Is our "window" beginning NOW? (and trade talk)

[FOMW]

You know, the performance of this team over this road trip, including the first 2.5 quarters against a supremely dominant Lakers team that many predicted would embarrass the Nets, is really starting to push the question: when do you stop looking to the future and conclude that the future is now?

I believe this team is one quality SF away from being in serious contention for at least the third seed in the east, if not higher. Consider that they have accumulated all their impressive victories of late without the guy that's been their best big man the last two years in Josh Boone. Consider also that they won tonight without their backup PG, who has given them excellent and clutch play in nearly all of his games this season. Consider that their rookie big men are outstanding but are certainly not as good now as they will be in April. Consider that their talented starting 4 is still on a tremendous learning curve and that several months can make a substantial difference in his overall performance and consistency. Consider that the team is still learning each other and the systems since only 3 of them started last year with the team. Consider that Devin Harris is just beginning to assert his claim to superstardom. And consider that Vince Carter is doing everything his idiotic critics said he couldn't do: lead, play smart, perfect his shot selection, play good defense, and generally be the safety net for all system failures.

I am beginning to think that the Nets should start to think in bigger terms for trades this year and not necessarily worry about taking on extra salary if it's for the right player or players. We are a quality SF away from contending now.

Word is that the Heat have put Marion on the block. http://basketball.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/55741/20081130/heat_placing_marion_on_the_block/ He's a flight risk as he's a FA next year, so I wouldn't want to give too much for him. But, if not him, who might the Nets go after by the deadline with a 1st round pick, Sean Williams, and salary filler (Simmons/Hassell/Swift)? I think a guy like Shane Battier would be absolutely PERFECT to fill that spot but doubt the Rockets would consider it, even with Artest taking his starting spot.

 

[Claud]

Battier would be awesome. How bad is his contract though?

 

[FOMW]

Battier would be awesome. How bad is his contract though?

His contract is FINE. IIRC (this from researching over the summer), he has this year and next at something near 6 mil. The problem is I don't think the Nets have anyone they're willing to give up for him except Boone or Williams. Rockets are in "win now" mode and will be less attracted by picks.

 

[kobimel]

His contract is FINE. IIRC (this from researching over the summer), he has this year and next at something near 6 mil. The problem is I don't think the Nets have anyone they're willing to give up for him except Boone or Williams. Rockets are in "win now" mode and will be less attracted by picks.

Battier would be extremely hard to get. The Rockets need him if they plan on contending this season, and they do.

I'll write my long response sometime later today or tomorrow.

 

[nets1]

to get one of those players the teams will want all of our rookies and picks plus a good player. I say just let this team develop. Remember what we got for Kidd, well those teams will want the same type of deal from the nets. Ain't worth it...

 

[vc15dunker15]

FOMW, I think you do have a point in this thread, but at this point I think I let this team run for a little while, probably until January or so and see where we are then. If we continue to play hard and win games and have a .500 or better record then keep it like it is or make a small trade, maybe move Boone or SWAT, but nothing major.

IF

This team is not playing as well by late December or so and we see that things can be fixed via a trade then we should go after Marion, simply because his contract expires, but Miami might want too much for him.

Good thread...

 

[kdub]

An interesting thought, and I'm sure Thron/Kiki aren't satisfied either. Perhaps CDR is much better, much faster than any of us imagined he would be? That can help a lot towards contention as well.

 

[Dark Defender]

Think cheap, think James Jones.

I think he could be had for Sean Williams or Josh Boone, straight up. James Jones more than a decent defender and is lights out in the perimeter. His contract does not hurt the Nets in the long run and would be a huge upgrade at SF. Hes coming off an injury so now is the time to pounce.

 

[FOMW]

to get one of those players the teams will want all of our rookies and picks plus a good player. I say just let this team develop. Remember what we got for Kidd, well those teams will want the same type of deal from the nets. Ain't worth it...

Marion will in no way command what Kidd did. He hasn't come close to having the same level of career, so he doesn't have the "all time great" reputation angle going for him. And his contract expires THIS year, not year after, which makes it a much bigger gamble for a team and drives down the price. A first rounder and a decent player will be enough to land him if Miami does trade him.

ETA: And Pat Riley is no Rod Thorn when it comes to engineering trades.

 

[AhLian]

Tayshaun Prince.

 

[Dumpy]

Gerald Wallace.

 

[FOMW]

Think cheap, think James Jones.

I think he could be had for Sean Williams or Josh Boone, straight up. James Jones more than a decent defender and is lights out in the perimeter. His contract does not hurt the Nets in the long run and would be a huge upgrade at SF. Hes coming off an injury so now is the time to pounce.

I would love James Jones and hoped he might be in the Nets sights over the summer. But he just signed with Miami. Are they likely to trade him before he's even had a full season with the team?

 

[FOMW]

Tayshaun Prince.

That would be HUGE, but I don't see how they get him without giving up substantial young talent, which I don't want.

 

[Dark Defender]

I would love James Jones and hoped he might be in the Nets sights over the summer. But he just signed with Miami. Are they likely to trade him before he's even had a full season with the team?

Miami desperately needs size, so I think it will have to be Boone.

They have Joel Anthony and Marc Blount starting some games, yeah I think they would look at a Boone deal.

 

[jerseycarter15]

lebron james

 

[FOMW]

Gerald Wallace.

My only concern about Wallace, aside from the concussion issue and length of his contract, is the perimeter shot. I think a SF in our offense needs to be at least 40% on long range 2s and 3s.

 

[vc15dunker15]

We don't need much from a SF, Simmons can be that one SF we are looking for, but he needs to attack the basket and hit some more of those wide open three's he has been missing. I know he is not shooting it that bad lately from downtown, but he has missed LOTS of WIDE OPEN looks, just look at tonight's game vs the Suns.

 

[Dumpy]

My only concern about Wallace, aside from the concussion issue and length of his contract, is the perimeter shot. I think a SF in our offense needs to be at least 40% on long range 2s and 3s.

That's true. But it is also true that our SF needs to be no more than the #4 option on offense (and possibly #5), and be able to play above average defense. Anything more offensively is overkill, and could ruin the chemistry. Simmons at least knows his place.

Simmons is fine as he is if Yi could just be a little more consistent, to be honest.

 

[FOMW]

That's true. But it is also true that our SF needs to be no more than the #4 option on offense (and possibly #5), and be able to play above average defense. Anything more offensively is overkill, and could ruin the chemistry. Simmons at least knows his place.

Simmons is fine as he is if Yi could just be a little more consistent, to be honest.

I agree. Although it's still very hard watching all those wide open shots missed so often. Great teams don't have those kinds of weaknesses. And I think we could be a great team if we shored up that position.

 

[Tang Man]

Rockets won't give up Battier. They are trying to contend. Defense is their strength and its hard to see them part with a key defensive player in their system. I've also been keeping an eye on young Blazers forward Nicolas Batum in the last few games. He was the 25th pick in this year's draft, 4 picks after Ryan Anderson. The kid has move into the starting 5 and is performing reasonably well. He can shoot the 3, 6-12 from 3 point land since starting and is a pretty good athlete. So while I think Anderson will be a very solid pro and the Nets may have been better off with Batum.

 

[danxcr]

hmmm the perfect 3 would be hard to find without giving up a quality young player :/

 

[User01]

At the three spot we need a guy who can hit a shot, but not need the ball. Most importantly, he needs to be a good defender. Bowen or Bell are the type of guys we should get, ideally. IMO, the best thing we could do is wait till the offseason, then offer an MLE deal to Trevor Ariza and Josh Chilldress. Adding either of them to the team would be huge pickups.

 

[FOMW]

Miami desperately needs size, so I think it will have to be Boone.

They have Joel Anthony and Marc Blount starting some games, yeah I think they would look at a Boone deal.

Okay, would you do (and do you think Miami would do)

Boone
Swift
Simmons

for

Marion
Dorrell Wright
Chris Quinn

Quinn can really shoot, but we needed low salary and another body to keep the trade simple and avoid the need for Miami to have to waive a player. We would have to wait until December 15th because Quinn and Wright have trade restrictions.

 

[danxcr]

look i think marion is a great athlete... but do you guys think hes a good team player? like todays game when amare tried to be tough with devin and hassel got in his FACE... thats UNITY... thats a BOND... and i freakin fell in love with hassel... and it didnt stop he played great D too!!!

 

[FOMW]

look i think marion is a great athlete... but do you guys think hes a good team player? like todays game when amare tried to be tough with devin and hassel got in his FACE... thats UNITY... thats a BOND... and i freakin fell in love with hassel... and it didnt stop he played great D too!!!

Hassell played some GREAT minutes without scoring a point.

You make a good point. Chemistry is a very important element in this team's success.

Maybe Dumpy is right. If, by February, Yi is producing more consistently, it will make Simmons' weaknesses more tolerable. And if Yi plays better, it will probably lessen pressure on Simmons anyway, which will likely lead to better shooting.

Oh well. Just excited about our team and thinking how we might get even better.

 

[danxcr]

Hassell played some GREAT minutes without scoring a point.

You make a good point. Chemistry is a very important element in this team's success.

Maybe Dumpy is right. If, by February, Yi is producing more consistently, it will make Simmons' weaknesses more tolerable. And if Yi plays better, it will probably lessen pressure on Simmons anyway, which will likely lead to better shooting.

Oh well. Just excited about our team and thinking how we might get even better.

im with u man... i am in LOVE with this team... this is very exciting watchin this team grow infront of all of us!!!! w000t go nets!!!!


cant wait for friday minn baby!!

 

[FOMW]

cant wait for friday minn baby!!

Don't get me started on Mike Miller again. I didn't mention him cause I always bring him up in trade talks.

 

[danxcr]

mike miller would be great... but what would minn want?!?!

 

[NOMAM]

To take it to the next level and become an elite Eastern conference team, and maybe even title contender, I think the Nets need a stud at the 4, a defender at the 3, and a very good sixth man off the bench.

Since it doesn't look like any star 4's are available for trade, the Nets got to wait to see if Yi develops. In the meantime, I guess to compensate for that the Nets could try and get a SF like Maggette or Miller to help with the scoring when Harris or Carter are having an off game. And for 6th man maybe CDR can be that guy. Or I think a trade for a guy like John Salmons would be great to bring him off the bench.

 

[kievitt]

wow, the thought of Shawn Marion is really intriguing. I think he would be an ideal three for our system and could make us a legitimate playoff contender. Depending on what it would cost to get him, if we could swing a deal I think it would be phenomenal.