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[IMGl]http://www.logoserver.com/basketball/NJNetsSly.GIF[/IMGl] <font size="3"><font color="Blue">New Jersey Nets </font>
<font color="DarkRed">Offseason Review and 2004-2005 Season Outlook </font> </font>
by Henacy
<font color="Navy">Nets Offseason of Change:</font>
The offseason was one of major change for the New Jersey Nets. The Nets went from a championship contender to a team just looking to find away to stay competitive in one of the league's weakest divisions. Change in the Nets this offseason can be looked a as the change a major business, has once they get a new boss, and the Market becomes more competitive because both of these were major factors in the change of the Nets.
First, the Market became more competitive. The Nets were no longer going to be the beast of the East, so to speak. The Pacers and Pistons clearly become the cream of the crop in the East. As proven by New Jersey's 7 game loss to Detroit in the 04' Eastern Semi-finals. And the addition of Shaq in Miami also made the chances of the ruling the East again slim. So many felt that it maybe time to take a step back and start over.
Nets Get a New Boss, the Nets got a new owner as well this offseason Bruce Ratner, who was the figure head of many of the off season decisions. Ratner clearly had his on agenda, one of cutting costs for a future move to Brooklyn.
These factors led to what can only be seen as the NBA's version of lay-offs, as the Nets sent a All-Star Power Forward and a proven veteran, starting guard way in separate deals, in return for a total of 4 draft picks. Moreover, he shifted their duties to cheaper and somewhat questionable replacements.
So now, the Nets go into the 04-05 season looking to find away to stay competitive and still rebuild around last year?s leading scorer Richard Jefferson. A task that should lead to an interesting but somewhat scary season.
<font color="Navy">Nets Key Offseason Player Losses: </font>
Kenyon Martin: Power Forward was traded to the <font color="MediumTurquoise">Denver Nuggets</font> via sign & trade for 3 future 1st round picks.
Kerry Kittles: Shooting Guard traded to the <font color="Red">LA Clippers</font> for 2nd round draft pick.
Rodney Rogers: Free Agency(declined to use player option);signed by <font color="Cyan">Hornets</font>
Brandon Armstrong: Unrestricted Free Agency; unsigned
<font color="Navy">Nets Key Offseason Player Additions</font>
Ron Mercer: signed via Free Agency
Eric Williams: signed via Free Agency
Jacque Vaughn: signed via Free Agency
Nenad Kristc : 2002 draft pick signed
Other Additions: Rookie Free Agent Kyle Davis and Journeyman Rodney Buford.
<font color="Navy">Nets Projected 04/05 Depth Charts: </font> <font size="1">(my opinion) </font>
Point Guard: *Jason Kidd/Jacque Vaughn/Zoran Planinc
Shooting Guard: Ron Mercer/Lucious Harris/Rodney Buford**
Small Forward:: Richard Jefferson/ Eric Williams
Power Forward: Aaron Williams/Brian Scalabrine/Nenad Kristic
Center: Jason Collins/ Alonzo Mourning/ Kyle Davis**
<font size="1">*probably wont be on the active roster to start season, due to knee injury, Jacque Vaughn moves up in the depth charts to start the year</font>
<font size="1">**Injury Reserve</font>
<font size="1">Side Note: most players will be playing multiple positions on the floor depth chart is just based on where they will receive most of their minutes.</font>
<font color="Navy">Total 04'-05' Nets Salary</font>= 50,803,697
<font size="1">Dikembe Mutombo still on Nets salary due to the buyout before the 03' season. But isnt on Nets Roster, currently the Houston Rockets</font>
<font color="Navy">Question/Needs the Nets must Answer</font>:
What to do at the Power Forward position? With the loss of both All-star Kenyon Martin and backup Rodney Rogers, the Nets find themselves with a major whole in the frontcourt at the 4 spot. While Aaron Williams looks to be the leading candidate for the opening, expect to see 2 or 3 players get a fare share of minutes at the position in a given game. The Nets look to solve the problem with depth in bodies. If the problem gets really desperate, during the course of the year, expect to see physical wingman Eric Williams see minutes at the position off the bench depending on matchups.
Kidd's Knee? The offseason focus quickly shifted gears, from what to do at the 4 spot to what to do about Kidd's knee? And what will happen at the Pg spot until Kidd return's in December? Well those questions are still clearly up in the air. Expect Kidd & the Nets to take the Knee recovery process extremely slow. Moreover, right now it looks like Zoran Planinic and Jacque Vaughn will have to hold down the point guard position until Kidd returns, if the Nets don?t add any PG help.
Nets lack of Perimeter Shooting? Well this is a problem that has plaque the Nets for the last 3 seasons but it got much worst with the trade of Kerry Kittles and loss of Rogers. There is no current answer for the Nets on the Roster or even in the free agent Market to be honest, look for the Nets to run more plays to create open looks for Lucious Harris, as he now becomes the Nets best perimeter option.
<font color="Navy">Players Still On the Market that the Nets May be Interested in Adding; to Help With Some of Those Problems: </font> <font size="1">(based on articles and rumors, I have read)</font>
<font color="Navy">Travis Best</font>
Position: Point Guard
Contract Status: Un-Restricted Free Agent
How Can He Help the Nets: A veteran playmaker, who can provide some needed playmaking & scoring from the point guard position until Jason Kidd returns. More productive then Jacque Vaughn give the same amount of minutes, which means he could be a candidate to start till the return of Kidd.
<font color="Red">Marcus Fizer </font>
Position: Power Forward
Contract Status: Un-Restricted Free Agent(due to being selected by Bobcats in 04'expansion draft)
How Can He Help the Nets: May provide the Nets with some desperately needed scoring along the frontline; could be a temporary solution to the Nets at the starting Power Forward spot or at the very least a major minute backup.
<font color="Purple">Jabari Smith</font>
Position: Center
Contract Status: Un-restricted Free Agent
How Can He Help the Nets: Added big-man depth; played with the Sacramento Kings which means he probably gained a good amount of experience playing alongside that talented frontline.
<font size="2"><font color="Navy">Current Nets 2004-2005 Roster Breakdown</font></font>
<font color="Navy">The Starters</font>
Point Guard:
<font color="Navy">Jason Kidd</font>
Kidd's Player Profile
<font color="Navy">Kidd's 04'-05' Salary</font>: $14,796,000
What to expect from Kidd in 04/05: Expect Kidd to spend much of the 1st half of the NBA season trying to recover from his offseason knee surgery. Kidd may not return to close to a 100%, until after the all-star break. But Kidd's minutes will definitely be limited all season long, that?s why the Nets are trying to add depth at the position. Kidd's floor leadership will still be a major part of the Nets attack. But don?t expect to see him pushing the ball in the open court at the same rate of past seasons, and look for the Nets to move a large part of the half-court playmaking away from Kidd and toward Richard Jefferson.
The aspect of Kidd's game that maybe most affected by the Knee injury is his rebounding from the guard slot. Kidd is always known as the league's best rebounding PG, but expect to see a decline in that as Kidd may not be quick enough to get to every long rebound and lose ball anymore.
<font color="Navy">Jason Kidd's Projected '04-05' Stats:</font> 15.0ppg, 8.0apg & 5.0rpg in 32 minutes per game
Shooting Guard:
<font color="Navy">Ron Mercer</font>
Mercer's Player Profile
<font color="Navy">Mercer's 04'-05' Salary</font>: $1,600,000
What to Expect of Ron Mercer in 04/05: With Mercer expected to be called on to take over the duties left by Kerry Kittles, it seems like the Nets have found the one player with the reputation & style totally opposite of that in Kittles. Mercer has the reputation of being a me first player, with the tendency to get shot happy and show a lack of effort on defense. Things that we never had to worry about when it comes to kittles. Mercer definitely needed to have a change in his attitude & approach to the game of basketball to begin to even try & fill in for the departed Kittles. The Nets are given Mercer a 2nd chance in the league, something no team wanted to do after he was released from the Spurs last offseason.
If Mercer is willing to make the best out of his 2nd chance, then Mercer could be a very productive member of the Nets. Mercer's jumpshot lacks consistency. And RJ & Eric Williams may have to spend a large period of time trying to hide his weak perimeter defense. But Mercer provides the Nets with another scoring option. He can create plays off the dribble, which the Nets dont have much of outside of Kidd & Jefferson. But it still comes down to effort with Mercer. He could start by showing more effort on Defense.
<font color="Navy">Ron Mercer's Projected 04/05 stats</font>: 14.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.0apg in 30 minutes per game
Small Forward:
<font color="Navy">Richard Jefferson</font>
RJ's Player Profile
<font color="Navy">Jefferson's 04-05 Salary</font>: $2,266,794
What to Expect from RJ in 04/05: Last year, was considered to be RJ's breakout season. This year can be viewed as an expansion on that breakout. More of the offense will be ran thru RJ's talents this season, especially with Kidd being somewhat limited. At times it is going to spell trouble for the Nets as having a guy with an inconsistent shot as your go to guy. But its a feeling that the Nets are all to use too. RJ will probably go thru more growing pains this year. He will now feel the pressures of what it is to be a go to player when the team is going thru down periods. And trust me, this version of the Nets will go thru a fare share of down periods. But this season will be benefit the Nets in the long run especially Jefferson.
<font color="Navy">Richard Jefferson's Projected 04-05 Stats</font>: 20.1ppg, 6.0rpg, 4.0apg in 40 minutes per game
Power Forward
Aaron William's Player Profile
<font color="Navy">Aaron Williams' 04-05 Salary</font>: $3,150,000
What to expect from A-Will in 04-05: While Aaron Williams isn?t the raging ball of fire that Kenyon Martin is, think of A-Will as the quiet storm. Ok, maybe not storm, more like a quiet consistent ocean breeze. Aaron Williams wont be making to any "oh my god" plays like Kenyon Martin. But Aaron Williams will be the stability at the Power Forward spots this season. Don?t be fooled by Williams quiet character, he is more than willing to mix it up down low with the league's best big men. The question is can A-train hang& bang with them enough to help the Nets stay competitive?
Williams will provide us with a few buckets around the basket& in the mid-range area, each night. But nothing that?s going to blow us away. Aaron Williams is capable of providing low double - digit scoring, if given the minutes. The Keyword with Williams is Solid.
<font color="Navy">Aaron Williams Project 04-05 Stats:</font> 10.5ppg 7.8rpg 1.2bpg in 29-32 minutes per game
Center:
<font color="Navy">Jason Collins</font>
Collins' Player Profile
<font color="Navy">Collins 04/05 Salary</font>:$1,887,864
What to Expect from Jason Collins in 04/05: This is a big season for Collins, its a contract year. And the Nets haven?t been quick to the draw to give him a contract extension, like with Richard Jefferson. I think the Nets are looking to see a bit more from Collins in 2004. And as a Nets fan I am looking to see a bit more from Collins as well. While Collins will never be Alzono Mourning in the toughness department or any other department for that matter, Collins needs to show more toughness on the backboards. With Martin no longer here to cover up Collins' weakness, its time for him to step up and carry his wait. If Collins fails to show signs of doing just that, the Nets may let him walk at the end of the season, especially with Nenad Kristic in town for the future.
<font color="Navy">Collins' Projected 04/05 Stats: </font> 7.5ppg, 7.0rpg, 2.5apg in 31minutes per game
<font color="Navy">New Jersey's Bench Mob</font> <font size="1">in order of bench importance & minutes they may play </font>
6th Man:
<font color="Navy">Eric Williams</font>
Position: Forward
Eric Williams Player Profile
<font color="Navy">E-Will's 04-05 Salary</font>: 3 year at 12 mill total(avg. out to about 4 mill a year)
What to Expect from Eric Williams in 04/05: Expect E-Will to find away to fill in, at multiple positions this year. And his lockdown perimeter defense will be needed to hide guys like Mercer on certain nights defensively. Eric Williams is also a locker room leader. Eric's leadership will be needed to keep the spirits high until Kidd returns.
<font color="Navy">Eric Williams Projected Stats for 04/05: </font> 9.3ppg. 3.8rpg 1.5apg in 25 minutes per game
Rest of the Core Bench:
<font color="Navy">Lucious Harris</font>
Position: Guard
Lucious Harris' Player Profile
<font color="Navy">Lu's 04/05 Salary</font>: $2,266,794
What to Expect from Harris in 04/05: While the rumor was heavy earlier in the offseason, that Harris' contract would be part of a buyout move to cut more cost, it seems more & more likely that Harris will be apart of the team in 04/05. With the loss of Kittles, Harris becomes the Nets main perimeter shooter, wow scary. But Harris has always been known to be one to step up when someone goes down. And for that reason he will once again be a key part of the Nets. It wouldn?t shock me at all, if Harris is playing major 4th quarter minutes at the start of the season. The Nets may often look to play Harris & Mercer in the backcourt together to provide the Nets with their most productive offensive lineup.
<font color="Navy">Lu's Projected 2004/05 Stats: </font> 8.0ppg,2.5rpg,2.0apg in 21 minutes per game
<font color="Navy">Jacque Vauhgn</font>
Position: Point Guard
Vaughn's Player Profile
<font color="Navy">Vaughn's 04/05 Salary</font>: $932,546
What to Expect from Vaughn in 04-05: Don?t look for Vaughn to knock you out, production wise. He wont bring much in scoring or assist columns, which will cost the Nets to be outplayed most night's with him as the starter. But Vaughn is a smart guard, who learned how to control tempo from the best(John Stockton). Will be viewed more as a team plus once Kidd returns. And he is able to move into a backup role, which he is equip to play.
<font color="Navy">Vaughn's Projected 04/05 Stats:</font>5.5ppg 3.0apg in 20 minutes per game <font size="1">(minutes will drop off as kidd gets healthier)</font>
<font color="Navy">Alonzo Mourning</font>
Position: Center
Zo's Player Profile
<font color="Navy">Zo's 04-05 Salary</font>: $5,408,700
What to Expect from Zo in 04/05: No one in the Nets organization knows what to expect from Zo. Alonzo is coming of major kidney surgery, trying to make a return to the most physical position in the league. His return wont be easy. Zo's first big hump comes by getting thru training camp. If Zo makes it thru, then Alonzo & the Nets will take it from there...look for the Nets to limit Zo's regular season minutes. And don?t expect to see him in many back to back games. A process the Nets will use to get Zo thru the season.
If Zo can stay somewhat healthy, then look for Zo to take on a role of an on-court teacher. With young guys like Nenad Kristic and Jason Collins around, Zo could really help their growth playing alongside him. And he can give them a much needed lesson in toughness 101, a course that both young fellas could use a lesson in during practices. If Zo doesn?t make it thru the season then the Nets' front office ends up kicking themselves in the butt for not standing strong against Zo's return.
<font color="Navy">Mourning's Projected 04/05 Stats</font>: 7.4ppg, 4.5rpg in 18 minutes per game (55 games played, if he stays somewhat healthy)
<font color="Navy">Brian Scalabrine</font>
Position: Forward
Scalabrine's Player Profile
<font color="Navy">Scali's 04/05 Salary</font>: $891,321
What to Expect From Scali in 04-05: First off, the talks & rumors that Scalabrine has a chance at the starting 4 spot is rather crazy imo. Scalabrine doesnt have what it takes offensively. And his lack of size & strength makes him a liability on defense as a starter. But I do expect Scali to have a slightly increased role on the team with the departure of Roger's. Scalabrine now becomes the Nets main frontcourt shooter. He will be used to stretch defenses ,away from the post, with his perimeter shooting in the motion offense.
<font color="Navy">Brian Scalabrine's Projected 04/05 Stats: </font> 5.0ppg, 3.0rpg in 15minutes
<font color="Navy">Zoran Planinc</font>
Position: Guard
Zoran's Player Profile
<font color="Navy">Zoran's 04/05 Salary</font>:$878,100
What to Expect from Zoran Planinic in 04/05: 04/05 wont be a major breakout season for Zoran. It will be a experience lesson for the young Planinic. The jury is still out on whether or not Planinic has the instincts to be a standout at the PG spot. He will be forced into a major backup role at the position ,early in the season, due to the injury to Kidd. One thing that Zoran could bring to the table ,unexpectedly, is the ability to shoot the ball well off of screens. Look for coach Frank to run Zoran ,off the ball, to become a shooter. The Nets didn?t do much of with Zoran last year.
<font color="Navy">Zoran Planinic's Projected 04/05 Stats:</font>4.0ppg, 2.5apg in 13 minutes per game
<font color="Navy">Rounding Out the Rest of the Bench/Injury Reserve: </font>
No Pic
<font color="Navy">Nenad Kristic</font>
Position: Power Forward/Center
<font color="Navy">Nenad's 04/05 Salary</font>: $939,480
What to expect from Nenad in 04/05: Don?t expect Kristic to sweep thru with a Superman cape on. And save the Nets power forward position. In fact, look for more of a Clark Kent season from Kristic. One with him learning a lot more in practice then actual games minutes. Expect Nenad to spend a bulk of the season on IR. But the Nets will find ways to get him on the active roster here & there, especially with Zo's health being shaky.
<font color="Navy">Nenad's Projected 04/05 Stats:</font> 3.0ppg, 2.8rpg in 8-10 minutes a game <font size="1">(probably will end up with about 24-28 games played for the season)</font>
<font color="Navy">Rodney Buford</font>
Position: Guard
<font color="Navy">Buford's 04/05 Salary</font>: $742,046
What to Expect from Buford in 04/05: Buford has never been known for having a extremely high basketball IQ. He mainly gets by on his raw athleticism. Don?t be surprised if you find yourself saying " Rodney what are you doing " even with the departure of Rogers, this offseason. But luckily this Rodney will be spending most of his season on IR. He was mainly signed as a insurance wingman.
No Pic
<font color="Navy">Kyle Davis</font>
Position: Power Forward/Center
<font color="Navy">Davis' 04/05 Salary</font>: 385,277
What to Expect from Kyle in 04/05: Rumored to be a beast on the boards & blocking shots. Also is extremely athletic, talks of him being a Ben Wallace type player in the future. But for this season probably nothing more than an insurance big body on IR
<font color="Navy">Nets Overall Grades going into the 04/05 season:</font>
Offensively: C
The Nets lack of perimeter shooting is going to setback their ability to score consistently.
Defensively: C+ to B-
The lost of K-Mart really takes a lot away from the frontcourt D of the Nets. But Eric Williams, Richard Jefferson & Kidd(if he can return somewhat healthy) makes up a pretty good trio defensively on the perimeter. And Zo who has always taken pride in his on-ball defense is the un known factor along the frontline defensively.
<font color="Navy">Teams Biggest Strength</font> Experience. Experience is the Nets biggest factor this year. While the Nets suffered 3 major losses this offseason, they still have 6 (Kidd, RJ, Lu, A-Will, JC, Scali) members of the team, that experienced both runs to the NBA finals. And you top that off with the addition of a leader in Eric Williams and the return of a leader in Zo, then you have a team that knows how to win games when their backs are against the wall. And everyone doubts them. That experience is what?s going to allow this team to be better then what many believe they will be..
<font size="1">*All projections in stats and player expectations are based 100% on my opinions and views. Please feel free to provide your own player projections and expectations whether they agree with mines or not. This post was created to generate conversation and debate on the upcoming season and the ending of the offseason.</font>
<font color="DarkRed">Offseason Review and 2004-2005 Season Outlook </font> </font>
by Henacy
<font color="Navy">Nets Offseason of Change:</font>
The offseason was one of major change for the New Jersey Nets. The Nets went from a championship contender to a team just looking to find away to stay competitive in one of the league's weakest divisions. Change in the Nets this offseason can be looked a as the change a major business, has once they get a new boss, and the Market becomes more competitive because both of these were major factors in the change of the Nets.
First, the Market became more competitive. The Nets were no longer going to be the beast of the East, so to speak. The Pacers and Pistons clearly become the cream of the crop in the East. As proven by New Jersey's 7 game loss to Detroit in the 04' Eastern Semi-finals. And the addition of Shaq in Miami also made the chances of the ruling the East again slim. So many felt that it maybe time to take a step back and start over.
Nets Get a New Boss, the Nets got a new owner as well this offseason Bruce Ratner, who was the figure head of many of the off season decisions. Ratner clearly had his on agenda, one of cutting costs for a future move to Brooklyn.
These factors led to what can only be seen as the NBA's version of lay-offs, as the Nets sent a All-Star Power Forward and a proven veteran, starting guard way in separate deals, in return for a total of 4 draft picks. Moreover, he shifted their duties to cheaper and somewhat questionable replacements.
So now, the Nets go into the 04-05 season looking to find away to stay competitive and still rebuild around last year?s leading scorer Richard Jefferson. A task that should lead to an interesting but somewhat scary season.
<font color="Navy">Nets Key Offseason Player Losses: </font>
Kenyon Martin: Power Forward was traded to the <font color="MediumTurquoise">Denver Nuggets</font> via sign & trade for 3 future 1st round picks.
Kerry Kittles: Shooting Guard traded to the <font color="Red">LA Clippers</font> for 2nd round draft pick.
Rodney Rogers: Free Agency(declined to use player option);signed by <font color="Cyan">Hornets</font>
Brandon Armstrong: Unrestricted Free Agency; unsigned
<font color="Navy">Nets Key Offseason Player Additions</font>
Ron Mercer: signed via Free Agency
Eric Williams: signed via Free Agency
Jacque Vaughn: signed via Free Agency
Nenad Kristc : 2002 draft pick signed
Other Additions: Rookie Free Agent Kyle Davis and Journeyman Rodney Buford.
<font color="Navy">Nets Projected 04/05 Depth Charts: </font> <font size="1">(my opinion) </font>
Point Guard: *Jason Kidd/Jacque Vaughn/Zoran Planinc
Shooting Guard: Ron Mercer/Lucious Harris/Rodney Buford**
Small Forward:: Richard Jefferson/ Eric Williams
Power Forward: Aaron Williams/Brian Scalabrine/Nenad Kristic
Center: Jason Collins/ Alonzo Mourning/ Kyle Davis**
<font size="1">*probably wont be on the active roster to start season, due to knee injury, Jacque Vaughn moves up in the depth charts to start the year</font>
<font size="1">**Injury Reserve</font>
<font size="1">Side Note: most players will be playing multiple positions on the floor depth chart is just based on where they will receive most of their minutes.</font>
<font color="Navy">Total 04'-05' Nets Salary</font>= 50,803,697
<font size="1">Dikembe Mutombo still on Nets salary due to the buyout before the 03' season. But isnt on Nets Roster, currently the Houston Rockets</font>
<font color="Navy">Question/Needs the Nets must Answer</font>:
What to do at the Power Forward position? With the loss of both All-star Kenyon Martin and backup Rodney Rogers, the Nets find themselves with a major whole in the frontcourt at the 4 spot. While Aaron Williams looks to be the leading candidate for the opening, expect to see 2 or 3 players get a fare share of minutes at the position in a given game. The Nets look to solve the problem with depth in bodies. If the problem gets really desperate, during the course of the year, expect to see physical wingman Eric Williams see minutes at the position off the bench depending on matchups.
Kidd's Knee? The offseason focus quickly shifted gears, from what to do at the 4 spot to what to do about Kidd's knee? And what will happen at the Pg spot until Kidd return's in December? Well those questions are still clearly up in the air. Expect Kidd & the Nets to take the Knee recovery process extremely slow. Moreover, right now it looks like Zoran Planinic and Jacque Vaughn will have to hold down the point guard position until Kidd returns, if the Nets don?t add any PG help.
Nets lack of Perimeter Shooting? Well this is a problem that has plaque the Nets for the last 3 seasons but it got much worst with the trade of Kerry Kittles and loss of Rogers. There is no current answer for the Nets on the Roster or even in the free agent Market to be honest, look for the Nets to run more plays to create open looks for Lucious Harris, as he now becomes the Nets best perimeter option.
<font color="Navy">Players Still On the Market that the Nets May be Interested in Adding; to Help With Some of Those Problems: </font> <font size="1">(based on articles and rumors, I have read)</font>
<font color="Navy">Travis Best</font>
Position: Point Guard
Contract Status: Un-Restricted Free Agent
How Can He Help the Nets: A veteran playmaker, who can provide some needed playmaking & scoring from the point guard position until Jason Kidd returns. More productive then Jacque Vaughn give the same amount of minutes, which means he could be a candidate to start till the return of Kidd.
<font color="Red">Marcus Fizer </font>
Position: Power Forward
Contract Status: Un-Restricted Free Agent(due to being selected by Bobcats in 04'expansion draft)
How Can He Help the Nets: May provide the Nets with some desperately needed scoring along the frontline; could be a temporary solution to the Nets at the starting Power Forward spot or at the very least a major minute backup.
<font color="Purple">Jabari Smith</font>
Position: Center
Contract Status: Un-restricted Free Agent
How Can He Help the Nets: Added big-man depth; played with the Sacramento Kings which means he probably gained a good amount of experience playing alongside that talented frontline.
<font size="2"><font color="Navy">Current Nets 2004-2005 Roster Breakdown</font></font>
<font color="Navy">The Starters</font>
Point Guard:
<font color="Navy">Jason Kidd</font>
Kidd's Player Profile
<font color="Navy">Kidd's 04'-05' Salary</font>: $14,796,000
What to expect from Kidd in 04/05: Expect Kidd to spend much of the 1st half of the NBA season trying to recover from his offseason knee surgery. Kidd may not return to close to a 100%, until after the all-star break. But Kidd's minutes will definitely be limited all season long, that?s why the Nets are trying to add depth at the position. Kidd's floor leadership will still be a major part of the Nets attack. But don?t expect to see him pushing the ball in the open court at the same rate of past seasons, and look for the Nets to move a large part of the half-court playmaking away from Kidd and toward Richard Jefferson.
The aspect of Kidd's game that maybe most affected by the Knee injury is his rebounding from the guard slot. Kidd is always known as the league's best rebounding PG, but expect to see a decline in that as Kidd may not be quick enough to get to every long rebound and lose ball anymore.
<font color="Navy">Jason Kidd's Projected '04-05' Stats:</font> 15.0ppg, 8.0apg & 5.0rpg in 32 minutes per game
Shooting Guard:
<font color="Navy">Ron Mercer</font>
Mercer's Player Profile
<font color="Navy">Mercer's 04'-05' Salary</font>: $1,600,000
What to Expect of Ron Mercer in 04/05: With Mercer expected to be called on to take over the duties left by Kerry Kittles, it seems like the Nets have found the one player with the reputation & style totally opposite of that in Kittles. Mercer has the reputation of being a me first player, with the tendency to get shot happy and show a lack of effort on defense. Things that we never had to worry about when it comes to kittles. Mercer definitely needed to have a change in his attitude & approach to the game of basketball to begin to even try & fill in for the departed Kittles. The Nets are given Mercer a 2nd chance in the league, something no team wanted to do after he was released from the Spurs last offseason.
If Mercer is willing to make the best out of his 2nd chance, then Mercer could be a very productive member of the Nets. Mercer's jumpshot lacks consistency. And RJ & Eric Williams may have to spend a large period of time trying to hide his weak perimeter defense. But Mercer provides the Nets with another scoring option. He can create plays off the dribble, which the Nets dont have much of outside of Kidd & Jefferson. But it still comes down to effort with Mercer. He could start by showing more effort on Defense.
<font color="Navy">Ron Mercer's Projected 04/05 stats</font>: 14.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.0apg in 30 minutes per game
Small Forward:
<font color="Navy">Richard Jefferson</font>
RJ's Player Profile
<font color="Navy">Jefferson's 04-05 Salary</font>: $2,266,794
What to Expect from RJ in 04/05: Last year, was considered to be RJ's breakout season. This year can be viewed as an expansion on that breakout. More of the offense will be ran thru RJ's talents this season, especially with Kidd being somewhat limited. At times it is going to spell trouble for the Nets as having a guy with an inconsistent shot as your go to guy. But its a feeling that the Nets are all to use too. RJ will probably go thru more growing pains this year. He will now feel the pressures of what it is to be a go to player when the team is going thru down periods. And trust me, this version of the Nets will go thru a fare share of down periods. But this season will be benefit the Nets in the long run especially Jefferson.
<font color="Navy">Richard Jefferson's Projected 04-05 Stats</font>: 20.1ppg, 6.0rpg, 4.0apg in 40 minutes per game
Power Forward
Aaron William's Player Profile
<font color="Navy">Aaron Williams' 04-05 Salary</font>: $3,150,000
What to expect from A-Will in 04-05: While Aaron Williams isn?t the raging ball of fire that Kenyon Martin is, think of A-Will as the quiet storm. Ok, maybe not storm, more like a quiet consistent ocean breeze. Aaron Williams wont be making to any "oh my god" plays like Kenyon Martin. But Aaron Williams will be the stability at the Power Forward spots this season. Don?t be fooled by Williams quiet character, he is more than willing to mix it up down low with the league's best big men. The question is can A-train hang& bang with them enough to help the Nets stay competitive?
Williams will provide us with a few buckets around the basket& in the mid-range area, each night. But nothing that?s going to blow us away. Aaron Williams is capable of providing low double - digit scoring, if given the minutes. The Keyword with Williams is Solid.
<font color="Navy">Aaron Williams Project 04-05 Stats:</font> 10.5ppg 7.8rpg 1.2bpg in 29-32 minutes per game
Center:
<font color="Navy">Jason Collins</font>
Collins' Player Profile
<font color="Navy">Collins 04/05 Salary</font>:$1,887,864
What to Expect from Jason Collins in 04/05: This is a big season for Collins, its a contract year. And the Nets haven?t been quick to the draw to give him a contract extension, like with Richard Jefferson. I think the Nets are looking to see a bit more from Collins in 2004. And as a Nets fan I am looking to see a bit more from Collins as well. While Collins will never be Alzono Mourning in the toughness department or any other department for that matter, Collins needs to show more toughness on the backboards. With Martin no longer here to cover up Collins' weakness, its time for him to step up and carry his wait. If Collins fails to show signs of doing just that, the Nets may let him walk at the end of the season, especially with Nenad Kristic in town for the future.
<font color="Navy">Collins' Projected 04/05 Stats: </font> 7.5ppg, 7.0rpg, 2.5apg in 31minutes per game
<font color="Navy">New Jersey's Bench Mob</font> <font size="1">in order of bench importance & minutes they may play </font>
6th Man:
<font color="Navy">Eric Williams</font>
Position: Forward
Eric Williams Player Profile
<font color="Navy">E-Will's 04-05 Salary</font>: 3 year at 12 mill total(avg. out to about 4 mill a year)
What to Expect from Eric Williams in 04/05: Expect E-Will to find away to fill in, at multiple positions this year. And his lockdown perimeter defense will be needed to hide guys like Mercer on certain nights defensively. Eric Williams is also a locker room leader. Eric's leadership will be needed to keep the spirits high until Kidd returns.
<font color="Navy">Eric Williams Projected Stats for 04/05: </font> 9.3ppg. 3.8rpg 1.5apg in 25 minutes per game
Rest of the Core Bench:
<font color="Navy">Lucious Harris</font>
Position: Guard
Lucious Harris' Player Profile
<font color="Navy">Lu's 04/05 Salary</font>: $2,266,794
What to Expect from Harris in 04/05: While the rumor was heavy earlier in the offseason, that Harris' contract would be part of a buyout move to cut more cost, it seems more & more likely that Harris will be apart of the team in 04/05. With the loss of Kittles, Harris becomes the Nets main perimeter shooter, wow scary. But Harris has always been known to be one to step up when someone goes down. And for that reason he will once again be a key part of the Nets. It wouldn?t shock me at all, if Harris is playing major 4th quarter minutes at the start of the season. The Nets may often look to play Harris & Mercer in the backcourt together to provide the Nets with their most productive offensive lineup.
<font color="Navy">Lu's Projected 2004/05 Stats: </font> 8.0ppg,2.5rpg,2.0apg in 21 minutes per game
<font color="Navy">Jacque Vauhgn</font>
Position: Point Guard
Vaughn's Player Profile
<font color="Navy">Vaughn's 04/05 Salary</font>: $932,546
What to Expect from Vaughn in 04-05: Don?t look for Vaughn to knock you out, production wise. He wont bring much in scoring or assist columns, which will cost the Nets to be outplayed most night's with him as the starter. But Vaughn is a smart guard, who learned how to control tempo from the best(John Stockton). Will be viewed more as a team plus once Kidd returns. And he is able to move into a backup role, which he is equip to play.
<font color="Navy">Vaughn's Projected 04/05 Stats:</font>5.5ppg 3.0apg in 20 minutes per game <font size="1">(minutes will drop off as kidd gets healthier)</font>
<font color="Navy">Alonzo Mourning</font>
Position: Center
Zo's Player Profile
<font color="Navy">Zo's 04-05 Salary</font>: $5,408,700
What to Expect from Zo in 04/05: No one in the Nets organization knows what to expect from Zo. Alonzo is coming of major kidney surgery, trying to make a return to the most physical position in the league. His return wont be easy. Zo's first big hump comes by getting thru training camp. If Zo makes it thru, then Alonzo & the Nets will take it from there...look for the Nets to limit Zo's regular season minutes. And don?t expect to see him in many back to back games. A process the Nets will use to get Zo thru the season.
If Zo can stay somewhat healthy, then look for Zo to take on a role of an on-court teacher. With young guys like Nenad Kristic and Jason Collins around, Zo could really help their growth playing alongside him. And he can give them a much needed lesson in toughness 101, a course that both young fellas could use a lesson in during practices. If Zo doesn?t make it thru the season then the Nets' front office ends up kicking themselves in the butt for not standing strong against Zo's return.
<font color="Navy">Mourning's Projected 04/05 Stats</font>: 7.4ppg, 4.5rpg in 18 minutes per game (55 games played, if he stays somewhat healthy)
<font color="Navy">Brian Scalabrine</font>
Position: Forward
Scalabrine's Player Profile
<font color="Navy">Scali's 04/05 Salary</font>: $891,321
What to Expect From Scali in 04-05: First off, the talks & rumors that Scalabrine has a chance at the starting 4 spot is rather crazy imo. Scalabrine doesnt have what it takes offensively. And his lack of size & strength makes him a liability on defense as a starter. But I do expect Scali to have a slightly increased role on the team with the departure of Roger's. Scalabrine now becomes the Nets main frontcourt shooter. He will be used to stretch defenses ,away from the post, with his perimeter shooting in the motion offense.
<font color="Navy">Brian Scalabrine's Projected 04/05 Stats: </font> 5.0ppg, 3.0rpg in 15minutes
<font color="Navy">Zoran Planinc</font>
Position: Guard
Zoran's Player Profile
<font color="Navy">Zoran's 04/05 Salary</font>:$878,100
What to Expect from Zoran Planinic in 04/05: 04/05 wont be a major breakout season for Zoran. It will be a experience lesson for the young Planinic. The jury is still out on whether or not Planinic has the instincts to be a standout at the PG spot. He will be forced into a major backup role at the position ,early in the season, due to the injury to Kidd. One thing that Zoran could bring to the table ,unexpectedly, is the ability to shoot the ball well off of screens. Look for coach Frank to run Zoran ,off the ball, to become a shooter. The Nets didn?t do much of with Zoran last year.
<font color="Navy">Zoran Planinic's Projected 04/05 Stats:</font>4.0ppg, 2.5apg in 13 minutes per game
<font color="Navy">Rounding Out the Rest of the Bench/Injury Reserve: </font>
<font color="Navy">Nenad Kristic</font>
Position: Power Forward/Center
<font color="Navy">Nenad's 04/05 Salary</font>: $939,480
What to expect from Nenad in 04/05: Don?t expect Kristic to sweep thru with a Superman cape on. And save the Nets power forward position. In fact, look for more of a Clark Kent season from Kristic. One with him learning a lot more in practice then actual games minutes. Expect Nenad to spend a bulk of the season on IR. But the Nets will find ways to get him on the active roster here & there, especially with Zo's health being shaky.
<font color="Navy">Nenad's Projected 04/05 Stats:</font> 3.0ppg, 2.8rpg in 8-10 minutes a game <font size="1">(probably will end up with about 24-28 games played for the season)</font>
<font color="Navy">Rodney Buford</font>
Position: Guard
<font color="Navy">Buford's 04/05 Salary</font>: $742,046
What to Expect from Buford in 04/05: Buford has never been known for having a extremely high basketball IQ. He mainly gets by on his raw athleticism. Don?t be surprised if you find yourself saying " Rodney what are you doing " even with the departure of Rogers, this offseason. But luckily this Rodney will be spending most of his season on IR. He was mainly signed as a insurance wingman.
<font color="Navy">Kyle Davis</font>
Position: Power Forward/Center
<font color="Navy">Davis' 04/05 Salary</font>: 385,277
What to Expect from Kyle in 04/05: Rumored to be a beast on the boards & blocking shots. Also is extremely athletic, talks of him being a Ben Wallace type player in the future. But for this season probably nothing more than an insurance big body on IR
<font color="Navy">Nets Overall Grades going into the 04/05 season:</font>
Offensively: C
The Nets lack of perimeter shooting is going to setback their ability to score consistently.
Defensively: C+ to B-
The lost of K-Mart really takes a lot away from the frontcourt D of the Nets. But Eric Williams, Richard Jefferson & Kidd(if he can return somewhat healthy) makes up a pretty good trio defensively on the perimeter. And Zo who has always taken pride in his on-ball defense is the un known factor along the frontline defensively.
<font color="Navy">Teams Biggest Strength</font> Experience. Experience is the Nets biggest factor this year. While the Nets suffered 3 major losses this offseason, they still have 6 (Kidd, RJ, Lu, A-Will, JC, Scali) members of the team, that experienced both runs to the NBA finals. And you top that off with the addition of a leader in Eric Williams and the return of a leader in Zo, then you have a team that knows how to win games when their backs are against the wall. And everyone doubts them. That experience is what?s going to allow this team to be better then what many believe they will be..
<font size="1">*All projections in stats and player expectations are based 100% on my opinions and views. Please feel free to provide your own player projections and expectations whether they agree with mines or not. This post was created to generate conversation and debate on the upcoming season and the ending of the offseason.</font>
