Schuhmann does a pretty good job for an abbreviated web preview. He leaves out a couple of things, but he doesn't underrate the team based on a couple of odd circumstances last season: the twin divorce proceedings, and the unexpected rash of injuries. Other previews criticise the Nets' bench, but they're unlikely to have to go as deep for as long again (House, RJ, Krstic, Boone, Cliffy all injured roughly simultaneously). He should also be comended for the following sentence:</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Jason Kidd and Vince Carter are clearly one of the best backcourts in the NBA, but are they a good fit for each other?</div></p>
he gets it. Other columnists call Carter "overrated" and Kidd "on his last legs." Neither is true. The real issue, as he recognizes, is whether they bring out the best in each other based on their respective styles and talents. There's no question, for instance, that Kidd elevated the play--and value--of KMart. I'm not sure the same is true of Carter. Now, let's give Carter credit: the franchise was doomed to failure, sputtering along with a 12-24 record,shortly afterhe was acquired, and he almost single-handedly made the franchise relevant again after just a three-month "rebuilding" period. Now Coach Frank claims that he's trying to add more movement without the ball, which is designed to make better use of Kidd's talents. Will Carter play along this time? That'll be a major sub-theme of the season.</p>
He also mentions the possible reverberating effect of the loss of House (although he kind of passes over Mikki Moore without much mention). The team will need shooters and energy off the bench. Mikki, House (when healthy), and Boki provided that, if not much defense. Now, if Krstic or Boki get hurt again, they really don't have a sharpshooting big to step in. They also really, really need Antoine Wright to step up and prove he belongs. That, or a healthy Allan Houston.</p>
It's also good to see SOMEONE give Collins some credit.</p>
I have no idea what to expect from Magloire. I kind of expect that Magloire and Collins will start in the front court, at least until Krstic is fully healthy. The question is, is Magloire the type of guy who can fit in and produce in a motion offense? I have no idea. It might actually be fascinating to see Boki start at the 4. At least Magloire should grab a ton of rebounds playing next to Collins.</p>
Everyone talks about how good the Celtics are with their three 20-point scorers. Well, the Nets could legitimately have seven players average double figures, especially if the motion works and Marcus can run it when he's in the game. what they're missing right now is that high-energy, good shootingbackup center (the Aaron Williams role) and a backup shooting guard that's not afraid to shoot (the Lucious Harris role), and, of course, consistently good defense from their primary reserves. On that last point, I predict that, like Gollum, when all is said and done, Bernard Robinson will have a role to play.</p>
