Joe: By far the weakest part of the team (by position), the centers must hold their own in most games for the Nets to be competitive. McIlvaine is prone to foul trouble and injury but can be an effective defender and rebounds IF he can keep the fouls down. But this is wishful thinking, as he has not been able to accomplish this in his career. Good shot blocker, but not much of an offensive force. Has trouble even getting garbage points as he’s not much for contact down low. Nets need a good 15 – 20 minutes per game from him, which is downright impossible to expect. Nice guy, though.
Champagne: I just like screaming “Jimmy Mac!” whenever he’s in. “JIMMY MAC!” “JIMMY MAC!”
Johnny Newman – F
Joe: The old pro – can shoot the lights of the building when he’s on. Is most effective coming off the bench for 5 – 10 minute stretches, where he can use his offense to ignite the team. Not terrible defensively, but can use a veteran’s tricks to cover up for any shortcomings. Besides, when you put Newman in the game, you do so for offense. Probably the best pure shooter on the team, even after all these years.
Champagne: Playing the Michael Cage role. The solid vet.
Evan Eschmeyer – C
Joe: Second round pick in 1999. Had a good rookie season, considering he wasn’t being counted on for anything. Played much better than expected. Has some decent offensive moves, and is not afraid to pound inside with the big guys. Needs to work on his defense, but could be a pretty good backup center for years to come, with even greater upside in the future.
Champagne: Last season, I had to turn my back on basketball. The Nets were that bad. I plead ignorance on Eschmeyer.
Lucious Harris – C
Joe: Will start the season on IR. Good perimeter shooter, can wake up the team when inserted or can self-destruct and not add anything. Quick hands and feet, most effective on the second unit when the team needs a lift. On a team short on outside shooting, he is expected to carry a great deal of the backup shooting guard minutes when he returns.
Champagne: New York Times, March 2000: “Harris, referring to the presence of three highly compensated starters in Marbury, Van Horn and Kittles, said: ‘We're Rottweilers, and we’re all behind max-outs.’” You go, Loosh.
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