafor

Salaries work too (unless there is some type of base yr compensation I didn't factor in).  I think NO might be in if CP3 continues to complain.  They might want T-will instead of James (I wouldnt deal both together) and Petro and Outlaw contracts combined are still more manageable than Okafor's).  Denver gets to rebuild with Favors and picks (no more than that)

I apologize to those that dislike complex scenarios such as these, especially when I have absolute zero insight as to what Denver or New Orleans really want to deal there star for, but I did it cause I'm a fan and think this squad would be able to compete and do quite well.  Good balance in the starting lineup, we'd have 2.5 star-type players (Melo, Paul and Brook), surround them with really good shooters for spacing (Murphy and Morrow).  Twill can fill in at 2 and 3.  Farmar to back up 1.  Okafor for the 4 & 5.  Zoubek, Uzoh and veterans for the minium for depth (perhaps Hayes and or Boone (that's to make you happy Andres)).  We'd still have a couple of picks to boot.

I'm happy if we do nothing and just watch our kids develop too but just felt like having a little fun with Melo

Otherwise, where's Gina been?  She didn't leave us did she?  I have missed  her "This" and "+1's".

A lot of us got really upset that we didn't land Turner this past NBA draft.  It made me think about T-Will since there has been plenty of debate about what todo with him.  I know we can't play truly play a game of what-if's but off of what we saw from Twill last year and in SL, what if we threw him in last year's draft class, and played a game of, WHERE WOULD T-WILL BE DRAFTED.

Honestly Nets fans, where would you draft T-will based off his college resume and 1 yr in the league?  I know it's silly because it doesn't work like that, but I'm trying to bring some perspective to T-will's value.  It's why I throw out the depth chart for this upcoming season and just let him continue to develop taking minutes backing up at the 1 and 2 and (even though Avery said no) I can see them going small with him at the 3 and Outlaw at the 4.

IMO, I would give him serious, serious, serious consideration at the #2 pick, but at minimum, he's top 6.  There is going to be plenty of criticism of me from E Turner fans but I'm willing to accept it.  But who knows, there might be some that would love him more than J Wall (I pick Wall of course).  There will be others that want Favors or Cuz for a big man, or WJ for his shooting.

I was burned by kv for adding a link to a t-will remix.  With heavy sarcasm he burned the T-will remix but I put them in to remind you of not just his athleticism but a penchant for filling the passing lane on defense, ridiculous handle ( this mix has 2 killer cross-overs, one on Carmelo), making the occaisional home run pass and of course the freakishly amazing dunks (remind me of a young Dr. J in terms of dunking style)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLf2y42jlIw

I will get off my T-will soap box now, and on to my poll (don't just vote, give me some feedback):

 

Poll

Based on what we know from T-will's rookie season, college performance and Summer League performance this year, where would you slot him in the most recent NBA draft?

1%

#1 overall ( J Wall's slot)

2 votes

13%

#2 overall ( E Turner's slot)

21 votes

8%

#3 overall ( D Favor's slot)

14 votes

19%

#4 overall ( W Johnson's slot)

31 votes

4%

#5 overall ( D Cousins' slot)

7 votes

34%

#6 overall ( E Udoh's slot)

55 votes

19%

#7 overall ( G Monroe's slot) or lower

31 votes

161 votes | Poll has closed

There has been a lot of negativity on NetsDaily of late.  I too was disappointed about our lack of activity in free agency.  I was feeling bummed out about getting "duped" into purchasing season tix.  

Alas, I realized that we can't cry over spilled milk anymore and felt I should put together a positive post reviewing some of our moves as well as current assets.  Are we a championship team?  No.  Are we a playoff team?  Maybe.  Are we headed to the lottery?  Wouldn't bet against it.  But we have plenty of good young talent and cap flexibility and multiple draft picks.  Let's have a little fun and look at our 2010-2011 Nets.

Let's start with our potential future starting lineup:

Brook Lopez C

via www.tickettogames.com

 

Lopez is an asset few teams in the league are capable of boasting.  A legit 7 ft center that can finish inside, sports a good jumper and can make his free throws.  He's in his 3rd year and we must believe as Nets fans that he will grow further this year into a 20 and 10 guy who earns his first All Star trip.   Here is a little Brook remix for us to salivate upon:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sufHcnYsHck

 

If we are lucky, we might even be able to trade for his brother:

via graphics2.jsonline.com

 

Derrick Favors PF

I know he might not be the starter now, but at some point I want to see the Beast start for us.  He will have some Stat/KG moments this year, but probably many Kwame moments as well.  We have to believe in this guy.  He showed us some really good things in that final summer league game as well

 

via content.draftexpress.com

 

Here was an interesting article on Favors that reminds us of the Cuz vrs Fave battles we had earlier this summer.  It gives us some great insight to the risk-reward we are facing with Favors but that the reward is SOOOOOO tantalizing

http://robertwardonline.com/WordPress/category/nba/

 

And for those of you that can't get enough of Favors posterizing Slava, here's the link (I can just keep watching this)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3R46xQpj9K0

 

Travis Outlaw SF

via quizzandquon.files.wordpress.com

I used this picture because I hadn't seen a car like this since the Delorian from Back to the Future. (where's the Flux capacitor?)

 

I must admit, I didn't really know much about Mr. Outlaw before the Nets signed him.  My first thought when I saw Nets sign Outlaw to 5 yrs 35 mil was, "Man, Bo Outlaw is still in the league!"

via magicsuperfan.com

 

My man Travis looks like he can play though and thanks to a little help from Whoop de Damn do, he gave us this tidbit to inspire hope:

http://whoopdedamndo.com/quick-hitter-travis-outlaw-and-rudy-gay.html

 

That and some nice you tube clips offer us some hope for our new SF.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2Z4nxdjpnE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FC5IIV2u9o

 

Terrence Williams SG

via ecx.images-amazon.com

 

I know some of you have some questions.

1) Where is Courtney Lee?

2) Can someone that can't shoot, be a shooting guard?

3) Why is Barbie in NetsDaily?

To answer you in order:

1) I know Lee is a better shooter, but let's face it, T-Will is more exciting to talk about.  We have debated back and forth on the merits of Twill.  Too small to play SF.  Too many turnovers to play point.  Made D Favors think he was back at G Tech.  Let's trade him.  Let's keep him, he's mini-Lebron.

He is a very exciting player indeed.  I'm up for trading him only if the package is legit (none of those guys Dave D mentioned tho).  I will get to Lee later anyway.

2) Yes it would be nice if T-Will could shoot but instead of teaching T-will to shoot better, I think it will be easier to just change SG to scoring guard or slashing guard or super guard.  Something along those lines.

3) Barbie is a reference to his history of wearing certain certain interesting paraphenalia.   He had a Barbie backpack that caused many to question his maturity.   Here is a link to some of the "interesting" things that T-will was known to be related to.

http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/dailyweekly/2009/06/like_nate_robinson_rainier_bea.php

 

I also found this T-Will remix.  Please watch this T-Will haters!  I know a lot of it is dunks and dunks don't make you an NBA star.  That being said, watch this and you can see the athleticism and the intensity.  He's a gym rat and his jumper will get better because of that.  He's got great speed and a knack for the "home run" pass.  When he learns to handle the more subtle nuances of being a distributor, he can be our "Slash" guy.  He's not a 1, 2 or 3 purely but he can do a little bit of all 3 well.  I don't want poor man's Lebron or Pippen, I just want friggin' T-will!

WATCH THIS REMIX PLEASE and we will think twice before shipping him out (too many things here not to like and that just can't be replicated by anybody) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpzY-l37xpU

 

Devin Harris PG

Talk about roller coaster love for this guy.  We loved him his first season.  We thanked Cuban for trading him to us.  Then we dump VC and he became the only guy that could create for himself and Bam!, he gets hurt, and thus, he sucks, let's trade him! 

Let's not forget:

via thesportshernia.typepad.com

I promise, I DID NOT photoshop this.  He really did go to the All star game 2 yrs ago and was 2nd to Granger for most improved that year.  When we lost VC, he was indeed exposed a little.  He is injury prone and his defense wasn't as intense as it was in Dallas.  Common check out his defense here(click youtube link below picture):

via www.televisioninternet.com

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ysv3v7uXblw

 

Seriously though, I think, we need to give Devin a pass.  We have him for 9 mil which is EXTREMELY reasonable.   C'mon, R Felton is getting 8 mil plus!  He just needs a little more talent around him.  I hope he stays healthy.  At least he has cartilage between his knees!  This is a little heads up what happens when you play bone on bone with eroding cartilage and menisci.

http://www.noc.nhs.uk/hipandknee/information/knee/conditions/images/knee-arthritis.jpg

 

Bench:

Johan Petro C and Kris Humphries PF

Could Petro be worse than Boone?  I hope not. With Boone gone, at least I won't think Sean Paul is my PF anymore.

via a.espncdn.com

Josh Boone

via www.rap-artists.org

Sean Paul- reggae rapper

Also thought you might like to see J Boone with out corn-rolls.

via vmedia.rivals.com

 

Getting back to Petro, this was some interesting feedback from the team that originally drafted him:

http://blog.supersonicsoul.com/2005_06_01_archive.html

Which led me to wonder, which Johan would make a better Nets reserve?

via img120.imageshack.us

or

via weblogs.wpix.com

That's easy!  Petro all the way!  (You thought I was going to sarcastically pick Santana right!?   However,  if you're talking Minnesota Johan Santana...)

 

As for Humphries, he was much maligned for signing and thus stealing more of our precious cap space.  We all wanted to Dump a Hump but he's still here.  He's not terrible.  He's strong and active.  I'll give the Hump another chance.  Just pass the ball back every now and then Hump!

via 4.bp.blogspot.com

 Check out this pic, possibly high school yearbook:

via media.scout.com

 

Courtney Lee SG

via 4.bp.blogspot.com

Where was this C Lee for us?  Throw it down big fella!  He's someone that will improve with better supporting talent as well.  Not the time to give up on him and I realize that he is the starting SG because he can shoot!  I just hope he turns into

via 4.bp.blogspot.com

more so than:

via sportsmed.starwave.com

For a little Courtney  Lee love, check out these 2 dunks.  We could do a "1 hr special" on these dunks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEwf9uj8d0I

 

 

 

Jordan Farmar PG Damion James SF and Anthony Morrow SG

Who said we'd never get Jordan, James, or Anthony to play for the Nets? 

D james looked great in Summer League.  I'm ready to give him good bench minutes at SF.  A lot of people were upset that they gave that extra pick to Atlanta (#31) to get him.  Enough already!  That's the value ATL wanted to make the deal and thus far, things have looked good for us.  I do think though that the Nets were caught sleeping.  Since ATL sold the pick, it means that Atlanta must have not liked who was available when the pick finally got to them.  A future 2nd and some cash could have probably got it done but the Nets must not have checked back on Atlanta.

I've also seen a Nets fan compare A Morrow to Reggie Miller.  But I find the comparisson between Farmar and Miller to be much closer:

via dimemag.com

versus

via www.best-basketball-tips.com

 

Forget 3 point competition, they should have a hearing competition!  Thank you, I'll be here all night!

 Don't boo me!  I could make worse comparissons:

via totallylookslike.files.wordpress.com

OR

via totallylookslike.files.wordpress.com

Getting back to Morrow.  This kid can shoot.  I'm thrilled we have him and I hope the Nets give him an expanded role.  Here are highlights from his 1st start when he dropped 37 points.  I could live with him starting instead of T-Will or Lee.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcMEoGoTMWo 

 

Brian Zoubek C and Ben Uzoh PG

A couple of free agent rookies that are strugglling to survive.  One is a big center.  Aggresive and strong.  Fierce rebounder.   Slow, but takes up a lot of space.

The other is small and crafty.  Good timing.  Loyal til the end.  Plenty of heart and hustle.  Willing to get down on all four for defense.

Wait, I've seen these two before:

 

via mommatheregoesthatman.files.wordpress.com

 Actually, I like the guy below better than the 2 above.  He could have replaced Yi on the trip to China (yes I know he doesn't speak Chinese).

via www.asianhoops.com

Good luck Jeremy.

 

The Rock

We are headed to the Rock in Newark.  Perhaps we'd be singing a different tune about free agency if Brooklyn was coming sooner but it's not.  We have a beautiful arena to play in next year:

via blog.nj.com

 

The Meadowlands was a dump.  Upper bowl was always vacant and the lower bowl had plenty of empties too . 

See for yourself:

via blogs.ocweekly.com

 

No ambiance whatsoever.  Food and decorations were crappy.   Had pictures of clowns hanging from the rafters.

Parking is pretty decent at the Rock and there is better mass transit to the Rock than the Meadowlands.  I always choose Rock over Swamp.

 

We have plenty to be excited about and we haven't even talked about Jay-Z, Proky, the Lil General, or Billy King or all our future draft picks.  Don't hang your head Nets fans.  The future is bright!

 

via i138.photobucket.com

                           

Harrison Barnes

 

Never to early to plan for the future.  Fron an ESPN article:

We've ranked Harrison Barnes as the consensus No. 1 prospect in our Top 100 after talking with numerous NBA scouts and executives. Every source we spoke with had Barnes as the top pick. The North Carolina swingman has been compared to a number of superstars, including Kobe Bryant. He has a high basketball IQ, is an excellent, versatile athlete and is silky smooth. He doesn't quite have Bryant's killer instinct, but he has remarkable maturity for his age.

In 2011, we have a whopping nine freshmen projected as one-and-done lottery picks, including Harrison Barnes, Perry Jones, North Carolina State's C.J. Leslie, Kansas' Josh Selby, Duke's Kyrie Irving, Ohio State's Jared Sullinger and Kentucky's Brandon Knight, Terrence Jones and Enes Kanter.

And from Draft Express

2011 Mock Draft

First Round 1 Harrison Barnes  SG/SF years old; 6'8"; 210 lbs. Ames High School, Freshman 2 Perry Jones  PF years old; 6'11"; 220 lbs. , Freshman 3 Jan Vesely  SF 20 years old; 6'11"; 240 lbs. KK Partizan Belgrade, International 4 Jonas Valanciunas  PF/C 18 years old; 6'10"; 230 lbs. Lietuvos Rytas, International 5 Jared Sullinger  PF years old; 6'8"; 250 lbs. Northland HS, Freshman 6 Donatas Motiejunas  PF/C 19 years old; 7'0"; 215 lbs. Benetton Treviso, International 7 Josh Selby  SG years old; 6'1"; 180 lbs. Dematha Catholic HS, Freshman 8 Jeff Taylor  SF 21 years old; 6'6"; 200 lbs. Vanderbilt, Junior 9 Kyrie Irving  PG/SG years old; 6'1"; 172 lbs. , Freshman 10 Mason Plumlee  PF 20 years old; 6'11"; 210 lbs. Duke, Sophomore 11 Kemba Walker  PG 20 years old; 6'0"; 180 lbs. Connecticut, Junior 12 Enes Kanter  C 18 years old; 6'9"; 250 lbs. Fenerbahce Ulker, International 13 John Henson  PF 19 years old; 6'10"; 200 lbs. North Carolina, Sophomore 14 Trey Thompkins  PF 20 years old; 6'9"; 245 lbs. Georgia, Junior

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2011/#ixzz0tEewZXEx
http://www.draftexpress.com

 

 

More info on potential #1 Harrison Barnes:

Long, athletic wing

Does everything, can score from anywhere

Excellent athlete

Great quickness and explosive leaping ability

Smooth player, doesn't get rattled

Terrific midrange game

Great fundamentals and basketball IQ

Has the rep as a smart, well-mannered kid

 

And here's some info on potential #2 Perry Jones

via a.espncdn.com

 

Positives

• Versatile forward can do it all
• Great size, length, athleticism
• Elite leaping ability
• Runs the floor like a deer
• Can score from anywhere on the floor
• Good rebounder and shot blocker

 

 Third ranked player is a Euro.   Hope we have more luck than last year!

I decided that the end of the poll would conclude when enough new posts came in to bump off my post with the poll.  And unless people want to rec'd it, the post is done.

 

No disrespect ever intended.  So big respect to those that weren't an option or mentioned: i says, jarkhid, aunt B, demens, shawncarter, shea, paul e, lupo, rusty, diehard, etc.  AriGold and NetLogic were at least given props in the Others section in parentheses.

And after Jwhite ohio's post, probably could have put him up there too.  Thanks to NetsDaily visit as well to make sure no one was violated.  And the winner was...

 

24% Gina (ladies first) 18 votes 4% Andres B (I felt the loss of Big Cuz too) 3 votes 18% Muwu (often has very nice insightful fanposts) 14 votes 4% Jerry 25 (see Andres comment) 3 votes 17% Mr. DollarBills (respect his AUTHORITAY) 13 votes 9% Newark2Brooklyn (loved your Wall post) 7 votes 9% All Comments Wonderful (ie acw, "the melancholy realist") 7 votes 12% Others (Wall2, rundmc, atronic, ari, ryan,ravi, letlog, elone, rawD) 9 votes

74 votes

Gina! with muwu and MrDollarBills pulling 2nd and 3rd.  Andres and Jerry still struggling becuz of the Demarcus Luv (I'm still with u but I have big love for Favors now too!)

Others squeaked past N2B and acw (have a new appreciation for your perspective.  Always good to have a realist on board for checks & balances)

Please Nets fans, share your nets story on my fanpost: "Is this the most excited..."

I've had so much fun reading your feedback and then looking for pics or video to supplement your feedback.  ie just posted pics of Shaq breaking backboard in response too universal's post.

We have all been so caught up the past week or so with all the Lebron watch.

I've decided that we need a little levity here at NetsDaily.  A little distraction so that we don't obsess over every Chris Bosh tweet.  Don't worry Nets fans.  We are in better position than any 12-70 team should ever, ever, ever, deserve to be, so let's not beat ourselves up everytime we hear negative info. 

Here's my fun poll concept.  During the past month or so as NetsDaily viewership has increased, we have been posting like maniacs, eclipsing 1000 comments on several occaisions.  We have some very unique personalities that visit, so I wanted to poll our readers, to see who they like to see posts from the most (Net Income excluded, would be too easy :), sorry to anyone I forgot)

(And for more levity and a walk down Nets memory lane, see my post "Is this the most excited you've ever been as a Nets fan?  I've been looking for a comment Net Income and NetsDaily!)

Sorry Lupo and Paul E, can't edit poll, but gave you special love in the fanpost instead.

Poll

Of the following members, whom do you most get excited/appreciate receiving input from (sorry to anyone that I left out; Net Income and NetsDaily excluded)?

24%

Gina (ladies first)

18 votes

4%

Andres B (I felt the loss of Big Cuz too)

3 votes

20%

Muwu (often has very nice insightful fanposts)

15 votes

4%

Jerry 25 (see Andres comment)

3 votes

17%

Mr. DollarBills (respect his AUTHORITAY)

13 votes

9%

Newark2Brooklyn (loved your Wall post)

7 votes

9%

All Comments Wonderful (ie acw, "the melancholy realist")

7 votes

12%

Others (Wall2, rundmc, atronic, ari, ryan,ravi, letlog, elone, rawD)

9 votes

75 votes | Poll has closed

This week has been pretty crazy. Actually, it's been crazy since the lottery and it's continued into July. I've even been too distracted to manage my fantasy baseball team!

This led me to wonder, is this the most excited I've ever been as a Nets fan? We did go to 2 NBA finals in the past 10 years for crying out loud!  Too answer that, I had to go back, waaayyyyyyy back.

My Nets fandom goes back to the Draz, Mookie Baylock, Chris Morris, DC, Sam Bowie, Special K and Chris Dudley era (he makes J Boone look like Reggie Miller at the free throw stripe!)

 

 

via www.basketusa.com

I loved Derrick Coleman. Even wanted to get British Knights sneakers since DC sold them. You can see my infatuation with Demarcus Cousins. 

The next guy was outstanding.  Those that got a chance to see him, knew how special he was!

 

.

via www.nbaloud.com

 

Draz was the MAN!  Imagine having a shooter like him on our squad! Those late 80's early 90's team teased me. We made the playoffs and lost to Cleveland (Mark Price era). Thought we were really on to something and then Drazen died. I told a classmate that Draz died in Europe that morning. He said "No way". Told him "I bet you a dollar he died." He did bet me and it's the guiltiest, worst, most despicable dollar I've ever earned. I was punished for that dollar.  How you might ask?

Well DC blew up! At the waistline that is. He never had the desire to be an elite player. Loved to make fun of Karl Malone and say he was better than him, but never put the work (heed my word Cuz, you beter work hard in Sac town!) Kenny Anderson never panned out.  Chris Morris wrote on his sneakers.  Sam Bowie remembered he was Sam Bowie.  Then, us few Nets fans had to endure some bad drafts.  Remember this guy!

 

:

via mentalfloss.cachefly.net

 

This guy was so bad, the Nets (I think Kenny Anderson said it first) nicknamed him Stinka Dare (first name was Yinka for our younger fans).  Stinka (God rest his soul) had in his 4 yr career, 110 games, 4 assists!  For his career.  I know he was the 7ft Nigerian nightmare but man, 4 assists!

 And how bout' Special Ed?

 

 

via realsportsheroes.com

This was Ed O'bannon at his glory.  It sure wasn't as a Net however.  Just goes to show us Nets fans that college performance isn't always the best indicator. He won the NCAA title that year and College player of the Year. I'm not saying Evan Turner won't be good, but nothing is guranteed.

 

Fast forward to the late 90's/early 2000's. Here is where my passion for Netsdom became revitalized. The Nets did trade up that year(97') to the number 2 spot (that ironically did belong to Philly) and drafted the next Great White Hope:

 

via www.sportsblink.com

 

I loved KVH.  Had to give you a shot of the knee high white socks! Look at him blow past the Oak! But as Nets fans that loved him came to realize, half of the time he drove past a defender baseline he stepped out of bounds! He was a much better version of Yi. And who can forget his bodyguard?:

 

via wearestjohns.com

Unfortunately, this is what we came to know him for. Jayson Williams shot that limo driver and spent the next several years battling in court. On the court, he was great. He was our version of David Lee. Mr. Double-double. He protected Keith Van Horn with a passion, until Stephon Marbury's big head slammed into his knee, ending his career. Without his bodyguard. KVH's career came to an end as well, because without him, he really did turn into Yi. All Kenny A did was get tripped and fell backwards into Williams knee and he ended 2 careers :( . 

Now on to some good stuff.

 

via www.nba.com

 

 

My next rebirth came with J kidd. We all know about this and I won't get into them much. I did have season tickets for the 2 seasons they went to the finals. I was a medical student at Stony Brook and used to take LIRR out to the Meadowlands! They thrilled us for so many years.  He gave us credibility:

 

via i.cdn.turner.com

 

 

 J kidd was magic, literally and figuratively. He was robbed of an MVP that first season. But he shows us what can happen when you get a star player to play with a very good squad. We got lucky with Kmart and RJ, had Kerry Kittles(NJ gets slammed for not taking Kobe but Kittles had a productive career until his knees gave out. Watch out CP3 fans). I loved doing the N-E-T-S Nets Nets Nets chant. I will always cherish the ability to say my team was in the NBA Finals and I saw them live! Let's not forget our favorite towel waver, Veal as we check out this pic as well as a little love for VC:

 

 

via netsarescorching.com

 

 

Vince Carter Over 7 Footer Player From France via Noolmusic.com

I know that was while VC was still on Toronto so here's my favorite VC Nets dunk:

 

 

 

Vince Carter Dunk On Alonzo Mourning via Noolmusic.com

And that takes us a little to our current Nets as we see Devin and Brook. We have a solid core with Twill, Lee, Favors, D James and the above 2.  Plus multiple draft picks, Prohky and JayZ.  We will be in good shape whether Lebron is here or not. Of course I want him here because I think we can Reverse the Curse. 12-70 turns into 70-12! With the King on board, all is possible. I came back this year and got a phenomenal deal on Nets tix. I'm in Sect 3 Row 1! 2 tix. I'm super pumped. I know how I feel. How are you feeling Nets fans?

 

What's your story? Let NetsDaily hear your story and let's get ready for 2010 season! (and maybe just maybe....)

via katchop.com

and then...

 

 

via farm4.static.flickr.com

 

Let's go Nets!  N-E-T-S Nets! Nets! Nets!

Found a nice little story about how Proky even amazes Jay-Z

Recruiting the NBA's reigning two-time MVP is instead up to new Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov -- and Jay-Z thinks the deep-pocketed Russian is up to the task. The pair first met at the posh Four Seasons hotel in midtown Manhattan, and the rapper recalls he was duly impressed by the multibillionaire oligarch.

"I'd been staying there for 10 years, and I always thought I was at the top level," Jay-Z said. "But when I met Prokhorov, they took me up to this extra, extra room that I had never even heard of before.

"Now there's something else to shoot for. There's always an extra level you don't know about."

Just think about that.  Jay-Z dwarfs Lebron(and other NBA players) financially and even he (Jay-Z) is blown away by Proky's Prowess and elevated financial status.

If Jay Z didn't think the Nets had a chance, you don't think he'd tell Proky and Avery, 'you know what, just hang on to what we got because Lebron's not coming here.' 

Trading Yi was a sign that the Nets mean business.  They gave up on one of the largest countries (China) to try to give the Nets a chance for LBJ.  I don't think that's happening if Proky and Jay Z don't chat first with Jay telling Proky, screw China, we can get the King!

I did the math.  You probably need a 3 team deal.

Nets have to move Harris Yi and Hump plus Favors and future pick, perhaps more.  I'm not saying I'm pro obtaining CP3.  He probably is our best chance to land Lebron(chances are really low now).  Just wanted to show the math works.

Approximate Salaries for 2010

Paul- 15 million (2yrs left plus player option)
Okafor- 11 (4 yrs left)

Harris- 9 mil ( 3 yrs)
Yi- 4 mil (add'l yr team option)
Hump- 3

Nets currently are under by 27 mil appx.  If they take on 26mil (CP3 and Okafor) but dump 16 (Harris Yi and Hump), they've added 10. in salary.  Subtract from that the free cap space and you have 17 mil.  Enough for 1 max(Lebron)

I also think with no Favors we have 3 mil left to spend.  Harris just gets dealt to a team with cap space for hopefully an asset that could go to NO.  NO would get Favors, save 19 mil next year and dump Hump and Yi after next season and save 7 mil more.  We'd have to sweeten the pot with draft piicks too.

I don't think I do it, but just wanted to show it could be done (would need NO to really want to shed salary)

via www.criticalgamers.com

Rod Thorn is actually the smoke monster from Lost!

Here he is telling Nets official to tell teams that Cousins can't play 4 and that we really want W Johnson and Favors.  He was definitely smokin' when he leaked to ESPN that W Johnson is our link to Boozer!  He even smoked past Philly to try and convince them Favors is better than Turner!

Anything to create some trade offers from other teams as well as hide his true goal: to draft Big Cuz (sorry, that's me smokin')! 

Watch out for the smoke(screens) on draft night!

 

I want all the Cousins haters to watch and read a couple of things before they make their final judgements about Demarcus Cousins.  Lets start with the article that was posted earlier by Daniel Marks of DIME magazine entitled "Nets Will Make a Huge Mistake if They Pass on Demarcus Cousins"

 

http://dimemag.com/2010/06/nets-will-make-a-huge-mistake-if-they-pass-on-demarcus-cousins/

 

Just a couple of highlights from this article:

Cousins’ skill set is off the charts. He is massive, so he can overpower guys down low. His quick feet and above-average ball-handling allow him to perform a wide array of effective post moves. His jump shot extends to 20 feet. Cousins also rebounds at an incredible clip, as he was the most efficient player in college basketball averaging 15.1 points and 9.8 rebounds in just 23.5 minutes.

 

(Cousins) has a nice mid-range shot, pretty good form, and will clearly make the defense respect his shooting ability. The ability to force defenses to respect you outside of 10 feet is a huge weapon for Cousins because his quick feet and ball-handling enable him to get past slower defenders, and is a good complement for his post game.

Favors, on the other hand, has a somewhat out-of-whack shot release, and many of his shots were way off the mark. I could tell it would take a few years for NBA players to truly respect Favors’ mid-range game. While that usually wouldn’t be a big deal for a power forward, it is in this case because Favors also has yet to really develop a post game. He has no go-to move down low. Additionally, Favors doesn’t have the muscle to really bang in the post yet, so most of his points at this level will come from his rebounding and athleticism.

 

Favors is long, and somewhat slender. He definitely has a lot of room to grow, and he has an NBA body for sure, but he doesn’t look like he can really scare anyone. Cousins, meanwhile, is scary. He doesn’t really smile, and his massive body is imposing when you’re standing three feet away. Looking at Cousins, it doesn’t seem like many guys even in the NBA can stop him. His physical presence awed the reporters and Nets personnel at the workout, as everyone seemed like they had never seen anything like him. Also, the Nets haven’t had a physically imposing player for opposing teams to fear since Kenyon Martin, and Cousins can finally solve that problem.

While Cousins is more physically imposing than Favors, I think he can play beside Brook Lopez, which has been a big knock on him. Cousins plays like a center and looks like a center, but he can complement Lopez. He is bigger than Brook and quicker than him, so defense with the two won’t be a problem. Also, imagine a Lopez-Cousins pairing on the blocks, it would be a top-five NBA frontcourt within two years.

 

Next Nets fans; I need you all to watch Demarcus Cousins Perception versus Reality

http://sports.espn.go.com/videohub/video/video?id=5293484

I think this will give some perspective about what type of player we are dealing with.  He has some fire and passion.  If you don't like what Andres, or Jerry25 or Andy or myself are saying, then perhaps you might respect what John Thompson has to say (or perhaps you don't think much of Ewing, Zo or Dikembe)

 

Finally,

While I don't believe the kid is ready to start at the 4, he is ready to back up the 5 and get spot minutes at the 4 until he declares that he will not get into A Johnson game shape and defensive standards.  If he does get back to to 280 him and Brook would be beasts offensively and they would still be slow, but intimidating down low.

It sucked watching Brook get doubled and tripled team, when opposing defenses completely dared Humphries, Yi or Boone to do anything to them.  THAT WAS NOT GOOD FOR BROOK'S DEVELOPMENT.

Cuz is a better draw for any free agent, gives us a back-up 5 and still allows us to go for a 4 in free agency.  If he does develop at the 5 but can't play the 4, then you have an amazing trading piece. 

PLEASE ROD, DO THE RIGHT THING.  DRAFT BIG CUZ!

I have come to a point where I can accept whomever the Nets choose on draft day.  I'm still rooting for Turner, Cousins, Favors, and Johnson in that order.  I'm not here to debate whom will be the better player.  None of us truly know despite how much we read insider or draftexpress or download youtue videos.

I have become interested in draft night along a different angle.  I think we will have an idea of what the Nets front office expectations will be for short and long term goals, based on whom we draft.  ie, do the Nets really think they have the ability to make a big splash next year, versus a slower rebuilding type process.

Already, we have another rumor suggesting that the Nets might go for Paul.  Any trade of the #3 for a current player (hopefully star player) suggests they really believe they can land lebron.  I think the same goes for any deal that would shed salary to yield further cap space.  Craziest and riskiest of all would be the trading of Harris for further cap space.  We all know cap space has never scored a point (as Net Income once told me) but it would make me salivate come July 1st.

If we get Turner, we are good on all levels.  There would be short term gains (Turner would be viewed as a top flight young addition) as well as the long term gains of developing a core player though the draft.

If we go Cousins, I believe hs drafting would say to free agents, we drafted a piece ready to help us next season.  Great for depth, could be instant front court offense and play the 5 and some 4.  It would be a slow front court, but a big, long front court and one ready to create some mismatches on the offensive side  I think the same could be said for Wes Johnson.  Good shooter with athleticism off the bench.  If no Lebron, he becomes the starting 3.

If we go Favors, it would suggest to me that the Nets really are planning a slower approach and feel much less certain about Lebron in Newark.  Perhaps it's wishful thinking for us Nets fans to think Lebron is coming, but I know he's not coming to play with such a young PF.  Many have suggested the addition of a Lee or Scola or Haslem until Favors develops, but I don't think any of those guys would entice Lebron.  I also doubt that we'd spend big on Amare or Boozer or Bosh with Favors on board.  Favors has big potential and while that makes him so enticing, it also makes him so scary if he doesn't reach it. 

There are many variations of what can occur, but I hope the Nets take an aggressive approach.  it's why I root for Turner, will be happy with Cuz or watch for a trade.  If it's Favors, I will cross my fingers and hope we are smart with our free agent dollars, but prepare for another night in June 2011 watching the lottery.

 

I am baffled that NJ Nets fans are not interested in having Lebron on this team.  I have seen posts referencing the fact that he hasn't won anything yet.  That he's a diva.  Too much drama.

Nonsense.  This guy's value to a team is so immense, it boggles me that there are those that would oppose his arrival in Newark.  If that's the case, I feel bad for those folks.  Why would you want to continue to be a doormat, a joke, irrelevant?  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to ink one of the top 5 players in the game.  With additional cap space, and draft picks, you can form a great team and more importantly, you have a team that players want to be on (if the cap space is there).

I don't care that he hasn't won any titles yet.  If he had, we probably wouldn't have a chance to get him.  Be thankful, he hasn't found the right team yet and thus we have a chance, no matter how small it is.

The positives and negatives of NJ have already been layed out so I won't repeat them.  But why would you want Gay and Lee or any other combo, or rebuilding, when you can obtain a top 5 NBA player, for nothing but cap space.  He may not want to come here, but shame on all of you that are stating you would pass on Lebron.

To make it more simple to those of you that seem to be lacking oxygen to your brain cells, would you rather have a 50,000 a yr job, or a 500,000 a yr job?  (And that might be undercutting Lebron's impact to the Nets.)  He means so much, financially, physically and mentally for this franchise that you can't live with a little drama?  Let me tell you, if you want a job that pays more (the 500,000 job) there is a lot more responsibility and brown nosing that may come with it.  Likewise, you can go for the 50,000 job, that might be easier and have less drama, but you get less in return.

Healthy Lebron on any team in the NBA (even the current Knicks) is a playoff team.  The more talent you surround him with, the higher the seed.  Even Jordan needed Pippen and a great supporting cast.  Namely, they could shoot and were ready to bury the dagger when Micheal finally gave up the ball.  But when there wasno Micheal, we saw Pippen could only take them so far.  Even the great ones need a supporting cast and we should consider ourselves blessed if he joins us.

So please Nets Nation, stop with all the Lebron hatred (you know who you are).  He can single-handedly make us relevant again. 

As Nets fans, we have had fun debating what the Nets could do with both their cap space and draft picks.  None of us truly know what will happen June 24th and July 1st, or what will happen once those decisions are made.

The following is an interesting idea I came up with if you really wanted to go for broke, and more importantly, got this year's free agent class open minded to a radical idea.  It's a plan that requires serious Prokorhov dollars  as well as some faith from the free agents that sign.

Cleveland has the ability to offer lebron the most money right now because they have his Bird rights (due I believe to the ability to offer an extra year on the contract).  For a team to have a player under Bird rights, they must have him under contract for a minimum 3 years.  Here's the plan.

If 3 young superstars want to play together and win some rings, they could each sign 3 yr contracts.  If Proky tells them money is no object, he could essentially let those 3 young players know that when that 3yr contract ends, Proky plans to offer, full max contracts.  If the plan fails(ie team doesn't win , Nets don't go to Brooklyn) each player could entertain the free agency process 3 yrs later.  If they are winning, they max out 3 yrs later and that extra year salary on the tail end of the contract could help absorb what they lose in the 1st 3 yrs.

These 3 young guys won't want to play for free though.  It will take anywhere between 12 and 15 mil to do it.  Max contracts go for 17 per.  Can any teams out there take on 36-45 million in salary right now? no.  But the Nets (Knicks in theory if they unloaded Curry) could do it.  How you might ask?  Well, this won't be popular but it starts with trading Devin for a draft pick and not taking salary back.  This would bring Nets to 39 mil under.  The other 6 mil, we'd need to get creative.  If packaged with #1 picks, we could proceed to trade Yi and Humphries.  Not our #3 overall, but conceivably the pick we got back from the team that takes Devin (let's say Indy for fun #10) or our picks at the end of the draft (27 or 31) or GS #1 in future. 

I know it sucks to give up picks just to clear cap space but bear with me until the end of the article.

That's apx 45 mil in cap space, enough to give each player 15 per for 3 years(followed by flooding them with a max contract 3 yrs later)

You take the best 3.  In my opinion, Lebron and Wade 1 and 2(if no wade, Gay or Johnson could suffice).  Then you go with Bosh or Amare(he might be a little too old though, Lee for less money if Bosh or Amare are too scared to do this).  3 young guys still in their prime, but we're not done.  Not sure what the rules are (perhaps Net Income knows, but I think you can sign these guys and still use the following exceptions) but you have the mid-level and the bi-level.  With the mid level, you go for the best pure shooter available( choose Ray Allen, he'd be thrilled to run with these guys and get mid level money, perhaps M Redd, he has early term option, or Kyle Korver) and with the bi-level you pick up the best savvy veteran (ie Shaq, G Hill)

You draft whomever u want with #3.  Favors or Cousins, even W. Johnson, Aminu and Monroe would be great off the bench.

In this scenario, here is your starting 5 and bench

Wade

Ray Allen

Lebron

Bosh or Amar'e

Lopez

 

Bench: C Lee, TWill, CDR, #3(Favors or Cousins), #31, Shaq?

I have layed out a plan that could fiscally happen,  Is it improbable?, yes, but not impossible with Proky's promise of $$$ , the lure of winning some rings, and being in Brooklyn by year 3 of the contract.

At a minimum, this beats talking about Cousins body fat % or Favors raw-ness, and sadly, this proposal seems more probable that us getting Wall or Turner :(

... Why D. Cousins is a good fit for NJ by someone not named Jerry25 or Andres B Cousins

 

DC 2 has some serious game so Andres does have some points.  All we've ever tried to do is point out some of the red flags.  His temperment has been questioned as has his weight.  But undeniably, this kid can play.  He has good handle and good post moves and even more important, quick feet.  My take was that he had the post game of a 5 but the ability to put it on the floor and face up as well like a skilled 4. 

I was in favor of Favors but he will not be NBA ready for at least 1-2 seasons.  Doesn't mean I don't want him, but we just have to be realistic.  Especially when you take the Nets roster for what it is.  On the NBA level, we are closer to G Tech than being Kentucky and thus, I have realistic expectations for Favors.

But if we land an older 4 like Dirk or someone that we don't have to extend a 6 yr contract to (perhaps Lee), either of these guys would be great for us to develop, but Cousins takes an edge.

The NBA is screaming for 5's that can play.  From Muwu's prior post:

He stands 6-9 ½ without shoes, with a gigantic 7-5 ¾ wingspan and a standing reach of 9-5. He’s a physical specimen at the center position, with measurements similar to that of Brook Lopez (just much bulkier), and superior to those of Dwight Howard (who was 18 at the time he was measured and could have very well grown since), Greg Oden and Al Jefferson.

That's legit and if a player can play, he can play, hops or no hops.  But it comes off the bench to start.  You hide his weaknesses defensively vrs elite NBA 4's or 5's.  He becomes a huge asset in a league starved for 5's.  Look at how highly regarded Bynum is.  Same type of deal.  You hang on to enough cap space to have a chance at Melo (if Lebron, as he pob will, says Nyet to us) and you develop a valuable, valuable chip.  If he can play, that's great we keep him.  But if he duplicates what we have already, you have a great, great asset.

For those thinking the same logic for Favors in this scenario, the problem is, as much as the ceiling might be higher for Favors, so is the bust potential.  

I still like Favors and  he's the guy if we want to rebuild slowly.  But given the right coach (would luv Phil or JVG, but I think Avery can contain this kid) and a personal trainer,  Cousins can be steered.  I have been as big a proponent as any about not drafting DC 2.  Sorry Andres, any Nets fans from that era were crushed by DC 1.  He got fat and lazy, so please understand our concerns.  But even DC1 played hard and kept his weight down til his first big contract.

Most importantly, coming off the bench and banging backups with his 290 #'s, he will be productive.  If Dirk is manning the 4, we have our guy coming off the bench tearing crap up until Dirk ages.  If we get any other 4 on your Net wish list, he just becomes a super valuable trade asset when it comes time to deal for that next big piece.  remember that Twolves were stupid enough to trade KG for A Jeff.

As much as it saddens me to agree with Andres and his dogmatic ways, Cousins will be able to play next season, much more so than Favors and thus have far greater value going into 2011. 

I think we all need to relax on the Cousins vrs Favors debate.  It's a very difficult for any of us to assess with just you-tube videos and quotes from draft experts.  My opinion gives a slight edge to Favors (athletticism, motor, better attitude and defense), but I do agree with jerry25 and even andres (even tho Andres has an absolute man crush on cousins, not even funny and a little disturbing) that cousins is more nba ready and makes the team more attractive (how much is another story) to NBA free agents.  I choose Favors for his long term possibility but it will suck to be a 15-20 win team again so I could live with Cousins as a pick (his measurements were comforting that he can play despite limited hops).  Even better, lets hope Philly loves Cousins as much as Andres!

 

As for a fun team name:  How about the Brooklyn Brawn

definition -  brawn: possessing muscular strength

The logo could be a tank, something military or even russia's old hammer and sickle

Uniform concept:  White home and black away jerseys with military fatigue sides and piping.    Think it would sell well in Brooklyn (although a little gangish) and Proky could have AK-47 night or guns for tix type of promo

and as hard as i tried to do a post without u know who being mentioned, get ready for it... the Brooklyn Brawn-Bron's are created!

This is a young growing team. We cannot afford to add a head case. We are already struggling with the likes of Twill and CDR showing questionable work ethic. I too am saddenned by falling out of the top 2 spots but we have to move on and the right move is a guy with freakish athleticism but a GREAT attitude, motor and desire. That already distinguishes him from s. williams so no further comparisons please.

Georgia Tech was not a good team and it would have been nice to see him dominate but he didn’t. Thus I don’t think its fair to make Howard or Amar’e comparisons but we can’t risk adding cancer to this team. I don’t care how much he beat up on the SEC.

He was larger than than his opponents and also played on one of the most talented teams in all of college hoops last year. His numbers are inflated.

But forget numbers in college, we need the player that will best fit in with the Nets. a Brook and DC 2 front court would be painfully slow. Didn’t we see enough of that with Lopez and Yi in the front court?!

IF YOU WANT DC 2, YOU DID NOT SEE WHAT AILED THE NETS THIS PAST SEASON

We were so atrocious defensively last year and so we should count are blessings we didn’t fall to 4 overall andat least have the chance to take the guy with known defensive ability and higher NBA upside!

 

With all the drama surrounding LBJ's exit and the subsequent speculation as to where his future lies, we as Nets fans can dream.   It's okay to dream and for those that believe it to be a pipe dream to envision Lebron in Newark, well then hands off the pipe and let us enjoy.  

But it all starts May 18th.  I'm not here to speculate who will make a better pro, I'm just here to explain my Lebron plan and that plan starts with Wall as the number one pick.  No disrespect to D Harris or E Turner but the Lebron dream starts here.

With Wall in hand, we have lure for Lebron as well as either an amazingly quick backcourt, or it creates the opportunity for increased cap space/flexibility, and I prefer the latter.  I do not advocate trading players for nothing.  I do not want to devalue Harris, but this is the Lebron plan and we will need more capspace or sign and trade flexibility.

We do have excellent assets and for people that don't believe we could sign and trade with Phoenix or Atlanta or Toronto or Utah, the lure of draft picks (ie Golden State fiture #1 or one of our future picks) combined with a Harris or ( I will not insult anyone and mention Yi)  a contract that expires after 2010 (ie Humphries) will speak volumes, especially in these difficult economic times.

If we sign and trade for any respectable PF (I will allow you the fan to insert whomever you prefer here, D. Lee, Bosh, Boozer, AK-47, Dirk, with my preference being Amar'e) we have the 4 spot filled,.  With Lopez at 5, Wall at 1, Lee at 2 (Harris if we don't trade him) and a developing bench in Twill, CDR and then hopefully shooters and one more big, we have a recipe for the King.

We have Lebon's buddy Jay-Z to lure him in and take him to NYC for luch with CC Sabathia as much as he wants.  If he wants coach Calipari we can outbid anyone for his services thanks too our new multi-billionaire owner (Cal's added familiarity with Wall is a plus).  He gets Brooklyn in 2 to 3 years, but for now the King can tolerate Newark (it's not like he has to live there!) and  make, heaven forbid a 15-25 minute postgame trip back into Manhattan if thats where he wants to live.

Don't think  it can happen?  You're probably right.  Odds are stacked against us in this scenario, but our odds at least  rival that of the Knicks, Cavs and Bulls even if we are the underdog in this race.  We have the best center of those taams and Wall would negate/minimize the Rose factor.  The key  to roster improvement that Lebron can taste, is improvement at the 4 (nobody's coming to play with Yi).  But we can't improve the 4 AND bring Lebron here, unless we get the #1 - J Wall, and thus the Lebron dream starts May 18th.

For the Lebron haters or those that want to rebuild thru the draft, all this is, is just my humble opinion and vision.  I'm sure you have valid reasons to back up your plans  At a minimum my vision of Lopez, amar'e, Lebron, Lee, and Wall has 50 win potential and a seed in the playoffs. 

The bottom line is, no matter what we post, nothing is guaranteed, even with Lebron,  but just allow me to dream as well as those that want to share this vision.