Joe Netsfan Backlash #1 -

Where is Donny Marshall when you need him?

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Backlash #1 - August 7, 2006
Memories of 2002
Joe:
This draft is very reminiscent of 2002 when the Nets were hoping to be a .500 team. Four players were added to the roster, Jefferson, Collins, Armstrong, Scalabrine, and even though the latter two didn't make huge contributions, their impact as a collective unit was felt immediately.

What made those picks so interesting was that they were all from West Coast Winning programs and all had a reputation as hard workers, and team first players. I believe Byron Scott had some input with that.

What is so fascinating is that this draft totally contradicts that philosophy. You've got East Coast players , aside from Adams, all of them with a reputation of questionable character and/or work ethic. The notion that they won't slack off, be on their best behavior, or will just "bring it" nightly cause they are playing with Jason Kidd is a very dangerous one. (See Cliff Robinson in last year's playoffs).

What makes this draft so fascinating is that these three players are oozing with talent and potential. The last point guard to come to the Nets with so much talent was none other than J Kidd himself. Williams clearly has the potential to be great. He is a keeper.

Boone has the potential to be a great defender and will get his share of points just from his inside game, his athleticism on the break, and putbacks. If he can learn to shoot free throws at sixty percent or more he could be a steal. Right now he makes Shaq look like Calvin Murphy. Don't be surprised if he is packaged for a better 4.

Hassan Adams is a real sleeper of a pick and is definitely suited for the Nets style. He may be a guy you can put on Wade or King James as a stopper down the line.

But these are big ifs. I don't believe character will be an issue, but work ethic is another question. Look at the difference between Planinic, and Krstic. The former likes to party and always looks like he had a few too many the night before. The latter will be the greatest #24 pick in franchise history. If being tutored and babysat by J Kidd was a formula for success, Planinic and McInnis would be the backup backcourt and the Nets would be instant contenders.

I really like this draft but it is not enough to put the Nets over the top. A bench that is really 5 rookies (3 draft picks this year, import Ilic, and seldom used Wright) along with Spliff Robinson will simply implode come playoff time. Which is why I'm sure Thornski isn't done.

It's just too much of a gamble to stand pat. What if Boone gets in foul trouble, and Uncle Spliffy is on vacation in Amsterdam? We go to Mile Ilic for all the marbles?

They can talk about how they are standing pat but the reality is that they must swing a deal for a power forward, and a quality combo gurad that can shoot. The good news is that they finally have the assets to do it. Armed with a mid level exception, a trade exception, and the 5 easy pieces mentioned above, a deal will be struck. It happens every year.

How about a sign and trade for Wilcox using Boone, McInnis and a trade exception or a future pick? How about Boone, Ilic, trade exception, McInnis, and a future #1 to bring back Kenyon? That's Kidd,Carter, Jefferson, Martin, Krstic, with Collins and Uncle Spliffy to back Martin should his knee give out. I like the sound of the fab 5, and I like this draft very much. I truly feel the Nets are no more than a year away from a championship ring.
-Jeff Lawrence, July 14, 2006

Jeff:
Hate to burst the bubble there, but it's not likely the Nets will make a trade in the short term, perferring to see how far they get with what they have. Sure, there might be a trade coming, but I'd guess it's further down the road, after New Year's. Look, I don't exactly like it either, but it's probably what you have to look forward in the short run. Rookies and a 40 year old anchoring the bench. Doesn't that sound like a recipie for another year of overtaxing the starters? I sure hope Thornski knows what he's doing...
-Joe

Duck Blind
Joe:
Sorry it's been so long since I've written, but fear not: my relocation to LA has not turned me (a la Bill Simmons) into a Clippers fan (although I did go to see Nets-Clips in Jan. and we got the crap beat out of us). My DirecTV NBA League Pass (nba LEAGUE pass? nba league PASS? Easy, Steph...) has kept me well connected to my beloved Nets.

Thought I'd just chime in regarding Boone. I, being the complete dork that I am, tuned in for all of the Nets summer league games webcast from Orlando. Liked what I saw from Boone, most importantly his ability to finish strong, and block some shots. As far as the injury goes, I'm not that worried. I don't think the Nets should scurry to the FA market and overspend for something they already have, they just need to be patient. Think of it this way: Boone is out 4-6 months. That's November best case, Feb. worst case. He's young, he's (hopefully motivated), so let's assume he's back in December. So for the month of November, the Nets will have to survive with the frontcourt talents of Curly, Twin and Cliffy. So what's the big deal? It's what they've been doing for the last 2 years. They're not incompetent, it's not like we're going to sink to the bottom of the Atlantic (conference OR ocean) with the lineup that delivered us the division last year.

Don't get me wrong, would I like to see Chris Wilcox flying around the court? Sure. Even Melvin Ely would be welcome. But I don't think we need to panic because a rookie (a promising rookie, yes, but a rookie nonetheless) breaks down, a rookie that wasn't going to be playing heavy minutes in the first month or two of the season anyway.

Relaaaaaaaaaaax.
- The Duck, July 21, 2006

P.S. I know, I know, it's this laid back west coast attitude, it's numbed my Nets-fueled psychosis. Trade Kidd!! Let's sign Glenn Robinson! Tyronn Lue is the point guard of the future.....aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!!!! P.P.S. I may have broken the record for most parenthetical phrases in one e-mail.

Duck:
Are those rose colored glasses given to you once you relocated to the West Coast? You're absolutely right, nothing major will happen, but the Nets need to go for it this year, before the start of the inevitable breakdown. Get Kidd some frontline veteran help, pronto! That's just my two cents, but I feel like I'm the only pessimist amongst the off-season optimists...
- Joe

Po
Joe:
I am a Nets fan living in Harrisburg, PA. I began following the Nets when they had Rick Barry and through the Dr. J years, when I was living in Brooklyn. I strarted rooting against the Knicks sometime in the early 70s when they were getting all the attention.

Since NJ obtained JKidd, I started following the Nets again (WNBC on radio and now with NBA LeaguePass).

At this time, I wish there was some way for Ratner to understand that with the right addition to the Nets, they could go all the way, or at least become a media and financial success. (When SAR was to be a Net last year, NJ was being considered as an Elite team). The Nets have an opportunity to get a significant percent of Knick fan fallout this year (I've heard on WNBC of Knick fans who already jumped over, tired of being disappointed.)

The Josh Boone injury (pre-existing?) may have been a blessing in disguise, since apparently Thorn wasn't going to be active, nor spend any of the 7 million in exceptions.

I would accept nothing less than Melvin Ely, but why not try for Chris Wilcox even if they have to pay a Luxury tax. I don't understand much about the consequences of the Luxury tax, but the Knicks seems to be able to survive and look at the Yankees. Besides, I consider this to be an investment due to all the positive publicity it would bring - not to mention at least 7 extra wins. I've seen games where Wilcox averaged over a rebound every 2 minutes in many games with Seattle and he had some big scoring efforts also. Tim Thomas also would have been a nice pickup if he played anything like he did for Phoenix.

Your thoughts on the best power forwards on the free agency list. Maybe you could have a survey. (maybe restricted and unrestricted in separate categories).

Also, regarding other decisions for Rod Thorn to make - maybe we should bring back Lamond Murray since he's finally trained in the Nets system and he at times is a hot 3pt shooter (over 35% lifetime). I don't want to go through all the same ordeal as last year, with breaking in so many new players. Why not also consider Aaron Williams again. Wouldn't you rather see Williams over Miles Ilic to help the team this year. If they don't also add someone like AW, at least they should hold onto John Thomas, who's could to give the team some energy, necessary fouls and isn't a drag on the team to see minimal minutes.
- Jerry Williams, Harrisburg, PA, July 21, 2006

Jerry:
Sorry I'm so late to post this, because you made some points that aren't relevent anymore, like Aaron Williams (Clips). Like I said, the Nets aren't going to do anything with the leftover forwards - feel like all of them aren't worth the money they're asking for. So, Wilcox would be nice, Ely if he came cheaply would be as well, but it's probably not going to happen. Lamond Murray? You know, they need a shooter, and though he can't guard a paper bag on a fence post, he had some ok moments last season. Clearly, though, youth is the name of the game (oh yeah, then how do you explain the 40 year old being the first guy off the bench, Joe?) and Murray won't be asked back to the party. It'll be interesting to see just who the Nets add with what looks to be their final roster spot.
- Joe

The Short And Long Of It
Joe:
Really enjoyed the draft as we neared the podium I was screaming at the TV to draft Marcus Williams, my wife thought I was a little hyper but I feel great after seeing his play in the Orlando league. Boone played well which was a huge relief---- except we'll have to wait till Dec/Jan to see him play.

Now this was actually a deep draft picking up Hassan in the 2nd round will give us athleticism off the bench and hopefully D with Antoine hopefully earning some minutes. Undrafted bigs may still be around , we should have hopped on Pittsnogle as a free agent with Boonie hurt. Taj Gray, JP Batista? Trade a future second rounder or two for one of Paul Milsap, Alexander Johnson, PJ Tucker? Really with JKidd aging we have to act like Miami and try to win it while our true stars are there to perform. Don't sit on our hands.

By the by Lawrence Frank needs to prove that he can coach and not just use a 7 man lineup so that our bigs our worn out by the playoffs. I mean with our starting five most of us could coach 45 wins. Live up to the boy genius perception.
- Boo, July 26, 2006

ps may need to bring back the ATrain for the minimum nobody really excites me since Lorenzen Wright is the best I see. Where are you kenyon?> NNNNIIIIIICCCCCCEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

Boo:
Where are you Kenyon, indeed? Doesn't look like there are any more forwards in the Nets' future, so get used to Mikki Moore as the other big off the bench. Amen to getting the starters some rest, by the way.
- Joe

Mo' Money?
Joe:
Have you been wondering why Clifford Robinson hasn't completed his physical and signed a new contract. It keeps getting pushed back. I wonder if there are problems with drug testing or with Rod thinking that he's not needed now that Mikki Moore (Seattle) and Eric Williams (Wake Forrest) were just picked up.

I still want Cliffy back because of the bonus of outside shooting. I think I would rather forfeit Mile Ilic for 2006. Even Mikki Moore would probably be given more playing time that Ilic by coach Frank. As I recall, the coaches didn't have much confidence in Moore when he briefly played for NJ a couple of years ago?

I read that NJ doesn't want to give up a 1st round pick for Melvin Ely?? I don't understand that, because if anything, NJ now has enough young players, but everyone but Thorn and Ratner agree they are missing one Big man in order to be a contender. I think they really are just being too cheap to pay over $5 million/year with the exceptions, much less pay a luxury tax even if it might put NJ in the National spotlight. I believe more and more that the loss of SAR last year had more to do with "cold feet" about paying his $32 million, rather than a potential knee problem. Is Eric Williams their idea of no longer needing someone like Ely or Wilcox, since they are about the same size. I don't want to wait a couple of years for EW to develop.

Sorry, I want to win THIS Year. Maybe Ratner is content to plan to win only when moving to Brooklyn. I don't think he gets it. If NJ wins this year, they'll have a much larger fan base (via the Knicks), not to mention coverage more like the Cavs and Lakers had last year.

I also read something about Jeff Foster and Jamaal Magloire being available. Hear anything about what it might take to get Jeff Foster (over 9 rebounds in 26 min./game these past two years).

Would you prefer Devean George or Lamond Murray for small foward?
- Jerry Williams, Harrisburg, PA, July 27, 2006

Jerry:
Good questions, all. Cliffe's signing has been pushed back several weeks, makes you wonder (especially when the Mad Bloggers says not to worry...).Ely's not worth a first round pick, even if you do need a big man. Thorn needs to find a way to make a trade, and bring in a veteran body (I hear Wright could be had, as could Nachbar). Ratner's cautious about the luxury tax because they are stil losing money and that arena, which would make him a gazillionaire, is still stuck in traffic, and the longer the delay, the more money you lose. He's looking for more folks to pony up more cash, so that's what motivates Thorn. Magloire is gone, the Nets have nothing to offer for Foster that the Pacers would want (short of the starting five, that is, or the rookies that won't be traded), and I'd take Devean George over Murray - at least he plays defense, which is critical with L. Frank. Hope I answered all the questions.
- Joe

S
Joe:
WIf the Nets management sees this as a missing piece, I'm really getting frustrated!!

I was watching a From The Vault piece on MSG the other day about the difference Dave Debusschere's arrival to the Knicks made to the team and made all the other pieces gel together. I lived it and watched it happen.

I believe that this team, as currently composed, is waiting for their Debusschere. A good rebounder, defensive specialist, and can score some. Jason Collins is a BIG liability on the offensive end. His non appearance as a scoring threat makes it easier for the opposition to double up on the other 4 and makes it harder for them to score.

I believe they missed a big opportunity by not getting Paul Millsap with their 2nd first round pick. I've been reading how the Utah press believes that the Jazz got an absolute steal being able to get him when they did. And I'm not saying that because of Boone's injury. You know how I felt about Millsap before the draft.

There are a couple of possibilities that I'm seeing for the Nets to be able to fit that final piece. Either go out and convince Reggie Evans that you would absolutely love for him to be a Net, (after the back handed slaps in the face that they have given him in the press). Second, try to pry Lawrence Roberts away from the Grizzlies. Another 2nd round "mistake" that the team made last year. I know neither of these guys is a scorer like DD was, but if they could get double doubles out of them consistently, perfect! I believe that playin with the other 4 would enable either of these guys to reach that level.

Maybe you can think of others, but I believe that these 2 would be the best fits.

Thanks for listening! Write back with or post your thoughts on the site if you can...

Take Care,
- John Clark, July 28, 2006

John:
It's all about the benjamins, I'm afraid. Therefore, look for youth and some underachievement from the bench as those rookies figure it all out. In the meantime, how this is improvement is beyond me, really, but I don't get paid to worry about such things. Only bitch about them.
- Joe