Nets offseason thread

[Henacy]

Nets offseason free Agent push has begun: Offseason News & Notes

Push to get Rahim:


<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Knowing that unrestricted Free Agent Shareef Abdur-Rahim will generate fierce competion at bargain basement price of roughly $ 5 million for next season, New Jersey took a proactive step at the first permissable moment. Nets coach Lawerance Frank, according to league sources, took a flight Thursday so he'd be able too see Abdur Rahim right after midnight.....and not just to reminise about their days together in Vancouver</div>

Espn.com


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Donyell Marshall News:

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">While the Nets are certainly interested in the free agent sharp-shooter. Marshall's remarks illustrates how attractive the Nets have become in the eyes of quality veterans looking for a change of address </div>




Nets Views on Stromile Swift


<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">"We have mixed feelings about him", one Nets official admitted "But he can block shots, he's lively and for the way we want to play, he'd fit, so he's a guy we have to look closely at."</div>

Newark Star (article) (swift and Marshall stories.

 

[NJNetz]

hmmm if that doesnt work out then they might try to get Swift instead

 

[Henacy]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting NbaBaller:</div><div class="quote_post">hmmm if that doesnt work out then they might try to get Swift instead</div>

Yeah I just edited it with an article on the Nets front office views about Swift, It seems as if he is more of a fall back options, rather then someone they are trying to pursue hard like Rahim.

I think it has alot to do with the relationship that Shareef and Coach Frank have, anyway I have Swift #1 on my wish list as a fan then Rahim #2 and then Marshall. But I think that if we dont come away with one of those 3 then our offseason will be a failure because asided from trading away one of our big three there would be no way for our frontline to improve, if we happen to not land Swift, Rahim or Marshall. Nobody else in the free agent market other than those three, unless teams start dropping contracts of guys like maybe a Ratliff, makes our frontline better in my opinion.

 

[XSV]

Its hard to say which PF we should go for...

Personally I'd like to see the Nets get Stro because reef and donyell aren't too athletic and are both getting pretty old. The Nets need an athletic guy like Swift to run with them and I just can't see the other two doing that as much. Also we need a shot blocker, and although donyell is decent, shareef is not a shot blocker. Lastly, shareef would not work as well in their offence as Stro or marshall would because he needs too many shots, whereas stro would be happy just getting easy fast-break dunks and offensive boards.

Donyell would be my next choice b/c he would be more affordable than the other 2 and his offense would fit well with the nets... just stand at the 3 point line and let the big 3 slash and kick it out to him (he hit 13 in a game for TO). He's probably not as good at on the ball defending at the post as the other 2 but he has long arms and can block shots decently

 

[Tesh15]

They should go with swift all the way.. he fits right away in the nets offense and very athletic for a big man

 

[Henacy]

I think two things in the Nets front office eyes are what gives Shareef the edge right now over a guy like Swift......

One, being the fact that he is a better option and weapon in the half-court then Swift. Nets front office probably feels that even if they dont add a power forward who can be devastating in the fastbreak aspect of the game, its ok because our fastbreak can is going to be gear toward our perimeter guys, anyway. It is more important to them to add a frontcourt option who can score down low when the game slows down. And Shareef clearly has the edge in that regard.

I think the 2nd thing that gives Reef the edge is the fact that he is proven to be successful (at one time all-star caliber) player when given 30+ minutes a game in this league. And that is the type of minutes the Nets are going to need from which ever of the forwards they sign. Swift on the other hand is unproven on whether he can handle a expanded role on a team. Playing 30+ minutes on the Nets frontline is alot diffferent then playing spot duty behind Gasol in Memphis like he has been doing....You have to think about things like can he stay out of foul trouble consistently cause him getting into foul trouble in Memphis wasnt much of a factor due to their depth....but with a expanded role for a guy like Swift comes expanded questions about is game. And maybe a bit of uncertainty from the Nets front office if he is good enough to handle it. So I think Shareef's proven past ablities give him an edge as well. With our frontline the way it is now, Swift is a gamble that if it doesnt work out could really hurt & hamper the Nets for many years.

 

[NJNetz]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Henacy:</div><div class="quote_post">I think two things in the Nets front office eyes are what gives Shareef the edge right now over a guy like Swift......

One, being the fact that he is a better option and weapon in the half-court then Swift. Nets front office probably feels that even if they dont add a power forward who can be devastating in the fastbreak aspect of the game, its ok because our fastbreak can is going to be gear toward our perimeter guys, anyway. It is more important to them to add a frontcourt option who can score down low when the game slows down. And Shareef clearly has the edge in that regard.

I think the 2nd thing that gives Reef the edge is the fact that he is proven to be successful (at one time all-star caliber) player when given 30+ minutes a game in this league. And that is the type of minutes the Nets are going to need from which ever of the forwards they sign. Swift on the other hand is unproven on whether he can handle a expanded role on a team. Playing 30+ minutes on the Nets frontline is alot diffferent then playing spot duty behind Gasol in Memphis like he has been doing....You have to think about things like can he stay out of foul trouble consistently cause him getting into foul trouble in Memphis wasnt much of a factor due to their depth....but with a expanded role for a guy like Swift comes expanded questions about is game. And maybe a bit of uncertainty from the Nets front office if he is good enough to handle it. So I think Shareef's proven past ablities give him an edge as well. With our frontline the way it is now, Swift is a gamble that if it doesnt work out could really hurt & hamper the Nets for many years.</div>


I totally agree with you, plus a i heard a lot of times that Swift can be a little lazy. Shareef is their first option but if they can't get him then they will go for Swift no matter what they think about him. By the way are the Nets interested in any other players besides Donyell Marshell

 

[Henacy]

Nets make push for Keyon Dooling

Keyon Dooling News:


<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Nets head coach Lawrence Frank flew to Miami to meet with Dooling on friday and the team is interested in signing him as a combo guard to play behind and beside Jason Kidd.</div>

Article (must sign up to read)

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I really liked Keyon Dooliong's game last season, I think he easily wins the backup point guard slot over Jacque Vaughn,if acquired. I think this also benefits the Nets future in the long term hofefully as Kidd gets older & older his role & minutes will become decreased maybe Dooling learning behind Kidd can bloom into a guy we can trust to take over a bigger role as Kidd starts to slow down.

I dont think this move would effect whether the Nets land a guy like Swift or Rahim because those guys will be taking up the mid-level while a guy like Dooling will be taking up the low level exception.

<font color="Red">PS. Sorry to those people who's post were lost in the other Keyon Dooling topic it was an error on my part. And my bad-Henacy</font>

 

[NJNetz]

wat about jay williams. are they plannin to get jay if it doesnt work out wit dooling. by are the nets lookin to try to get another shooting guard since i doubt they want to keep Mercer

 

[Henacy]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting NbaBaller:</div><div class="quote_post">wat about jay williams. are they plannin to get jay if it doesnt work out wit dooling. by are the nets lookin to try to get another shooting guard since i doubt they want to keep Mercer</div>


I think the steam of Jay Williams landing in Jersey has slowed down a bit. He might still end up here but I think that with Keyon Dooling & a few other quality guards out there. And the Nets front office no longer looking for a primary swingman off the bench, since the drafting of Wright, they are going to look for less of a gamble then Jay Williams.


Will the Nets add another shooting guard? hmmm...I think they will definately have to get rid of Mercer first, as filler in a possible trade maybe. Then they might look to add a specialist like a Wesley Person, someone who can add a consistent perimeter jumper to all that athletism on the wings. But I dont think they have any attetions on adding anymore volume shooters/scorers.
But I think the main focus is getting Shareef & possibly cheap bigbody as well. And then adding a guard to play behind Kidd.

 

[NJNetz]

if they get Rahim and a backup i really think they will be a very good team. perhaps a finals contender

 

[jbbDWade3]

they definatley need to get Shareef or Stro since they declined the option on Uncle Cliffy

 

[Next Level Game]

I'd like to see Shareef before Stro. Stromile is more athletic and has room to grow, but JKidd doesn't have that kind of time like he did with Kenyon. Stro is athletic as kenyon, maybe even more so, but he doesn't have that winning attitude that Kmart brought to this team. He doesn't play smart and he averaged 3 fouls over 21 minutes last season. If he were to get double the minutes as a starter for us, he better learn how to tune that down. Memphis gets away with it because they have other quality fours/fives in Pau, Lorenzen, and even Brian Cardinal. We do not have that luxuary. There's just too many questions.

I don't like Shareef cause he has never really won with any team he's on, but he is consistent and you know you'll get max effort from him every night. I like that he has a face up game and a consistent jumper which allows both him and Nenad to clear the lane for a Carter/Jefferson/Kidd drive. Not only that, Shareef is a pretty decent passer and he'll thrive in our system. Shareef is 28 years old, a little bit over a year older than Kenyon and he's still decent athletically. I say go for him and win now.The only knocks I see is that he won't be an intimidating low post defender, weak side shock blocker, and that he has never played in the post season...but with Jason, he could make anyone a winner.

 

[Henacy]

I know the major knock on Reef is he isnt a winner but honestly you take alot of all-star level players and put them on the teams he played for over his career. And they wouldnt be winners either. He played basically for an exspansion grizzlies team, a Hawks team that hasnt had the comitment to winning since they traded Mutombo and had Blaylock & Steve Smith. And look at the disfunction that has gone on in Portland the last several years, so honestly alot of players wouldnt be winners in those stops around the league.

I think what will make Shareef successful here, if we are able to acquire him, is the fact that he is option #4, in ATL and Vancouver he was the 1st option every year. He wont be that that here, I think playing alongside such talent around him in Jefferson/VC/Kidd will allow him to flourish as a team player. I dont think his indiviual # will be as strong as his Vancouver days or anything, but I think you will get to see that the winning effort and attuide does exist in his game.

 

[NJNetz]

which other teams are tryin to get Rahim?? It depends which team offers him what, but i think the Nets have a very good chance of signin him

 

[Henacy]

Shareef Abdur-Rahim update

Update:


<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">" Starting today, the Nets will indulge Shareef Abur-Rahim with red-carpet treatment in hopes of landing their top free agent target. Over Abdur-Rahim's two day stay in New Jersey, the Nets will attempt to persuade the 6-9 power forward to take either their $4.9 million mid level exception or $4.9 million trade exception" </div>


NyDailyNews.com




Rahim on Nets Situation:


<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">"Altought I like the situation, myself and Aaron[attorney Goldwin] will weigh all of my options, listen to everybody", continued Abdur-Rahim, who said the Spurs, Heat, Wizards, and Kings are courting him, "I dont want to lead anyone one"</div>

Nypost.com Must Sign up to read this Article

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Looks like we have some stiff competion in Miami and San Antonio, if being a contender is #1 on Reef's agenda. Those teams are closer to winning a championship then we are... Spurs being the defending champs and Miami being one game and a Wade injury away from the finals themselves last year, so it maybe hard to beat those guys out cause we cant offer him more money then them. The only thing which could be viotale is how big of a role does he want on a contender, Maimi with Shaq, Zo, Wayne Siemen, etc are pretty fully on their frontline(by the way does the courting of Shareef and the drafting of Siemen mean that they arent match Haslem's offers in the free agent market, I really like his game last year in the playoffs). San Antonio is pretty full on the frontline as well Duncan, Horry just resigned, Nazr and a healthy Rasho. In Maimi his role will not be a close to as big as it would be in New Jersey, Reef complained about his role & minutes in Portland.

 

[Shapecity]

Assist to Kidd in Shareef Bid

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Jason Kidd was as excited as a teenager ready to purchase his first car. Shopping for a new power forward can do that to an All-Star point guard.
The Nets captain is enthusiastically trying to recruit Portland's Shareef Abdur-Rahim, a free agent he believes will help fill the power forward void left by Kenyon Martin last summer.

"I hope we can get him," Kidd said yesterday as the Nets began a two-day pitch to Abdur-Rahim. "I think he would be a great addition to the team. He just wants to win. We need that intangible that he is hungry to win and he works extremely hard at his game. He definitely addresses a need that we have."

That need is even greater with the likely departure of Brian Scalabrine. While the Nets entertained Abdur-Rahim yesterday, Scalabrine agreed to a five-year deal worth $15million with the Celtics, according to a league sources. Under the new collective bargaining agreement, teams cannot officially sign free agents until the end of the month.

The Nets continued their full-court press on Abdur-Rahim last night when he arrived in New York and dined with Nets brass. He is expected to tour the team facility today and meet with owner Bruce Ratner and talk with Kidd.</div>

Source

With Jason Kidd working on SAR, I think the Nets have a great chance of signing him. A lot of players like playing with Kidd because he makes his teammates look good.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Nets would like to deal their trade exception to Portland in a sign-and-trade for Abdur-Rahim before it expires on July 29, which would allow them to use their mid-level on other free agents like Heat guard Keyon Dooling. </div>

If the Nets can land both of those players, they'll be pushing for a top 4 seed.

<font color="Red">I merged with the other offseason thread that deals with Rahim and the other key free agent targets</font>-Henacy

 

[Mr.Wade]

The Nets will definatly be a top team in the East if they get SAR and Keyon Dooling. SAR is going to be him self, getting near or maybe even 20 and 10 b/c Kidd will make him look great.

Dooling was solid all year for the Heat, and would give the Nets instant spark off the bench with Antoine Wright.

This could be a huge year for the Nets, this team (if all goes planned) will be much better than their team years before that got to the Finals.

 

[NJNetz]

all the things that the nets are doin are really good. i just really hope they all work out. nothin would wold make me happier than to see the nets win a championship.

 

[playmaker15]

If they get Rahim they win the Atlantic, he can make a huge difference for them, because he is hungry to win, and can score veery well. If they get Dooling, they have an even better chance of getting a top 4 seed.

 

[Ma3oxuct]

If the Nets get Rahim, they'll have an extremly competative team, not only this upcoming season, but at least anther season after it.

I have lots of doubts that SAR will end up with the Nets. The Heat have a few contracts that Portland might be interested in. A sign and trade with Portland getting somthing and SAR getting more money than the Nets can ever put together is what I see occurring. We cannot forget that if players are willing to win, they like thier chances with Shaq on the team.
San Antonio also has a great case to make with thier core of players and the fact that they won a championship. I would not be surprised if Detroit appeared in the picture as well.

The only hope of SAR ending up on the Nets is if Kidd really convinces the guy to take less money for a crack at a championship.

 

[XSV]

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">If the Nets can land both of those players, they'll be pushing for a top 4 seed.</div>

If the Nets can land Rahim and Dooling and then use the rest of the MLEto sign some low level contract players to fill the bench like possibly Cliff if he comes cheap, we will definetly turn into instant contenders - not just a top 4 seed in the East. We probably wouldn't be at the level of Detroit or San Antonio, but we'd be up there with the Heat, Suns and Mavs.

pg- Kidd, Dooling, Vaughn
sg- VC, Dooling, Wright
sf- RJ, Wright
pf- Rahim, Collins, Cliff
c- Krstic, Collins, Cliff

Obviously this roster isn't complete because there are still decisions and resignings to be made regarding the bench. We'll have to get another SF to take scalabrines place and maybe another guard/sf to replace buford if we let him go. I put Cliff in there b/c we will need at least one or 2 pf/c to back up krstic, rahim and collins. Other than that our starting five would be one of the best in the league (if not the best) and would definetly rival that of Phoenix adn Detroit. Our bench wont' be great but it would be decent and certainly a lot better than last year with Dooling, Wright and Collins anchoring it.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I have lots of doubts that SAR will end up with the Nets. The Heat have a few contracts that Portland might be interested in. A sign and trade with Portland getting somthing and SAR getting more money than the Nets can ever put together is what I see occurring. We cannot forget that if players are willing to win, they like thier chances with Shaq on the team.
San Antonio also has a great case to make with thier core of players and the fact that they won a championship. I would not be surprised if Detroit appeared in the picture as well.

The only hope of SAR ending up on the Nets is if Kidd really convinces the guy to take less money for a crack at a championship.</div>

Who do the Heat have to offer Portland? They are going to be well over the cap with O'Neal taking up so much money. Plus they already have a solid PF in Haslem, and neither playerwould be willing to take a backup role. The only way the Heat can sign Rahim is with the MLE and thats what we're offering, but then that would force them to let go Haslem in FA. Possibly they could work a sign in trade for a player like Eddie JOnes but I can't see that being beneficial for either team. I don't see the Heat being all to serious about wanting Rahim b/c they already have a championship contending line-up. They probably just threw their name into the Rahim sweepstakes for interest purposes just in case they lose Haslem.

San Antonio could work a sign and trade as they too only have their MLE, but it would just be stupid for them to reshuffle a championship team and trade away instunmental parts of the team for yet another front court player. They already resigned Horry, and have Mohammed, Rasho, Duncan and Robinson. Starting Rahim at PF would mean moving TD to Center (he's more adapted to the PF position). It would be ridiculous for SA to try and modify their championship team (If it ain't broke don't fix it).

The Detroit idea is the worst, as Rahim's agent says he won't come off the bench or play the SF like he did along side Randolph. Detroit isn't giving up two of the best bigmen in the league (Ben and Sheed) for Rahim.

Rahim already ruled out the Magic as they already have Dwight. The Kings are a possibility but they would have to work a sign and trade, and I don't see Portland being too interested in what they have to offer (Sac isn't giving up Bibby, Peja or Miller, and they have nobody else to offer other than that except Jackson, and Portland is already too full of pgs.)

The only possible options left for Shareef are us, Portland and some crappy team who is under the cap, but he doesn't want to return to Portland and he wants to win.

Then again most of what I just said is hopeful speculation, but overall it does make sense. I think there's a good chance Rahim will take a paycut to play with us and possibly be part of a really great, exciting team.

 

[Ma3oxuct]

^^Hmmm...

Well youve certainly got my hopes up

.

I also hear that the Wizards are interested in Rahim. They seem to be doing good enough financailly and in need of PF to sign SAR. I guess they just might be the highest oppenent this offseason.

 

[XSV]

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I also hear that the Wizards are interested in Rahim. They seem to be doing good enough financailly and in need of PF to sign SAR. I guess they just might be the highest oppenent this offseason.</div>

True, though I don't think the Wizards are realy front-runners for SAR. I believe he is only visiting with us, Sac, and SA, but I guess if the money was right...
I'm pretty sure the wizards are over the cap, and a lot of it depends on what they do with Kwame and Hughes. Like us they only have the MLE, but they do have quite a few trading pawns. If they really want Rahim, and are willing to work a sign and trade that would give him big bucks, then there's nothing we can do... but honestly I don't know why they'd want him b/c there team is so young and already full of young, big men.

 

[Henacy]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting virve119:</div><div class="quote_post">True, though I don't think the Wizards are realy front-runners for SAR. I believe he is only visiting with us, Sac, and SA, but I guess if the money was right...
I'm pretty sure the wizards are over the cap, and a lot of it depends on what they do with Kwame and Hughes. Like us they only have the MLE, but they do have quite a few trading pawns. If they really want Rahim, and are willing to work a sign and trade that would give him big bucks, then there's nothing we can do... but honestly I don't know why they'd want him b/c there team is so young and already full of young, big men.</div>


Actually, I think Rahim is meeting with the Heat early next week. And that is the team that scares me...the south beach wheather and playing alongside Shaq/Wade, sure does seem tempting. The only thing that may save us in that case is the fact, Zo is there and wanting more big man minutes, they just drafted Wayne Simien and they have the Udonas Haslem situation to figure out....so Shareef going there wont really no what role he will have with the team until training camp starts...Iam hoping that uncertainity leads him back into the direction of the garden state..where he knows he is a likely starter with 30+ minutes every night.

 

[Henacy]

Cliff Robinson Re-signs:

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Nets took another step forward in soldifying their frontcourt picture yesterday by reaching a agrrement on a one year-deal with 6-10 veteran forward Cliff Robinson </div>




Nets point guard help search shall continue:

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Nets also would like to acquire Heat guard Keyon Dooling, but would likely need the mid-level exception; its doubtful that Pat Riley would aid a conference opponent with a sign & trade. If forced to use the mid-level on Abdur-Rahim, the Nets will shoot for less expensive frent agents, such as Toronto's Milt Palacio, Chicago's Jannero Pargo and Chris Duhon or Washington's Steve Blake</div>

nypost.com (must sign up)




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Well, I think it is a very solid move bringing back Cliff Robinson, he adds veteran depth at a cheap price. And adds a shooting pressence as well as some solid frontcourt on ball defense. Iam not sure how much Robinson has left in the tank but if he can play a role similar to that of what he did for us late 2nd half then he will be a valueble asset off the bench, especially since it will be coming at alot cheaper price then the 5+ million we would have had to pay him if we didnt decline decline the team option at the start of the offseason.

Now on to point guard search man would I love to acquire Chis Duhon, highly unlikely(probably end up with the Bulls)but I personally love this guys winning character, his basketball insticts exceed his basketball skills and I like cats like that. He is like Jason Kidd in the fact that he isnt a great shooter but he finds ways to help his team win( whether it was at Duke or last year helping the baby Bulls be a legit solid playoff team). He is a leader and someone that I think could develope under Kidd, he already has those leadership qualities need in my opinion.

Stve Blake is another name that interest me because in today's game with the lack of quality shooters around the league you have to look at a decent shooter like a Steve Blake, giving him minutes alongside a Carter and/or Jefferson when Kidd is on the bench, the guy could really flourish with the type of looks he is going to get. I know he played alongside some nice scorers last year with Hughes and Arenas, Jamison etc...but we are more open to ball movement in our style of play. And that could create opportunites for him that was never really available in Washington, which could lead to some success. But Iam not really high on any other aspect of his game other then having the chance to add a decent shooter which we need in the backcourt. He is a dencent defender at times as well but we already have that with Kidd and Vaughn so that isnt as huge of a factor.

 

[NJNetz]

i though resignin Robinson would be a good idea. He adds another body but they need to find a backup point for Kidd which is the only real problem left. then they should be pretty solid on bench

 

[Henacy]

I hope we can find away to add a shooter as well, I know our perimeter is pretty full right now but perimeter shooting has been a major problem for us in the last two playoff series( in 05 vs Miami and 04 vs Pistons). I would like to try & move Zoran Planninc or Ron Mercer to open up the space for a cheap shooter.

 

[giftedvisionz]

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Nets might give in to land Abdur-Rahim
Thursday, July 21, 2005
BY DAVE D'ALESSANDRO
Star-Ledger Staff
The Nets timeline for reaching an agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers is about to enter its final week, and while the two teams are no closer to a deal, there are whispers that one is willing to budge.

The Blazers have to agree to accept the Nets' trade exception in order for them to complete a sign-and-trade deal with Shareef Abdur-Rahim, but if that exception expires -- as it will next Friday -- the free-agent forward won't get his six-year, $38 million contract.

But a Western Conference executive said yesterday it is "widely believed" the Nets will sweeten the pot by offering Portland a lottery-protected first-round draft pick -- partly because they want to make Abdur-Rahim happy, and partly because they need to hold onto the mid-level exception to use on free agents such as Keyon Dooling.

Nets president Rod Thorn would not divulge the substance of his talks with the Blazers, but he is on the record as saying he will not surrender a first-round pick or the rights to second-round choice Mile Ilic.

"We had several discussions the last couple of days," Thorn said. "But we haven't reached an agreement. Are we closer? I don't know if I can even say that. But as long as you're talking, you have a chance."</div>
Source

The article also explains the situation on Dooling and that Crawford is working out for the Nets as we speak.

 

[NJNetz]

Thanks for the article, by da way can merge some of the Rahim threads together cuz theres to many and it hard for me to keep track on wats goin on, thnx