Nets Season Overview Part I: Grade the Nets

[kobimel]

The Nets had one strange season. 5 surgeries, 2 divorces and way too many trade rumors affected the Nets negatively, and by March, the season looked lost. But, with a strong late push, the Nets were able to reach .500 (41-41) and finish with the 6th seed in the playoffs. They defeated the Raptors (4-2) in the first round, in what may become a big rivalry between the teams should Vince Carter stay on board, en route to a 4-2 loss to Cleveland in the 2nd round. So say what you want about the Nets' season, but they were able to make the 2nd round (after beating the tough Raptors) and win two games against a team that has reached the NBA Finals.

In order to summarize and analyze the 06-07 season and playoffs better than ever in the Nets forums, Legacy, Kidd and I have teamed up to make a season overview and maybe even predict some future action in the Garden State. So here's part one of our overview:

<u>PART I: Grade the Nets</u>

Very simply, follow the title: Grade the Nets. The players, the management, the coach and the team as a whole. We want as many votes as possible, so we will give you guys a week (till' June 11th) to vote (non-Nets fans welcomed to vote as well!!!). Then we'll tally up the votes and announce the results. Feel free to give whatever grade you want to any Net, in the following format:

<u>Excellent</u>: The player/coach/manager had either a great season overall or overachieved and did much more than he was expected to do.

<u>Good</u>: The player/coach/manager had a good season.

<u>Decent</u>: The player/coach/manager did his job, but no more than that.

<u>Poor</u>: The player/coach/manager underachieved or had a poor season.

<u>Terrible</u>: The player/coach/manager had a catastrophic season (not injury wise, of course, but performance-wise).


<u>The Starting Five</u>

PG: Jason Kidd

SG: Vince Carter

SF: Richard Jefferson

PF: Mikki Moore

C: Jason Collins

<u>The Bench</u>

PG: Marcus Williams*

SG: Antoine Wright

SF: Boki Nachbar

PF: Cliff Robinson

C: Josh Boone*

SG: Eddie House

*Rookie
**Nenad Krstic, Bernard Robinson, Hassan Adams and Mile Illic are graded as "incomplete" because they didn't play at least 30 games for the Nets this season.

<u>The Coach</u>

Lawrence Frank

<u>The Management</u>

Rod Thorn and Ed Stefanski

<u>The Team</u>

1) How did the team do in the regular season?

2) How did the team do in the playoffs?

3) How did the Big Three do as a whole?

4) How did the guards/small forwards do?

5) How did the big men do?

6) How did the starting lineup do?

7) How did the bench do?

8) Are you satifsifed with the 06-07 Nets' season as a whole? (YES/NO)


Please don't start any arguments regarding the grade somebody gives a player/s. Save any comments you have for the results thread. This thread is for voting only. Enjoy!!!

P.S.- If you want to back up your grades with reasons as to why you gave that certain grade, feel free to. In fact, it's encouraged to do that as it really adds a lot to this thread. Anyway, it's not a must, but if you have the time and want to do it, we'd all appreciate it.

 

[kobimel]

Here are my grades:

Jason Kidd- Excellent

Kidd had one of the best seasons of his career at age 34. Unbelievable. The guy seems to have no apparent prime, since he's excelled for his whole career. They said he lost a step. They said his shot is too shaky. They said this, they said that. Fact is, Kidd is still one of the two top point guards in the league today, and arguably still the best. His near triple double average and 10 triple doubles in the regular season (by far the best in the league), and of course his stellar playoff performance, in which he averaged a triple double for 12 games, the LONGEST EVER streak of averaging a triple double in the playoffs (only the Big O did it, back in the day, but for just one playoff series), have proven that he is irreplaceable. Despite a divorce and a barrage of trade rumors, Kidd gave it his all, all season long. A true warrior, leader and hall of famer.

Vince Carter- Good

You can't say Carter had a bad season. 25 ppg, 4.8 apg and 6 rpg are great numbers. Without him, the Nets wouldn't have won a lot of games. But still, you can't ignore his dissapointing playoff performance and his constant jumpshooting and refusal to drive to the basket. What can you say? You live with Vince Carter, but you also die with Vince Carter. He too, had off court issues and faced trade rumors, and he too didn't let them affect his game. The big question right now is: will Vince Carter be a Net next season?

Richard Jefferson- Good

RJ was not only a solid 2nd option on offense, he was also one of the Nets' most efficient players. Shooting 45% from the field, RJ could be depended on to get points. Despite playing only 55 games in the regular season, Jefferson influenced the Nets season heavily while playing, with not only good offense, but also good defense. In the playoffs, especially in the 1st round, RJ stepped up even more, averaged around 20 ppg, shot 48% from the field and 92.4% (!!!) from the line. Overall, a great season by RJ, whose future isn't certain either, but will probably remain a Net for the next couple of seasons.

Mikki Moore- Excellent

Obviously, Moore doesn't deserve this trade because of a superb season (like Kidd), but because he performed above and beyond expectations. Nobody expected much from Moore, who was probably the least important "new guy" in the rotation. But when Nenad Krstic went down, Moore was the guy who stepped up, averaged 10ppg, brought energy and passion that New Jersey hadn't seen since Kenyon Martin was traded and finished the season as the league's top shooter (60% from the field!). In the playoffs, Moore was solid and helped the Nets a lot, bringing big men out of the paint with his very impressive 20 foot jump shots and electrifying the crowd with his powerful and athletic dunks. Moore will probably stay a Net, unless he demands too much money, in which case the team will have to let him go.

Jason Collins- Poor

My first impulse was to give Twin a "Terrible" grade, but just because he sets good picks and knows how to box out, he gets one over. 06-07 was Jason's 6th season as a Net, and at age 29, he was expected to finally give a decent season. But yet again, Collins dissapointing, shooting 35% from the field (HORRIBLE for any player, let alone a 7 FOOTER!), grabbing just 4 boards and shooting 48% (

) from the line, which is one of the lowest (if not the lowest....) percentages from the charity stripe in league history. Maybe next season, Coach Frank will get the hint and bench Collins in favor of Mikki Moore.

The Bench

Antoine Wright- Decent

Wright, who was a top shooter in college just 3 years ago, finished his second season in the league full of question marks. Can he find his shot, which has been horrifying so far (43% from the field, 32% from three, 60% on free throws)? Is he a bust, or still too young to be named one? Can he become a fixture in the Nets' rotation? Wright gets props for good defense, even on LeBron in the 2nd round. Plus, he was just a sophmore, so you can't "F" him for a weak season. Wright is a guy who we'll have to just wait and see how much he can improve.

Marcus Williams- Decent

Williams showed flashes of brilliance, looking like Jason Kidd on some nights with amazing passes and good decision making, but on other nights he looked like something out of a horror movie, tossing up idiotic three pointers with the defender in his face and 15 seconds on the clock. He was just a rookie, though, so you can't be too hard on him. With 7 ppg and 3 apg averages in just 16 mpg, Williams looks promising, but like Wright, we'll have to wait and see how he turns out.

Boki Nachbar- Good

I considered giving Boki an "Excellent", but I think "Good" is more fitting. Another player who was expected to warm the bench and became a key player in the rotation (6th man), Nachbar's three point shooting and surprising posterizations made him a fan favorite and an important player for the Nets. He came through in the 4th quarter most times, but on a few occasions wasn't able to hit a game winning shot. No matter, though, because Nachbar had a great season, with 9 ppg, 45% shooting and 42% from beyond the arc in 20 minutes per game. He brought his A game to the 1st round, as well, and averaged nearly 13 ppg against the Raptors. He'll probably remain the team's 6th man next season.

Cliff Robinson- Decent

At age 41, not much was expected of Unlce Cliff, and that's exactly what he did. Coming off the bench for 19 mpg, Cliff averaged 4 ppg, and shot just 44% from the line and 37% from the field. Oh, well, maybe Cliffy isn't what he used to be, but he still gave occasional defense stops and some important threes once in a while. Time to retire? Cliffy already said that he wants to keep going, so expect to see him return next season, but with an even smaller role.

Josh Boone- Decent

Boone, as a rookie, gave a solid season in just 11 mpg. Averaged 4 ppg on impressive 57% shooting from the field to go along with 3 rpg, Boone is just beginning his tenure as a Net and will have a bigger role next season.

Eddie House- Decent

Eddie House was brought to the team as a shooter, and that's exactly what he did, shooting 42% from beyond the arc en route to 8.4 ppg in just 17 mpg. An injury kept him out of the end of the season, but when he was on the court, he was able to bring some good shooting, which helped the Nets out a lot in many situations.

The Coach

Lawrence Frank- Decent

Like most of his players, Frank had an average season, no more and no less. Sometimes, he showed some serious coaching skills, while other times he completely broke down in the clutch and couldn't come up with the right play. Right now, it looks like Frank will be back next season, and hopefully will show the coaching skills that he showed when he was first appointed.

The Management

Rod Thorn and Ed Stefanski- Good

They brought the right players in the offseason, but couldn't bring a big man who could get us over the hump. The whole Shareef Abdur-Rahim fiasco, though, affected that, so you can't blaim them entirely. They drafted very well and brought two good shooters (House and Nachbar) and a decent big man (Moore) to help out and strengthen the bench. But, they couldn't get a deal done during the season to bring another good benchie who would deepen the Nets' bench. Overall, a good job by the management. Let's just hope they can get it done next season, too.

The Team

1) Decent

2)Good

3)Excellent

4)Excellent

5)Decent

6)Good

7)Good

8)Yes. The regular season was dissapointing, but the playoffs are what matter and a 2nd round exit was around what we expected after Krstic went down.

 

[NJNetz]

Jason Kidd- Excellent

Kobimel really summed it up. What more can you say about this guy? Before the season began, we would constantly heard "he lost a step", "he's old", and what does he do, he proves everyone wrong. He still remains a game changer, and it's not like stats are always the case he can set the tempo with his effort. Definitely my MVP.

Vince Carter- Good

He has had excellent games, and many awful ones. At times he tends to disappear in the 4th quarter..... completely . When we need him the most, he shies away from the challenge. We need a guy who brings it, not half-asses during important stretches like the playoffs.

Richard Jefferson- Good
RJ is without doubt a very important piece to the Nets. He had to deal with injuries all season long, but when at full strength he really shines. When Carter is "struggling", we need someone to step up, and usually Jefferson fills in. During the Raptors series, there were a couple of moments where he filled it up, and changed the momentum of the game

Mikki Moore- Excellent

Mikki who? Who exactly is this guy? Before the season he was a no-body, or as some say another bust. When Krstic went down, Moore took the opportunity to show who he is, and I'm glad he did. Who would of thought, he would produce numbers in such a way. Energy guy who I hope to see with the Nets next season

Jason Collins- Poor

Ok seriously, this guy is a true bum. He can't rebound, shoot, run or anything. The only thing stopping me from really flaming him to the fullest extent, is the fact he plays good defense on big men. He really kept Bosh out of a flow during the Raptors series. Other than that, he sucks.
The Bench

Antoine Wright- Poor

Wasn't he a great shooter in college? Where is his shooting touch, because the only thing I see is bricks everytime he pops one. Have to give credit to him on his defense, but how about fixing other parts of your game?

Marcus Williams- Decent

Williams looked like a steal during training camp and the pre-season, but now he's looking really raw. As the season progressed, he has declined, to the point where Coach Frank didn't trust him to backup Kidd. He takes bad shots, plays bad defense, and his decision-making is a bit of a concern.

Don't worry young man, off-season gives you plenty of time to improve your game.

Boki Nachbar- Good

Really fell off during the playoffs, but had a great season. He was a spark off the bench, and really took on the role of House. Had his moments where he was just unstoppable. I mean you cannot forget the multiple big men he dunked on

Cliff Robinson- Poor

I love Cliffy but we really don't need him anymore. His defense has fallen off, and he can't make an open jumpshot if it depended on his life. Other than sucking up mins, he doesn't exactly provide anything.....anymore.

Josh Boone- Decent

Now he has had a couple of great games, but it wasn't because he's such an offensive threat. Pick & Roll really worked great for him because he wasn't picked up by his defender. He didn't look like a threat, simply because he isn't. No post-moves, no jumpshot....what is there to be scared of?

Eddie House- Poor

When Eddie came over here, I expected him to light it up like he did in PHX. Unfortunately injuries really took a toll on him, so he wasn't much of a factor. I still have faith in him, so hopefully he gets re-signed

The Coach

Lawrence Frank- Poor
For the most, Frank looks like a moron in the clutch. He sets up predictable plays such as "Vince iso", which everyone is accustomed to. I have witnessed him create some very effective plays, which is really a surprise.


1) How did the team do in the regular season?
Decent

2) How did the team do in the playoffs?
Poor

3) How did the Big Three do as a whole?
Decent

4) How did the guards/small forwards do?
Good

5) How did the big men do?
Poor

6) How did the starting lineup do?
Decent

7) How did the bench do?
Decent

8) Are you satifsifed with the 06-07 Nets' season as a whole? (YES/NO)
No

 

[Legacy]

Jason Kidd- Excellent

What can you say about the guy that's hasn't been said already? Even at age 34, he continues to quiet the critics and prove that he is still the best point guard in the league today. Without many offensive weapons, Jason Kidd was still third in the league in assists. This was arguably one of his greatest seasons ever.

Vince Carter- Good

Great regular season, poor post-season, which gives him this grade. I love the guy and is by far my favorite player, but he proved that he isn't the superstar he once was in this years playoffs. He played horrible, despite the fact that he had a great regular season. Many question whether or not he will play here next year or not.

Richard Jefferson- Good

RJ has played good this season. He wasn't the primary offensive weapon, but still had many great games when Vince or Jason didn't play good. Jefferson certainly stepped up when the team needed him this year.

Mikki Moore- Excellent

Mikki Moore was the feel good story of the Nets this year. The journeyman has been on several teams, and hasn't had the minutes to prove himself, until this year when Krstic got injured. He really helped the big three out in numerous games and was a MIP candidate.

Jason Collins- Terrible

Worst player on the team, and possibly the worst starter in the NBA. The only thing he is useful for is when we face a team with a dominant big man. He could slow them down, unless he runs out of fatigue.

Antoine Wright- Poor

Not the best offensive player on the team, but is useful on the defensive side.

Marcus Williams- Decent

Defiantly a shoot first point guard. He has made many bad decisions during the playoffs which showed that he is still a rookie. Played average during the regular season backing up Kidd.

Boki Nachbar- Good

Really stepped up when we needed him too. Didn't play the same in the playoffs as he did in the regular season, but still had one hell of a year coming off the bench.

Cliff Robinson- Terrible

Isn't what he used to be.

Josh Boone- Decent

One of our best rebounder's, but horrible jump shooter, and doesn't have too much of a post game. I could see him playing much better next season.

Eddie House- Poor

Despite the injury, he played good in the games where he did play. Unfortunately, there weren't too many of those.

Lawrence Frank- Decent

Average coach. Can't expect anything too special from him. Hasn't proved that he is a big time coach, but could still get the job done, at times.


1) How did the team do in the regular season?
Decent

2) How did the team do in the playoffs?
Decent

3) How did the Big Three do as a whole?
Good

4) How did the guards/small forwards do?
Good

5) How did the big men do?
Poor

6) How did the starting lineup do?
Decent

7) How did the bench do?
Decent

8) Are you satisfied with the 06-07 Nets' season as a whole? (YES/NO)
No. Krstic or not, we should have played much better this year.