Season 2006/2007

Record 41-41

Regardless of Nenad Krstic’s injury, the season was a mirror image of the two previous seasons. Nets remain among the sold mid-tier teams in the conference. Kidd, Carter, and Jefferson along with solid defense contribute to this. However, they will not become an elite team. Kid’s not a kid anymore, Carter’s contract is having a crippling effect on the team’s ability to sign people, and Jefferson’s had too many ups and downs and not enough consistency. Looks like Nets are just stuck in the mediocrity. Their loss to Cavs was as predictable as their win over the young Raptors squad.

Offseason

Draft

Shawn Williams. Great shot-blocker and rebounder with great athletic ability. These are all nice qualifications. However, there’s one question to the team’s management: why? Everyone knows how this is going to end: first suspension, problems outside the NBA, and finally a long-term suspension. NBA players are being tested on average five times a year.

Key Trades

Acquired: Jamaal Magloire (FA Portland). He is a solid center and if he can return to the form he displayed a few years and interest in the game, he could be a key addition to this squad. He has only been in the NBA for 7 years, although it seems like it’s been at least 15. Also signed Malik Allen (Bulls), and Darrell Armstrong (Pacers)
Left: Mikki “Kid got me a new contract” Moore (Kings), Eddie House (Boston), and Uncle Cliffy

Offseason grade: C

Season 2007/2008

The team has struggled in the half-court set offense, quite often during the deciding times the team can’t score enough. One of the main reasons is the trust that coach Frank has in the abilities of Vince Carter. Carter is extremely talented and can score the ball, but his decision making skills are far inferior comparatively to a great playmaker on the team. If Nets would’ve been Kid’s team, the winning percentage would’ve certainly increased. But Carter has a firm grip on that position.
Nets are very solid defensively. They are a classic example of the team defense in the NBA. Not one-on-one, not personal, but team. Nets don’t have star defenders, although one can consider Kid and Jefferson solid defenders at their positions. Perimeter players help their big men while bigs back the perimeter guys. Franks’ players have been good against the fast break by coming back on the D in a very quick and organized manner. Another team’s strength is the experience of its leaders. Carter and Kidd have already seen a lot in their NBA careers. Especially Kid. He is a lot like player-coach on the team.
Carter is only 31, but for a player who has relied heavily on his talent and athletic abilities it is significant. He can still score 40 pts in a game, but slowly but surely is beginning to slow down. Nets hope that his aging process extends for as long of a period as possible.
Nets’ bench is very weak, and that’s one of the main problems that team has. This has been caused by bad drafting during the past few years. Being able to recognize the talent at the 20-30 spots in the draft is a sure way to restock your bench with solid players. During the past seasons Nets got Scalabrine, Boone, Planinic, and others. The only good pick has been Krstic and Williams who was unexpectedly available at 17. But when instead of Carter-Kidd-Jefferson you have Allen-Boone-Collins on the court, the quality of play drops off significantly.


Note of importance

Nenad Krstic. Coming back from the injury, Krstic should have a direct impact on Nets performance during the upcoming season. When he is on the court, their offense is much more effective. He keeps opponent’s big out of the paint, and no opponent wants to test his deadly mid-range jumper. During the three seasons in the NBA he showed not only constant improvement (10->13->16 PPG and 49%->50%->52%), but also the increased reliance of the team and other players on him.


Bottom Line

Playoffs – yes
Championship - no

__________________
I think the Washington Wizards have got to be the dumbest team in the history of civilization. - C.Barkley

I think Mateen is still on the roster.



Though I haven't heard if he is expected to make the final cut for the active roster come next week.

New Jersey Nets - Roster - NBA - Yahoo! Sports

Nets reduce roster by waiving ex-Spartan Mateen Cleaves

Thats a bummer.

But Paul Davis another Spartan, is still hanging tough with the Clippers.

You mean nobody is taking the Nets to come out of the east this year? Not one forum member?

Usually somebody, either an expert in the media and someone on the forum takes NJ to do big things. Perhaps, an aging Kidd, a fragile Jefferson and an always on the trading block Carter has lost the confidence of most.