Bigs, Rod, A Third PG, Stuff

[StroShow4]

He's a decent player, but the Nets are focusing on developing their young guys right now in the front court. That includes Yi, Anderson, Lopez, Boone and Williams (at least for now)...where does Stro fit in? I have no problem with the way he's been playing. He's hustling, grabbing rebounds, hitting shots, blocking shots...you can't expect him to do much more in his limited role. Unfortunately, once Boone comes back there will be little minutes left for him since giving the young guys PT is more important than giving him PT.

i understand all of that, i was just joking around. but is that last part really true about the big priority being developement of the young guys? i mean, this team is pretty good, shouldn't the priority at this point be playing whichever guy gives the team the best chance of winning the game? this team has a chance to compete in the postseason, and if stro (or any other player for that matter) gives them the best chance to win imo that's the player who should get the minutes, regardless of age.

 

[PsychoNetsFan34]

If only Stro played as well as he is playing for me so far on NBA 2K9 online. In the last 3 games since I've put him in over Sean Williams hes avg about 22ppg 2 or 3 blocks at least in 10 minutes of play....

BTW my Gamertag is PsychoNetsFan51 and I only play with the NETS

 

[kdub]

i understand all of that, i was just joking around. but is that last part really true about the big priority being developement of the young guys? i mean, this team is pretty good, shouldn't the priority at this point be playing whichever guy gives the team the best chance of winning the game? this team has a chance to compete in the postseason, and if stro (or any other player for that matter) gives them the best chance to win imo that's the player who should get the minutes, regardless of age.

Don't worry, this is Frank's mentality. The backup center position is Stro's to lose now.

 

[kobimel]

i understand all of that, i was just joking around. but is that last part really true about the big priority being developement of the young guys? i mean, this team is pretty good, shouldn't the priority at this point be playing whichever guy gives the team the best chance of winning the game? this team has a chance to compete in the postseason, and if stro (or any other player for that matter) gives them the best chance to win imo that's the player who should get the minutes, regardless of age.

You're right, the team's priorities have shifted because of their surprisingly good play. However, this is how I see it:

Lopez and Boone have been good in the games they've played so far this year. They're our two main centers and they're the ones competing with Stro for minutes, since Frank likes to constantly have shooters on the floor. A Swift/Lopez or Swift/Boone lineup is not something we're going to see a lot of in my opinion. Unless Boone or Lopez get injured (like Boone is now, freeing up minutes for Stro) or go through a rough stretch (which is possible and even expected, especially with Lopez), I can see Stro not getting any minutes at all in some games. The difference in production from Swift to Boone (pre-injury), for example, isn't big enough to cause a change in the rotation, with Swift getting more minutes than Boone. If Stro suddenly destroys everything in sight when he's on the floor, he'll get more minutes. If Boone or Lopez stink it up, he'll get more minutes. Other than that, I don't see him getting much more than 3-8 mpg at this point.

 

[StroShow4]

just so you guys know i'm not arguing that stro should get the minutes, i'm just saying whoever gives the team the best chance of winning should get them because this team is good. if that player is stro, stro should play. if it isn't, then he shouldn't. all i'm saying is developement of young guys shouldn't be the #1 priority at this point.

 

[kdub]

You're right, the team's priorities have shifted because of their surprisingly good play. However, this is how I see it:

Lopez and Boone have been good in the games they've played so far this year. They're our two main centers and they're the ones competing with Stro for minutes, since Frank likes to constantly have shooters on the floor. A Swift/Lopez or Swift/Boone lineup is not something we're going to see a lot of in my opinion. Unless Boone or Lopez get injured (like Boone is now, freeing up minutes for Stro) or go through a rough stretch (which is possible and even expected, especially with Lopez), I can see Stro not getting any minutes at all in some games. The difference in production from Swift to Boone (pre-injury), for example, isn't big enough to cause a change in the rotation, with Swift getting more minutes than Boone. If Stro suddenly destroys everything in sight when he's on the floor, he'll get more minutes. If Boone or Lopez stink it up, he'll get more minutes. Other than that, I don't see him getting much more than 3-8 mpg at this point.

Stro has the advantage of a mid-range jump shot, however. And he seems focused as ever out there.

I love the big man competition the Nets are having!

 

[Malorkayel]

Remember the "Hack a boone"? He can't be left out to finish close games. That really killed it for me before he got hurt.

 

[GMJ]

You're right. Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge sure are talented, but not worth it. What has gotten into me?

oh my god, that's part of the trade you proposed? I'm definitely not going to waste my time reading it now.

 

[farouq710]

Based on everything Rod and Kiki have said they appear to really want to develop the young bigs. Eddie Najera is staying and with Brook, Ryan and Yi all playing pretty well that leaves room for one veteran to play the 4th big role and another big to be injury insurance. I think that leaves Stro out. THe nets picked up Sean's option for a reason and I believe its because they want to develop him. I think Stro is being showcased right now, he's a perfect trading chip. Stro is a nice expiring contract and he's an ok player that is fairly young.

 

[nets1]

why would they do that deal. Lets trade a promising young budding star for an old player who has never really done anything. Just cause the salary matches up doesn't mean they are going to trade anybody.

 

[Belarus]

just so you guys know i'm not arguing that stro should get the minutes, i'm just saying whoever gives the team the best chance of winning should get them because this team is good. if that player is stro, stro should play. if it isn't, then he shouldn't. all i'm saying is developement of young guys shouldn't be the #1 priority at this point.

Completely disagree.

 

[adisodes]

Guys, my trade was a joke lol.

 

[adisodes]

why would they do that deal. Lets trade a promising young budding star for an old player who has never really done anything. Just cause the salary matches up doesn't mean they are going to trade anybody.

Sounds familiar lol. Gotta love Mark Cuban.

 

[Petey]

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/columnists/lawrence/index.html?page=1

Judging from all the chatter in their locker room, the Timberwolves are convinced that Gerald Wallace will be coming on board from Charlotte, with Rashard McCants and Jason Collins heading to the Bobcats.

What the hell? Thorn and Kiki have to get in on that trade.

Man, that is not much. Swift and Swat for Wallace!

If so I think that means they try to move Carter over the next 2 years as Wallace is signed long term. Hardly as talented as Carter on the offensive end, he is considerably cheaper.

-Petey

 

[Netted]

Man, that is not much. Swift and Swat for Wallace!

If so I think that means they try to move Carter over the next 2 years as Wallace is signed long term. Hardly as talented as Carter on the offensive end, he is considerably cheaper.

-Petey

Why? Team would still have no less than $18mm left to sign a free agent.

Would have VC, DH, Yi, Lopez, CDR and Wallace for $42.5MM plus a couple more rookie signings before then. Cap projected at $63.5MM. Plug Bosh in that line-up and you are good to go.

 

[StroShow4]

Completely disagree.

don't you want this team to continue to win? it's not like this is another crappy team, this one actually has some potential.

 

[Astral]

don't you want this team to continue to win? it's not like this is another crappy team, this one actually has some potential.

Right, however the team's core is not going to change in the next 2 years, and we don't have a chance of competing this year. Thus the extra 2 or 3 wins this year are not worth the risk of under-developing young guys and then letting them walk because they don't turn out to be good

 

[nets1]

Right, however the team's core is not going to change in the next 2 years, and we don't have a chance of competing this year. Thus the extra 2 or 3 wins this year are not worth the risk of under-developing young guys and then letting them walk because they don't turn out to be good

so far this team is doing both winning and developing the rookies. The nets are on a pace to win at least 20 more victories than most talking heads predicted.

 

[Belarus]

don't you want this team to continue to win? it's not like this is another crappy team, this one actually has some potential.

I say the development of young guys should be the #1 priority at this point. It became #1 priority ever since we traded Kidd and drafted rookies. Developing Brook, Yi, Anderson and CDR doesn't mean automatic losing. On the contrary, Brook was one of the main parts of the Nets surprising start, Anderson played well and Yi shown flashes of brilliance that can transform in consistency only with playing time. Now you're saying change the course and play vets to win. I understand playing vets in the close game in the 4th quarter, but changing the whole strategy after 20 games is plain stupid.

 

[Petey]

Why? Team would still have no less than $18mm left to sign a free agent.

Would have VC, DH, Yi, Lopez, CDR and Wallace for $42.5MM plus a couple more rookie signings before then. Cap projected at $63.5MM. Plug Bosh in that line-up and you are good to go.

It would be cutting it very close. Bosh, James, Wade, etc etc could qualify for 30% of the cap. So if the cap is as you projected they would take up the entire difference.

-Petey

 

[CalamityX04]

so far this team is doing both winning and developing the rookies. The nets are on a pace to win at least 20 more victories than most talking heads predicted.

i AGREE 100%... we are developing our young guns and it's getting us wins... there is no need to change our core just yet.... we have a talented squad that just needs some seasoning...

and let's hold on to Swift for a bit, he's been playing very well this season as he gets back into the mix of things why move him so hastly???

 

[ToddMacCulloch11]

Swat is pushing the issue, he wants out of the Nets. You think Hayes will be traded and Swat move in as back up SF?

Why couldn't Swat develop to a Josh Smith style forward?

Hayes has been very solid off the bench this year...I don't think the Nets are going to give up on him to try and force a guy to play SF who has a very small chance of succeeding at that position.

 

[StroShow4]

I understand playing vets in the close game in the 4th quarter, but changing the whole strategy after 20 games is plain stupid.

you've got what i'm saying all wrong. i don't want them to change anything, i want the nets to keep things how they are.. right now the best players are playing. that's the way it should be as long as this team is competing.

 

[Belarus]

you've got what i'm saying all wrong. i don't want them to change anything, i want the nets to keep things how they are.. right now the best players are playing. that's the way it should be as long as this team is competing.

And things right now are that we're developing young players to be competitive enough by 2010 to attract big guys here. When certain veteran (Stro) plays much better than certain rookie (Swat) - play veteran. But all other things equal - stay the course and develop rookies. It's a blessing that we can combine both: winning and developing youngsters. My point: priority remains the same regardless of the standings.

 

[Netted]

It would be cutting it very close. Bosh, James, Wade, etc etc could qualify for 30% of the cap. So if the cap is as you projected they would take up the entire difference.

-Petey

As you long as we are close enough to the projected $19MM max (within $1 to $2MM) the team is a credible threat to sign a player outright and then a sign & trade scenario becomes more feasible. And to do a S&T you need some worthwhile assets.

In the end the home team can offer an extra year. That alone could be worth $30MM!! I highly doubt we get any of these guys without a S&T because of that, and if not we should build for the future with just the bare minimum in cap space because you need the talent to do the sign and trade. And you have to hedge your bet against not getting any of these guys because there will be a lot of competition in addition to the home team advantage.