Joe Netsfan Backlash #2

Waiving the flag for Veteran's Day

Backlash Addresses
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Backlash #2 - September 7, 2006
Overpay Day
Joe:
Its interesting that earlier in the offseason the Nets talked about not "overpaying" for a free agent in a week market. Seeing the contracts that marginal players like Darius Songaila (21 million?!) , Jackie Butler, and Francisco Elson received it was understandable for this approach.

But, now that the market is slowing down, players are being signed to very reasonable contracts, a good example being Lorenzen Wright (2yr, 6m). A useful bench player at the right price. Guys like Melvin Ely and Reggie Evans are still available, though neither is exactly a world beater.

I do think if the Nets gave Ely any significant offer, the Bobcats would not match as they already have several quality young bigs.

I'm even warming up to the idea of the Nets making a run at KVH. He'll come cheap, he's a shooter, and at least we know what to expect (the good and the bad).

Rumoured players such as Kareem Rush and Eddie House (not to mention Mikki) are a waste of a roster spot. I like the idea of a youth movement, but the Boone and Adams injuries, and Ilic inexperience have put that in jeopardy.
-Alan Campbell, August 10, 2006

Alan:
Well, you feel sort of like I do - youth movement is great, but that it's got to be worth adding one more vet. I'm still uncomfortable with Robinson and House being the vets off the bench, at least as long as they're the only vets (Bostjan Nachbar? Mikki Moore?) But, already over the cap and not willing to go any further north, we're stuck with what we've got, I'm afraid, unless Thorn pulls off some sort of sign-and-trade or outright trade somewhere. I'm guessing since it's already September, that won't happen either.

But could you imagine Sideshow Keith returning to the fold?
-Joe

Summer Of Love
Joe:
Great Summer, much better than last year! I like the youth movement, even if Boone is hurt. He will be a great addition for a long time to come. Adams can become the defender they have not had since Kittles and is so athletic. Williams is simply the best they have had behind Kidd. And, with House, they finally have a shooter.

I think this may be the best bench and the best bigs they have had in a long time. I hope they make room for Eric Williams or another body that can be more physical inside, at least as insurance until Boone is ready.

What more can we ask for? Last year we added slow and not so athletic players. This year we have speed and athleticism: run, run, run.
- Oman, August 13, 2006

Oman:
Let's hope with the roster they've compiled, the Nets are able to run. Use Kidd to his best advantage, with RJ and even Krstic filling up the wings. Hell, maybe Carter will as well. Having said all that, I'm not sure that this roster is optimal, but it does have speed and athleticism, so we need to see what unfolds. What more can you ask for?
- Joe

Shopping At KMart
Joe:
I want Kmart back. You know he'd tear shit up with the new nets lineup. trade McInnis and Adams whatever it takes, draft picks. I'm not a Kmart fan, but I just think if the nets had a stick of dyno-mite in the lineup they'd be real tough. This is a great lineup for Kenyon as a changeup, and so many lineup combos It'd be sick. Maybe as a starter in some games, but mostly as a second and fourth quarter destroyer. it's good.
- Dan, August 14, 2006

Dan:
First Keith Van Horn, and now Kenyon. Rebuild the 2002 near-championship team! Not sure if KMart is still the same one we knew - his head seems tampered with (thank George Karl for that) and his knee may never be the same. But, I'm with you - I'd vote for KMart's mean streak over KVH's Mr. Softy routine any day.
- Joe

Ol' Number 5 Ain't Getting Any Younger
What's up Joe:
I really like the Eddie House signing and I love him and Williams off the bench as great 1 and 2 backing Kidd and Carter and playing along side them as well. Two lefties that can stroke it and run at the same time, Williams will get people involved and though inexperienced, he might be the Best Backup in the Kidd Era (Why do I remember me saying this last summer in regards to McInnis....ughhh) and replacement someday.

Like the bringing back of Spliffie Robinson, Like the youth movement, great draft. Not in love with the Mikki Moore trade but I guess he will be effective if he can run the floor and play some d at the 5 in limited Minutes.

Now at this point in time I beleive we are not in the class of Miami yet, depends if they show their age fast, However if we can get something, anything at the power forward spot, we would leap frog all the teams in contention in the east, Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago, and be right up there with Miami. Now not much out there I know, but why not jump into the Harrington sweepstakes....He is young, proven, hometown guy......and most of all would give the Nets, the obvious best starting 5 in Basketball with Kidd, Carter, RJ, Big Al and Nenad....With Cliff and Collins as big defensive weapons off the bench and high powered backcourt of House and Williams as the guards off the bench and Antoine Wright (hopefully much improved) coming in to spell RJ....and with Boone Healthy...that would spell Championship...

Why not....send IIic, Adams or even boone for that matter....and picks 1st round and 2nd round to Atlanta for Big Al.......Who cares about Luxury Tax....besides Ratner....J. Kidd's window, right now is minute....I say two years tops of a high level J. Kidd before he will become GP status...good backup....You have to do it now....If it don't work, you go into Brooklyn with RJ, Big Al with large contracts, Marcus williams at a bargain and VC future is unclear in BK especially if Lebron and Jay Z keep having lunch.....

Anyway, I do not see nothing more then another 2nd round exit, or maybe even if lucky eastern conference championship exit...if a move is not made for a PF...I am also on a KMART watch on all my hoops rumor websites and espn......please K-mart....please.....become a huge problem for Mr. Karl and Co..before the season even begins........throw another tantrum....get busted for something....make Denver Higher ups life so miserable....that they will pay you to go away..pick a fight with Carmelo in camp......Come on K-mart.....send the signals to Thornski that you are healthy and get your ass out of Denver anyway you can....I know I am dreaming but I just have a feeling he will not be in Denver this year...too many issues...I know a buyout is our only option...but can I dream.....to see Kenyon throw it down in the meadowlands for a couple of more seasons...I know he is overrated and overpayed but..once again.....J-Kidd makes people better plain and simple and he made Kenyon look damn good when we was here......

So joe, are you in agreement with me that the time is now for old #5.......or do you think I am overreacting and Kidd will be high level for the remainder of this his contract???????? I say we need a PF in order to be taken seriously to win the east??? As of right now, early indications is that we are ranked 4th behind Miami, Detroit and Cleveland and if Indiana gets Al, which it looks like a present time they are gonna get it done, they will be right up their with us...
- Anthony Colaiemma, August 14, 2006

Anthony:
I would agree with you in that the Kidd window probably had two years of being a dominating point guard before he shows the wear and tear. Hopefully by then Marcus Williams will be ready to take over. So, I would agree that you have to do what you can immediately, and not wait for the 2009 season or whatever. Unfortunately, the Harrington situation worked itself out while I was busy vacationing, so he's no longer an option. As for KMart, well, going over the cap is one thing, but busting it into a million little pieces while Brooklyn gets delayed could be financial suicide. Although, come to think of it, perhaps Mr. Ratner would be willing to sell if he doesn't get this together soon???
- Joe

Power To The Forward
Joe:
Did you believe any of the story from the Atlanta Constitution that the Nets were on the list of 5 teams considering a deal for Al Harrington? I doubt it, considering the pricy numbers involved. However, I was thinking that maybe if a team like Denver were to get another forward, perhaps they would be quicker to part with KMart. Thorn has let it be known that he is "done" except for a trade, and of course has always wanted good value.

The recent news that Boone's recovery may drag on may justify Rod to look harder for a #4.

Do you know if KMart has an option to Veto any trade? Certainly, New Jersey would be the only place where KMart would be appreciated by the fans, even if he only played less than 20 min/game along with chronic injuries.

Assuming Denver now wants to desperately unload KMart, and if they are willing to pick up much of his remaining salary (ie a bargain to Thorn), what would you be willing to give in terms of future draft picks? I personally feel that with the Nets youth, they could easily give up a 2007 first round pick.

Do you know if there is a way to designate Boone to the Developmental league, so as to free up a roster spot for another power forward? At this point, I would take anyone at that spot, as the Nets would be in big trouble should an injury occur to Collins/Robinson/Kristic. I'm still hoping the price will drop on Ely, but even Reggie Evans or Lorenzen Wright would be a plus.
- Jerry Williams, Harrisburg, PA, August 22, 2006

Jerry:
Again, good, though tough questions. With the money that KMart is making, even if they wanted desperately to get rid of him, I can't see them picking up much of his remaining salary (which is pretty astronomical, actually). And I don't know that, even though I long for the KMart days, I would use a #1 in 2007 on him (though you wouldn't dramatically impair the franchise, with all the youth already set to begin in 2006).

Hopefully, the Nets can free up a roster spot - right now you have 13 (Kidd, Carter, RJ, Krstic, Collins, Robinson, House, Wright, Williams, Boone, Nachbar, Moore, McInnis) plus room for Adams and Ilic. If you get rid of McInnis (can you say buyout), there becomes room for one more. Both Evans and Wright are gone, but perhaps there is someone else out there that could work...
- Joe

Just Say No To Brooklyn
Joe:
I'd love to see some NJ Nets fans unfurl a huge banner at some home games this season. Directly across from the newspaper photographers and the TV cameras. It should say something like "NEW JERSEY LOVES THE NETS. DON'T TAKE AWAY OUR TEAM!" They could even do it at some away games too.
Peace,
- JP, August 25, 2006

JP:
Amen, brother. I tried and failed, perhaps you can help out with the rallying cry.
- Joe

National News
Joe:
Don't know if you noticed, but the Nets are on National TV 11 times this year.

That's 26 more times than last year, if you're counting.

Which, in my opinion, is a mixed blessing, b/c those sportscasters stink and will probably spend half the game discussing the loss of Kenyon Martin (they should probably mention Dr. J while they're at it, as they're both equivalently relevant to today's team), followed by how they're just not powerful enough to compete with Shaq.

But recognition is recognition.

- D, August 30, 2006

D:
Oh yeah, I realized it all right. And your email crystallized what I've been thinking for years - that no matter what National TV broadcast they wind up on, NO ONE has anything good to say about the Nets (it's ALWAYS negatives, not positives). Bill Walton is by far the biggest offender. The Nets could be up by 40 and he'd still say something obscenely ignorant, like the Nets are only up by 40 because the Lakers (or whomever) just aren't playing like they normally would. Drives me absolutely up a wall.
- Joe

The Power Of Positive Thinking
Joe:
I am much more excited about this year's bench than last year's. They may have 4 things they did not have last year: size, a backup for Kidd, a shooter/scorer, and energy. I'm upset about Boone's injury because I thought he'd be the perfect backup after Cliff. But now they have Mikki back, and I remember how he used to hit the mid range jumper. This bench may put them over the top; this bench would have given Miami at least 7 games if not a victory. And, if Kristic keeps improving, watch out! Let's just hope Frank uses these guys: Hassan Adams could be a big surprise.
- Oman, September 1, 2006

Oman:
The power of positive thinking - where others see holes, you see visions of championships. Boy, do I hope you're right and I'm wrong.
- Joe

Should, Would, Could
Joe:
1. No longer will our floor general be totally inept when Kidd rests. With Marcus Williams, Eddie House, and the potential signing of Jason Williams as a backup to our backups that leak has now been officially plugged.

2. Ilic will be a better offensive weapon than Collins. Something that isn’t hard to do, but on the nets that would prove valuable. Especially with passers like Kidd and M-Will he will get the opportunity to flourish during practice.

3. Hassan Addams is a sleeper who in my opinion will be a constant 8th man.

4. Josh Boone will definitely help. Kenyon Martin he is not. But our defense in the paint will be better, he has the athleticism none of our bigs have. Along side with Collins’ defensive intelligence this will prove valuable.

5. Kidd will play at an all star level, he now has young guns coming at him in practice and has an heir apparent, he now will have that bounce. Not to mention they also provide him with rest now.

6. RJ will average a minimum of 22 points this year and should make the all star team.

7. Vince will hover around 24ppg and will not resign with the nets next year in my opinion which is good for us. He just lacks that killer mentality, he submits to defeat way to easy for me.

8. Kristic should be an 18 and 10 guy this year.

9. The Nets will advance past the 1st round.

10. The Nets need to sign a 3pt specialist for cheap, a Wesley person type, maybe.

Later.
- Rich B, September 1, 2006

Rich:
IF all those things happen, the Nets should be looking at a potential trip to the Finals.

Have to say, though, that I'm not getting what everyone sees in Hassan Adams. At least not yet. I read the articles that said he should have gone in the first round, but he's 6' 4" and he's not a terribly good shooter, from what I understand. But I'm ok with him leaving his mark as a slasher and defender. Hope I'm wrong about him too.
- Joe

FIBA Is FUBAR
Joe:
I know it's off topic, but wanted to know your thoughts on my thoughts. Also posted this as a response to the Netsdaily blog.

My response to the US losing in yet ANOTHER international tournament:

Yes, they lost again. They played like shit, didn't adjust to a very simple play that continued to destroy them (the pick and roll, lesson 1 in Basketball 101), and only played with urgency after they were down 12, too late. Yes, it sucks. But rather than rail about how much they suck, maybe we should look at why the US continues to struggle at the game they invented. That got me thinking, and led me to a bigger question:

How is it that the United States, playing a game they invented and refined, is forced to play FIBA rules? Trapezoid key, no defensive 3, "european style" officiating... why should the US be forced to adapt to rules and a game that they don't play? Everyone complains that the US can't play team ball. Obviously that's not the case, NBA teams do it every year. The question is can they play team ball within the three weeks they have to build the necessary teamwork (no) and can they adapt their games (the games they have been refining and polishing their entire lives, professionally and otherwise) to fit the somewhat altered style of the FIBA rules. And though this may sound like an excuse, imagine other American sports being altered to "level the playing field" (because that's what those rule changes do. )

American basketball, love it or hate it, has developed into a game of incredible athletecism and ability, at a level never imagined by Dr. Naismith. The basket was put 10 feet up because it was supposed to be out of reach of 6 foot men. The FIBA style of play rewards passing and team play, yes, but also effectively lessens the individual impact of a single athelete. The argument is not whether or not this is the right or wrong way to play, all I am saying is the US has been playing a style of basketball for decades now that focuses on that individual talent. Is it any surprise, then, to see them struggle in a tournament that all but forbids that?)

Imagine Peyton Manning and Tom Brady playing in a football tournament that didn't allow the forward pass. Do we say that they can't play football? No. But they would be useless in that game. They are different games, that's the bottom line. US basketball and FIBA basketball are different games, and as long as we keep trying to force our square peg into their round hole (heh), we will continue to struggle.
- Duck, September 1, 2006

Duck:
Because the world hates us and our smug attitudes, that's why. So why not get the other 171 nations of the word to agree to rules that don't look anything like our own? After all, we invented the damned game, like you said. Easiest way to turn an advantage around is to regulate it, right? I thought long and hard about this after I received it, and I have to say that it does seem really, really absurd that we are forced to learn a totally different style of basketball in about 10 days then the one that our players are programmmed to play, and play well.

Maybe we need to take the 12 man roster from this past tourney, subsidize them for the next 2 - plus years, and keep them playing by these different rules. Hell, it'll help the Nets win a championship, anyway (imagine no Wade, no Kobe, no LeBron...).
- Joe

Flash Forward Into The Future
Joe:
My take on the upcoming season is to expect more of the same (2nd round exit in the Playoffs). When Vince opts out after this season, the Nets will probably struggle to make the playoffs again. However, the year that has me salivating is the 2009/2010 season when the Nets will be close to their playing date in Crooklyn. Check out this list of names that should be available as free agents for 2009/2010: Gilbert Arenas, Ron Artest, Mike Bibby, Elton Brand, Allen Iverson, Marcus Camby, Baron Davis, Lebron James, our own J-Kidd, Steve Francis, Kevin Garnett, Ben Gordon, Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis, Corey Magette, Starbury (please don't bring him back), Lamar Odom, Emeka Okafor, Shawn Marion, Dwayne Wade, and Rasheed Wallace. Look for the Nets to do a complete makeover with some of the names on this list.
- Keith Hunt, September 6, 2006

Keith:
That's some list, huh? Assume you let Carter walk, suck it up for a few years, and then have Jay-Z bring in LeBron...or KG, or Dwyane Wade, or ....combine them with RJ and Marcus Williams, and well, it would certainly make things interesting, now wouldn't it???
- Joe