ESPN: Nets Can Make Some Noise

[NJNetz]

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">An ESPN analysis of all sixteen playoff teams suggests that the Nets, in spite of their injuries and inconsistency, are "in the playoffs and have a chance to make some noise again". The analysts also provide a look ahead at what they see as the Nets' future--"well-positioned to manage the transition" and a look back at their recent past, with John Hollinger discussions of Rod Thorn's best trade (Vince Carter) and worst (Dikembe Mutombo).</div>
Source

 

[Legacy]

I think we are pretty underrated right now. We are 7-3 in our last 10 games and have won 3 in a row. I think we can make some noise in the playoffs.

 

[bbwSwish]

Something tells me that the Nets will not make it out of the first round.

 

[Legacy]

<div class="quote_poster">Swish Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Something tells me that the Nets will not make it out of the first round.</div>

Well if the Nets get that 6th seed and play the Raptors I think it's a possibility due to Toronto's inconsistent defense. For the Bulls and Cavs, I'm not as sure, but I'm staying optimistic, hoping for something good to happen. Such as the bench stepping up and Boone gets more minutes and becomes comfortable in the post.

 

[NJNetz]

<div class="quote_poster">Swish Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Something tells me that the Nets will not make it out of the first round.</div>


Who cares what you think?

No but seriously I think they can overtake the Raptors, and even the Cavs. Sure the Cavs beat on the Nets last game, but I don't think it will happen again.


Well what can I say, I'm an optimistic guy.

 

[Legacy]

<div class="quote_poster">Mercury Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Who cares what you think?

No but seriously I think they can overtake the Raptors, and even the Cavs. Sure the Cavs beat on the Nets last game, but I don't think it will happen again.


Well what can I say, I'm an optimistic guy.</div>

Lol, holy crap. Me and you posted almost the same exact thing.

 

[bbwSwish]

Something tells me that Chris Bosh is going to have a huge coming out party in the next couple of weeks during the playoffs. He always comes up big when his team needs him and I think he would tear up New Jersey's weak frontcourt. And I think the Nets are more inconsistent than the Raptors mainly due to Vince Carter. One night he can be on fire and hitting everything and the next night he's playing horrible. You never know which Nets team will show up.

I also think both the Cavaliers and Bulls would easily beat New Jersey. I see both of those teams going far in the playoffs and I don't think either of them will lose in the first round.

 

[Legacy]

<div class="quote_poster">Swish Wrote</div><div class="quote_post"> And I think the Nets are more inconsistent than the Raptors mainly due to Vince Carter. One night he can be on fire and hitting everything and the next night he's playing horrible. You never know which Nets team will show up.</div>
I'm telling you, when the playoffs come it's a brand new Vince Carter. He always brings his "A" game like he has been doing for the last few weeks.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I also think both the Cavaliers and Bulls would easily beat New Jersey. I see both of those teams going far in the playoffs and I don't think either of them will lose in the first round.</div>
Well the Pistons will sweep the Magic.

 

[Chutney]

I don't know, I think the Nets are being overrated now. They haven't played all that well for the majority of the season, but because of a strong finish, all the experts are ready to anoint them as contenders again. But really, they haven't played that differently during this recent stretch. They've just been beating up on crappy teams. NJ's got strong guardplay, so I can see them stealing a couple games from the Raps (when VC or Kidd blow up), but they have virtually no interior presence and I think Toronto's homecourt advantage will be a huge difference.

 

[bbwSwish]

<div class="quote_poster">Legacy Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I'm telling you, when the playoffs come it's a brand new Vince Carter. He always brings his "A" game like he has been doing for the last few weeks.</div>

Even with a fully motivated Vince, I still can't see the Nets making any noise. It's not like Carter is the only player who steps up come playoff time. Every player steps up and I truly believe that the Raptors, Cavaliers, and Bulls, are all better all around teams than New Jersey.

<div class="quote_poster">Legacy Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Well the Pistons will sweep the Magic.

</div>

It's not even set that we will play Detroit but thanks for trying.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't know, I think the Nets are being overrated now. They haven't played all that well for the majority of the season, but because of a strong finish, all the experts are ready to anoint them as contenders again. But really, they haven't played that differently during this recent stretch. They've just been beating up on crappy teams. NJ's got strong guardplay, so I can see them stealing a couple games from the Raps (when VC or Kidd blow up), but they have virtually no interior presence and I think Toronto's homecourt advantage will be a huge difference.</div>

Exactly. I don't see this Nets team getting out of the first round. They have been mediocre at best this season and it would be an absolute joke to consider them anything close to contenders. Like Chutney said, maybe they can steal a game or two but I can't see them winning an entire series against a team with homecourt advantage that has been playing great all year.

 

[NJNetz]

No one is saying that they are contenders but the fact that they can "still make some noise". I'm pretty much have no doubt that the Nets will beat Toronto in a series, because Carter should be able to step up against his former team, and I'm sure Kidd will shine once again. And our bench isn't exactly crap anymore.

Not to mention the Raptors have no playoff experience, and I really don't see Bosh exploding in the playoffs.

 

[Chutney]

I've read it quite a few times actually. Analysts who suddenly think that the Nets can take the East. I personally think that if they get past the first round, it should be considered a successful season for them. They haven't been all that impressive this season, even during this recent stretch. It just seems like a lot of people are counting on VC "turning it up" out of nowhere in the playoffs. But they're ignoring how much Toronto's improved in April (on top of their earlier improvement). They've rebound better, Chris Bosh has been playing incredible, and Anthony Parker's been a star since Garbajosa was injured. Not to mention Bargnani's coming back. I personally give more credit to a team that's been playing at a higher level for the past 4-5 months, as opposed to the team that might play at a high level in the playoffs.

 

[phunDamentalz]

I think Bosh is going to he huuuuge in the playoffs.

 

[NJNetz]

Well let's just wait and see. Toronto is no easy opponent but I still believe Nets will take it......it's just this feeling, you know.

It'll be funny if they don't end up going against each other.

 

[Chutney]

It almost feels like its destined to happen.

 

[bbwSwish]

<div class="quote_poster">phunDamentalz Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I think Bosh is going to he huuuuge in the playoffs.</div>

Good to see someone agrees with me.

 

[phunDamentalz]

<div class="quote_poster">Swish Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Good to see someone agrees with me.

</div>

yeah. I predict he will AVERAGE 12 free throw attempts per game in the playoffs.

 

[hollagr8]

Yes, Destiny is something important, and not to get philosophical, but this playoff matchup almost feels like in order for Toronto to get anywhere and past their demons, they have to go through Carter their previous leader.

Carter is alot more flashy and talented, while Bosh is the hard worker and alot more responsible. I don't think Bosh will let Toronto lose this series. The series will go at least 6 games, but I think Toronto will take it in 6.

 

[skip]

<div class="quote_poster">Legacy Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I think we are pretty underrated right now. We are 7-3 in our last 10 games and have won 3 in a row. I think we can make some noise in the playoffs.</div>

Against what competition? Eastern Conference bottom feeders who have nothing to gain by winning, but everything to gain by losing? The more they lose the stronger their lottery position will be. You've lost to all the better teams... I.E. Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland.

<div class="quote_poster">Mercury Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">No one is saying that they are contenders but the fact that they can "still make some noise". I'm pretty much have no doubt that the Nets will beat Toronto in a series, because Carter should be able to step up against his former team, and I'm sure Kidd will shine once again. And our bench isn't exactly crap anymore.

Not to mention the Raptors have no playoff experience, and I really don't see Bosh exploding in the playoffs.</div>

1. That's what we all thought in Toronto, but VC will dissapoint once again. No doubt that the Net's will beat Toronto in a series? A little too confident there. No doubt you're OVERconfident. This Nets team is nothing special, they haven't done anything all year, don't expect them to start.

2. One simple question for you... Who can shut Bosh down one-on-one? If you double Bosh, our team's loaded with deadly shooters, so you'll no doubt get burnt if you leave a man open.


<div class="quote_poster">Chutney Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">It almost feels like its destined to happen.</div>

It also feels like the Raptors are destined to win, with this huge turnaround, what better way to end a fairytale season then to go on a long playoff run, starting with Vince Carter's Nets? This would officially mean Toronto>Vince Carter, not that it hasn't happened already. And this would give Toronto a HUGE boost, just imagine all the media coverage around this series. I really don't think that Vince Carter can step-up enough to pull off this upset. The Raptors are one of the deepest teams in the league and NJ has no bench whatsoever, and BOSH WILL EAT THE NON-EXISTANT NJ FRONTCOURT ALIVE. Book it. Anthony Parker will be huge in this series in shutting down Carter and making him play defense, and hopefully Bargnani is ready to step up. Bargnani can make a huge difference by drawing the defender out of the post and give Bosh some space to work with. Humphries will continue to play well not to mention Graham, as well as Rasho, shoot... They'll all play well. Raptors will take this series in 6 MAX. Bring out the Salami and Cheese. It'll be an interesting match-up though, Raptors will take this series, but NJ isn't exactly a push-over team. There's a good chance they will be though.

 

[Legacy]

Is this Bosh's first time in the playoffs?

 

[skip]

<div class="quote_poster">Legacy Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Is this Bosh's first time in the playoffs?</div>

Yes, but he's been pretty clutch so far, and he's stepped up almost every single time the team has needed him. No doubt he'll have monster playoff performances.

 

[NJNetz]

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">No doubt that the Net's will beat Toronto in a series? A little too confident there. No doubt you're OVERconfident.</div>

I have the right to my opinion. Raptors will put up a fight, but I think Nets will still take it.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">One simple question for you... Who can shut Bosh down one-on-one? If you double Bosh, our team's loaded with deadly shooters, so you'll no doubt get burnt if you leave a man open.</div>

Simple, Jefferson. I remember seeing him lockdown Bosh this season, during one of the games.

 

[Chutney]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Mercury:</div><div class="quote_post">Simple, Jefferson. I remember seeing him lockdown Bosh this season, during one of the games.</div>
He's not fully healthy and if Bosh plays like he has for the past month or so, I don't think it will matter. When he was shut down by Jefferson, you have to remember that it was an off-game most likely caused by rust (he was 4 games removed from his big injury).

The thing that will hurt you the most is the lack of shotblocking and your inability to force turnovers. TJ Ford and Jose Calderon will penetrate and get to the rim at will and, if you give them a clear path, they'll abuse you over and over again.

 

[Intrepid1983]

Raps should win this in theory, but its also possible for new jersey. In all fairness NJ has been winning recently, but they barely pull it off against sub par teams, while raps dont even try and can beat those teams. The only teams that seems to contend with the raps now are the top tier east teams, otherwise scrap rag-tag teams like new jersey would now be nothing, but since Carter is on it, it seems like a challenge. NJ could very well win this game. But the raptors show that they're a much more professional bunch in comparison to the emotional bound and petty minded new jersey players, especially in that new article by Carter. Doesn't matter if the fans are petty, but when Carter's only motivation to go into the playoffs is to beat the raptors, that says a lot about his commitment to winning a championship.

Either way interesting series. Bosh will have to win on pure concentration, intelligence, and work ethic. Carter will have to win by pure emotion, natural talent, and selfishness since he will do all the scoring as usual to bring the rag-tag nets to a decent score.

I say nets win