Did you guys see the line Ryan Anderson posted yesterday in the Summer League?
Okay, I know that it's just the summer league, but Anderson led the Magic with 21 points in 7 rebounds. Well.. nice to see him do well.
The Nets lost today, but, CDR played well and his mid-range, "old man" game was drawing rave reviews from various authors.
Terence Williams had a bad shooting night, but filled the stat sheet and played good defense.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Some Net Related Notables
Have you guys seen the new, poorly done header? Well.. I'm no photoshop junkie, but I think I got my message across. Personally, I like the trade, delayed gratification ladies and gentlemen, delayed gratification. I will however, save that for a future post, possibly in my season preview.
For now, here are some links to articles and while some of them may not mention the Nets, they still are worth pondering on in respect to our beloved Nets team.
1. The 2009 free agent class, see any names that interest you? I'm surprised that Bass is interested in the Nets, we'll see how that goes.
2. Yao Ming's possible career ending injury. Does Yi Jian Lian have anything to worry about? At the moment, not so much, but this could be a wake up call for the young forward to realize that his body needs rest during the off-season. It's a very tough thing to balance national commitment and your professional career, but Yi needs to find that balance and stay there. Another school of thought and there are a lot of evidence for this, believes that Yao's hright doomed him, that his feet are not able to carrry the load of his frame. I believe this theory, but Yi still should realize that playing competitive basketball for a year straight will not do you any good. It will be interesting to see how China reacts to this if Yao really cannot play basketball anymore, Yi will be their main man, but they will need to take care of him.
3. Who can guard Tony Parker? Harris can be as fast or even faster than the frenchman, not to mention the ABILITY to play defense. Now, there is a bif difference between having the ability and actually DOING IT. I hope we see more of the latter this season. The article also mentions having a bigger and longer defender to defend small and quick guards, hello Terence Williams?
4. The Pistons are falling appart, hopefully, the Nets don't have attitude issues like this. I really believed that some sort of turmoil almost happened last season when Frank benched Harris and Carter, but Harris took it like a pro and handled things well.
5. Kidd is being persued by many teams. If Kidd ends up going to a title contender like Cleveland, Boston or even the Lakers, then this off-season just saw all members of the Nets' big three from a couple of seasons ago, get a shot to compete for this year's championship.
Hit the comments guys, let me hear what ya'll think!
Go Nets!
For now, here are some links to articles and while some of them may not mention the Nets, they still are worth pondering on in respect to our beloved Nets team.
1. The 2009 free agent class, see any names that interest you? I'm surprised that Bass is interested in the Nets, we'll see how that goes.
2. Yao Ming's possible career ending injury. Does Yi Jian Lian have anything to worry about? At the moment, not so much, but this could be a wake up call for the young forward to realize that his body needs rest during the off-season. It's a very tough thing to balance national commitment and your professional career, but Yi needs to find that balance and stay there. Another school of thought and there are a lot of evidence for this, believes that Yao's hright doomed him, that his feet are not able to carrry the load of his frame. I believe this theory, but Yi still should realize that playing competitive basketball for a year straight will not do you any good. It will be interesting to see how China reacts to this if Yao really cannot play basketball anymore, Yi will be their main man, but they will need to take care of him.
3. Who can guard Tony Parker? Harris can be as fast or even faster than the frenchman, not to mention the ABILITY to play defense. Now, there is a bif difference between having the ability and actually DOING IT. I hope we see more of the latter this season. The article also mentions having a bigger and longer defender to defend small and quick guards, hello Terence Williams?
4. The Pistons are falling appart, hopefully, the Nets don't have attitude issues like this. I really believed that some sort of turmoil almost happened last season when Frank benched Harris and Carter, but Harris took it like a pro and handled things well.
5. Kidd is being persued by many teams. If Kidd ends up going to a title contender like Cleveland, Boston or even the Lakers, then this off-season just saw all members of the Nets' big three from a couple of seasons ago, get a shot to compete for this year's championship.
Hit the comments guys, let me hear what ya'll think!
Go Nets!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
We're Baack! Post Draft/Trade Fallout
Is anyone still reading this blog? I apologize for disappearing for a bit, but I guess the blogger side of me decided to take an extended vacation after a season long, but nevertheless, I am back and let's get this show on the road.
Another big draft night for the Nets, again trading one of their star players in what some people would call a "salary dump" Although, I believe that we still cannot judge this trade until next, or even a couple of seasons from now, but, personally, I like the trade, more on that later.
If you still don't know what I am talking about, then.. well.. for you the hermit's sake, here's what happened and the numbers (taken from Netsdaily sources)
In its simplest sense, the Nets send Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson to the Magic for Rafer Alston, Tony Battie and Courtney Lee.
The Nets also receive two trade exceptions for Ryan Anderson, valued at $3.75 and $1.2 million.
As for the salary and cap space, the Nets will save around $17.5 million in cap space because of this trade.
That takes care of the numbers, let's now take a look at the roster. As of now, the Nets have reached the maximum 15 player limit. Here they are by position:
With that, here's my amateur analysis of the players that came from Orlando.
Finally, let's move on to what I think are the pros and cons of Thorn's recent roster make-over.
Pros:
Cons:
To end, I believe that the Nets aren't done. Expect some more tweaking. Actually Thorn and Kiki already confirmed this. It'll be interesting to see who else they have in mind to add to the fold.
That's it guys, I'm going to have to change some stuff in preparation for this season, Starting with that already inapplicable header up there.
Go Nets!
Another big draft night for the Nets, again trading one of their star players in what some people would call a "salary dump" Although, I believe that we still cannot judge this trade until next, or even a couple of seasons from now, but, personally, I like the trade, more on that later.
If you still don't know what I am talking about, then.. well.. for you the hermit's sake, here's what happened and the numbers (taken from Netsdaily sources)
In its simplest sense, the Nets send Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson to the Magic for Rafer Alston, Tony Battie and Courtney Lee.
The Nets also receive two trade exceptions for Ryan Anderson, valued at $3.75 and $1.2 million.
As for the salary and cap space, the Nets will save around $17.5 million in cap space because of this trade.
That takes care of the numbers, let's now take a look at the roster. As of now, the Nets have reached the maximum 15 player limit. Here they are by position:
- Guards: Harris, Dooling, Lee, Alston and Douglas-Roberts
- Forwards: Hassell, Simmons, Hayes, Williams, SWAT, Yi and Najera
- Centers: Lopez, Boone and Battie
With that, here's my amateur analysis of the players that came from Orlando.
- Tony Battie: Serviceable and a proven veteran back-up center, maybe even power forward, unclear if it would be him or Boone that would be the primary reserve behind Lopez.
- Rafer Alston: Skip to my Lou! Mad handles and a capable point guard. Showed good stuff in Orlando last season and also held his cool despite the turmoil that ensued towards the end. I am still not convinced that he's really a team player and a positive locker room presence, more on that later.
- Courtney Lee: The centerpiece of the trade for the Nets, he showed a lot of poise in Orlando last year. Brings a fearless attitude to the table and also hounding defense that the Nets highly covet.
Finally, let's move on to what I think are the pros and cons of Thorn's recent roster make-over.
Pros:
- Youth: The Nets now have one of the youngest and most promising cores in the NBA. A possible starting line-up of Harris, Lee, Williams, Yi and Lopez would be scary in a few years. (okay, maybe not Yi.)
- Cap space and the numerous assets: It's all about 2010 isin't it? If things stay the way they are, the Nets will have enough money to sign even two big name talents come 2010. Also, the trade assets will be instrumental in bringing in quality players in the long run. Especially the one that's valued at $3.75 million.
- See the real value of players: With Carter last year, the other players obviously fed-off the double teams that he commanded. With him gone, Harris and Lopez will have to carry the offensive load. I know that there are those out there who still do not believe in Harris, hopefully, we'll get to see if he is really for real this season.
- More accurate win-loss record: Okay, I was optimistic about the Nets last year, but, I believe that last year's record was inflated. Luckily, this year's draft wasn't as strong as usual, so picking at #11 didn't really hurt the team that much. However, without Carter, I see the Nets' record showing who they really are. A young, promising and exciting team, but still unready to play with the big boys.
- *Another PG: Okay, this is actually a mix of a pro and a con. The Nets got what they wanted, another PG in Rafer Alston. However, am I the only one not comfortable with Alston? Don't get me wrong, he is a great player and obviously would improve our point guard situation. But, is he mature enough to handle back-up minutes? Does he really think that Harris and/or Dooling are better than him? Will he be a good locker room presence? More importantly, though, will he resort to slapping heads in practice when his teammates score on him? Kidding aside though, I don't think Alston's volatile personality is the best fit for this team right now, coming from a finals berth to maybe the bottom of the barrel will be hard on him. I don't like it.
Cons:
- Losing: Realistically, the Nets might possibly be near the bottom if not at the bottom of the NBA barrel this season. As of now we just do not have the firepower. Patience is and should be greatly exercised.
- Fan Support: With Brooklyn again gaining steam, this trade will again turn more fans off, expect even emptier nights at the IZOD (is that even possible?)
- Leadership: Who's the leader of this group? Harris? Dooling? Someone needs to step up and be the team's pillar.
- Closer: Carter's end game antics last year were legendary, who's going to fill that void this year? Harris I guess, but is he up for the challenge? Prove to us Devin, that that shot against the 76ers is a sign on things to come.
To end, I believe that the Nets aren't done. Expect some more tweaking. Actually Thorn and Kiki already confirmed this. It'll be interesting to see who else they have in mind to add to the fold.
That's it guys, I'm going to have to change some stuff in preparation for this season, Starting with that already inapplicable header up there.
Go Nets!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Hey All :)
Hey, long time no blog huh?
Well.. since I really don't really follow college hoops that much, I really don't have anything to contribute in terms of the draft.
With that said, I'll be back blogging sometime after the draft!
Well.. since I really don't really follow college hoops that much, I really don't have anything to contribute in terms of the draft.
With that said, I'll be back blogging sometime after the draft!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
FINALS BABY!! :)
Watched the Lakers and the Magic advance to the finals with friends in a hotel room just minutes from a pristine beach.
It was a much needed vacation.
With that said, I think I still have a hangover and I'm still not thinking straight.
That's why, I'm going with the Magic to win it all at the end of the day.
I've never really been a Laker fan.
I'll come up with something more coherent soon. :)
It was a much needed vacation.
With that said, I think I still have a hangover and I'm still not thinking straight.
That's why, I'm going with the Magic to win it all at the end of the day.
I've never really been a Laker fan.
I'll come up with something more coherent soon. :)
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
International Crossroads
Yi is at a crossroads and sadly for us Nets fans, he may be taking the wrong road.
He has promised to play at this year's Asian Basketball Championships. This after almost a year and a half of continuous basketball dating back from his rookie season with the Bucks, then to the Olympic games and finally to his sophomore season with the Nets.
There's absolutely no chance of him pulling out of the ABC, not just because of his nationalism and government pressures, but also, because of Yao's recent injury. After Yao, Yi is arguably China's 2nd best player and they'll surely need him for the aforementioned tournament.
However, does China really need to be this aggressive? What I mean is, winning the Asian Championships is good of course, but it's pretty sure that China has its eyes on the 2012 Olympics. With that said, won't it be equally if not more beneficial for China to let Yi take this summer off, while letting him improve on his skills in the US and let their younger, more inexperienced players play in the Asian Championships. They can then take their team, with more experience and a better, healthier Yi to next year's Asian Championships.
This could really make or break not only Yi's NBA career, but his basketball career in general. Need proof? Read this article. Okay, Calderon cannot be compared to Garbajosa, but, maybe it's those injuries from Garbajosa being too overworked that made him not reach his full potential.
Bottom line, let's just keep our fingers crossed for Yi Nets fans. Nothing we can do about it now.
Moving on.
We all know that the Clippers will take Blake Griffin with the first pick this upcoming draft, while Memphis is reported to still be choosing between Thabeet and Rubio. Personally, I love Rubio as a player, but this lottery pick will be pretty complicated, because, in essence, Rubio's not a player that can make a difference immediately.
Rather than read what I have to say about him, why don't you just read this article on ESPN about the intricacies of drafting the young Spanish phenom. Seriously, after reading it, you'd be stumped as to which team should pick this guy.
All I know is, whoever will get this kid will be set in the PG spot. Not now, but soon enough.
He has promised to play at this year's Asian Basketball Championships. This after almost a year and a half of continuous basketball dating back from his rookie season with the Bucks, then to the Olympic games and finally to his sophomore season with the Nets.
There's absolutely no chance of him pulling out of the ABC, not just because of his nationalism and government pressures, but also, because of Yao's recent injury. After Yao, Yi is arguably China's 2nd best player and they'll surely need him for the aforementioned tournament.
However, does China really need to be this aggressive? What I mean is, winning the Asian Championships is good of course, but it's pretty sure that China has its eyes on the 2012 Olympics. With that said, won't it be equally if not more beneficial for China to let Yi take this summer off, while letting him improve on his skills in the US and let their younger, more inexperienced players play in the Asian Championships. They can then take their team, with more experience and a better, healthier Yi to next year's Asian Championships.
This could really make or break not only Yi's NBA career, but his basketball career in general. Need proof? Read this article. Okay, Calderon cannot be compared to Garbajosa, but, maybe it's those injuries from Garbajosa being too overworked that made him not reach his full potential.
Bottom line, let's just keep our fingers crossed for Yi Nets fans. Nothing we can do about it now.
Moving on.
We all know that the Clippers will take Blake Griffin with the first pick this upcoming draft, while Memphis is reported to still be choosing between Thabeet and Rubio. Personally, I love Rubio as a player, but this lottery pick will be pretty complicated, because, in essence, Rubio's not a player that can make a difference immediately.
Rather than read what I have to say about him, why don't you just read this article on ESPN about the intricacies of drafting the young Spanish phenom. Seriously, after reading it, you'd be stumped as to which team should pick this guy.
All I know is, whoever will get this kid will be set in the PG spot. Not now, but soon enough.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
#11
So the Nets don't move up, but neither do they move down, so we all have to be content with that.
Mock drafts are all over the place, with no definite consensus pick as of the moment.
It's just days after the lottery, what do you expect?
I don't really know much about the players in this year's pool, so I won't even try to talk about that, I'll just be wasting your time.
In Rod + Kiki we should all trust. :)
and oh yeah, LAKERS STOLE GAME ONE! credit to Ariza for that defensive gem at then end, but, the Nuggets THREW THIS ONE AWAY.
Mock drafts are all over the place, with no definite consensus pick as of the moment.
It's just days after the lottery, what do you expect?
I don't really know much about the players in this year's pool, so I won't even try to talk about that, I'll just be wasting your time.
In Rod + Kiki we should all trust. :)
and oh yeah, LAKERS STOLE GAME ONE! credit to Ariza for that defensive gem at then end, but, the Nuggets THREW THIS ONE AWAY.
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