Optimistic Jefferson in Control

[Shapecity]

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">NEW YORK -- If he was trying to downplay expectations, Richard Jefferson was doing a lousy job of it.

His 40-minute workout at the Garden last night consisted of running, shooting, more running and shooting, and just enough intensity that a member of the training staff had to walk over and tell him to cool it, please. If you didn't know any better, you'd think the Nets' small forward is trying to fast-track his rehab, even with his left wrist wrapped in a harness.

"I'm not doing anything I hadn't planned on doing before," Jefferson said before the Nets' 93-91 victory over the Knicks. "I'm allowed to run and work out. And I'm doing all right. I've had good strength the last couple of days. I even dribbled a little bit -- just some control stuff."

Officially, Jefferson's wrist won't be given clearance for contact until two months after rehab began (March 15). So if it's up to physical therapist Gary Flink, the notion of playing basketball this year are moot. </div> Source

 

[Henacy]

I would love Richard Jefferson to be on the court especially since their is a spot open in the perimeter rotation with Jacque going down, but I definately hope he isnt rushing things, he is still the future corner stone of the franchise in my opinion, next year will hopefully be a long and fruitfull season for Jersey, no need for him to comeback rushing this year. And end up doing something that can have long term effects well into the off season. Get 100% healthy RJ that is what we really need, not for you to rush back & be some playoff hero this year.

 

[kdub]

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">"Hey, if we're not a game and a half out with three games to go, I'm not going to come back. But if we're a half game out and a few games left, why not try?"</div>

I guess that's gonna be his requirement before he decides to come back. I've always like the fact that he's a hard worker, but he's going leaps and bounds in proving to being a winner and a lover of playing basketball.

 

[Tesh15]

he would definatley come back if they make the playoffs

 

[JWohl]

big if

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tesh15:</div><div class="quote_post">he would definatley come back if they make the playoffs</div>

At this point its still a big IF. A game back on Phildelphia overall but they are tied in the win column BUT two games back in loss column with only 6 games to go. This will be very hard for the Nets to overcome. The Nets have only one game against a current non-playoff team. They have Boston, Indiana, Toronto, Phili, Washington and Boston again. The Sixers on the other hand face 3, with their sched being Cleveland, Wash, Boston, Miami, Indiana, NJ, Milwalkee and Atlanta.

 

[j_a_d_e]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting JWohl:</div><div class="quote_post">At this point its still a big IF. A game back on Phildelphia overall but they are tied in the win column BUT two games back in loss column with only 6 games to go. This will be very hard for the Nets to overcome. The Nets have only one game against a current non-playoff team. They have Boston, Indiana, Toronto, Phili, Washington and Boston again. The Sixers on the other hand face 3, with their sched being Cleveland, Wash, Boston, Miami, Indiana, NJ, Milwalkee and Atlanta.</div>

but the Nets are still in the hunt for the post season... they just have to finish the remaining games 5-1...

 

[JWohl]

not true

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting j_a_d_e:</div><div class="quote_post">but the Nets are still in the hunt for the post season... they just have to finish the remaining games 5-1...</div>
Even if they finish 5-1 it will still be hard for them to reach the playoffs. The sixers would have to finish 4-4 for the Nets to reach playoff becuase they are better in conference. So they have the advantage in the case of a tie

 

[Henacy]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting JWohl:</div><div class="quote_post">Even if they finish 5-1 it will still be hard for them to reach the playoffs. The sixers would have to finish 4-4 for the Nets to reach playoff becuase they are better in conference. So they have the advantage in the case of a tie</div>


You forgot how fast Cleveland is free falling..And as for Philly they are playing well but what if Webber comes back in the next couple of games then they have to try & mix him back into that gruop. And they have been struggling to do so, which means a Webber return could alter their direction.

 

[LakeTown]

Clevelands fall is really opening up the road for the Nets. I believe that Jefferson will be ready for the playoffs. And for a big chance Nets can only allow themselves to lose 1 game out of 6, the perfect scenario would be 6-0, but they have a very tough schedule.

 

[jbbNJNetz]

They can do since i think Philly just passed cleveland for the 7 spot and i dont think cleveland has enough in them keep that 8th spot. Lebron can't do it all himself. But we will see. At this point it would be great if we made it as the 8th seed that would keep Kidd happy, but if we don't thats ok too because then we would get a decent draft pick. Everybody was saying how bad the Nets were going to be because we lost KMart and Kittles. But I didn't like the way the trade went down for KMart but thats ok he really isn't doing much in Denver anyway and he will never make the All Star team again I honestly think Kidd mad him better. Kittles has been injured the majority of the season so that worked out good. I for one was like what are they doing but all in all with all the moves they made we still stayed competitive in weak eastern conference. I think they knew that. At least next season we will have a health Kidd, Carter, Jefferson, Kristic, and Collins. I really hope they try to keep that bench together it is one of the best benches i have seen in a while for the nets in the kidd era. Now we just need a decent power foward that can rebound and block he won't need to score since RJ, Vince and Kristic will be putting up the points. Then we will be straight.


Last note:

Watch out for Nenad Kristic next season I think he did great this season almost the same stats as Okefor. Hopefully he will have a stronger performance next season.

 

[DragonKid]

No, I insist that Nets get playoff ticket. Thre is a saying from Chinese that Time never wait for you. I want to see how Kidd & Carter play their best in playoff. The lottory Pick won't easy to be the first 3. We still have the 11th pick if we are in playoff. Don't worry about it.

 

[kdub]

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Richard Jefferson, rehabbing from surgery on his left wrist, wants to play the final two games, against Washington and Boston. The Nets won't allow it unless the medical staff clears Jefferson, who saw the doctor Monday.</div>

Link

 

[kdub]

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Forward Richard Jefferson guaranteed Sunday that he would be ready to return if the Nets made the playoffs.

"I am 100 percent going to play," said Jefferson, who was averaging a team-high 22.2 points before he was sidelined. "The doctors are talking about clearing me to play in the regular season."</div>

Link

Registration required, or use bugmenot : bugmenot (bypasses newspaper registration)

 

[kdub]

In an interview with RJ (quoting as best as i can from a video interview):

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">"The goal is to get my hand strength to 120%, it was about 90% when I last did the strength test, and it'll probably be 110% on wednesday."

"I believe I'll be cleared to play on wednesday's game versus Boston."</div>

Seeing part of RJ's shirt drenched in sweat: priceless

Most of the players you see in the NBA on IL are in street clothes relaxing away. This guy is working his butt off, and the sweat on his shirt shows that he's trying his best to work out and prep his body for game time condition along with the rest of the team, despite the ability to just slack off till next season if he wanted to. An amazing worker on and off the court!

 

[ChicagoSportsFan]

if the nets can pick up a solid shooter(3point). and an okay inside player. the nets will be able to compete with the best of them! congrats to NJ in their awsome play towards the playoffs! Next year you guys are gonna be dangerous!

 

[Henacy]

RJ would be a nice piece to bring off the bench come playoff time, I think he could give us 15-20 minutes per game off the bench. Right now, Coach Frank sees their is a bit of a hole in our perimeter coming off the bench cause Zoran Planinic who is coming off the bench right now as a Shooting Guard isnt cutting it. Rodney Buford played well against Philly in the 1st half, but I am not sure that Coach Franks has consistent confidence in RB, especially since Buford came back from injury. So having RJ to throw in and fill those minutes at the 2/3 spot could be huge. Iam not for sure how well he can score right now, but he stilll will have that defensive energy. And he of course is a guy that can get to the hoop off the dribble almost at will, so that always can be a threat to break down the defense of opposing teams. And create plays. But I definately dont want him to rush back and risk something long term.

 

[Ma3oxuct]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Henacy:</div><div class="quote_post">I definately dont want him to rush back and risk something long term.</div>

I think that the risk in minimal considering that it is his left, non-shooting hand that got hurt. I am not saying that a torn ligament is a minor injury, but Jefferson's injury was rather minor, and even if he rushes back, any thing that he might damage long term in his left hand will not affect his too much.

 

[Henacy]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting xpehbamxyu:</div><div class="quote_post">I think that the risk in minimal considering that it is his left, non-shooting hand that got hurt. I am not saying that a torn ligament is a minor injury, but Jefferson's injury was rather minor, and even if he rushes back, any thing that he might damage long term in his left hand will not affect his too much.</div>

Your right, but if he is out there on a thin wrist and he takes another nasty fall, you never no...better safe then sorry if he isnt 100%. We have alot of money & years invested in RJ.

 

[Shapecity]

Jefferson Itching to Comeback

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">April 19, 2005 -- Although Richard Jefferson isn't scheduled to visit the doctor until tomorrow, he said it was nearly a "foregone conclusion" that he would be able to return to the court in time for the playoffs, should the Nets qualify.
He most likely, however, won't be able to help them get there.

"I'm seeing the doctor on Wednesday, so it's pretty slim," Jefferson said of his chances of playing against the Celtics tomorrow night at the Fleet Center.

Yesterday, Jefferson participated in the shooting drills of the Nets' short practice, with his surgically repaired left wrist taped up.

"I can do everything but contact," said Jefferson, who expects to wear a brace whenever he comes back.

"I'll probably wear something for protection," he said.

His teammates are eager to get him back on the court ? and not simply because he makes the Nets an improved team.

"I'm tired of hearing him talk about it," Vince Carter said with a laugh. "It will just make us that much better."

Head coach Lawrence Frank understands how Jefferson feels.

"He's itching to play," Frank said. "Any competitor feels that way. But it would be premature for me to make any predictions."

Jefferson talked again yesterday of how frustrated he has been throughout his prolonged absence.

"I've wanted to play all year long," Jefferson said. "It's almost a foregone conclusion I'll be back [for the playoffs], but it's hard just to watch." </div>

Source

Assuming the Nets make the playoffs and Jefferson comes back at 80%, can the Nets pull off the 1st round upset?

 

[Trip]

I doubt the Nets could pull off an upset against the Heat. Had Jefferson been cleared to play a few games before the end of the regular season, I would have given it a thought but I highly doubt that Frank can work Jefferson into the rotation within the first two games of the playoffs. The trio of Kidd/Carter/Jefferson would be electric but the Heat have too much depth for the Nets to handle.

 

[DragonKid]

The ball is round, just see what it will be..
But i trust K.C.J connect....

 

[Henacy]

<font color="Red">Threads Merged</font>


<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trip:</div><div class="quote_post">I doubt the Nets could pull off an upset against the Heat. Had Jefferson been cleared to play a few games before the end of the regular season, I would have given it a thought but I highly doubt that Frank can work Jefferson into the rotation within the first two games of the playoffs. The trio of Kidd/Carter/Jefferson would be electric but the Heat have too much depth for the Nets to handle.</div>

I definately think that Coach frank will find a spot in the rotation for Jefferson ASAP. Coach Frank clearly is not statisfied with the play from the backup 2/3 spot which is currently Zoran Planinic and Rodney Buford. Their minutes in the rotation are so up & down that it would be easy for Coach Frank to insert Richard Jefferson into the rotation over them. I expoect nothing more then Bench minutes from Jefferson in the playoffs, no more then 15-20 minutes of run.

As far as mixing & meshing, I dont know they just havent had the chance to get on the same page even when Jefferson was healthy when Carter first camer to the squad. I think Coach Frank will find away so that Jefferson and Carter are on the floor as little as possible.

If Coach frank can find away to have Carter & Scalibrine on the floor together starting and then allow Jefferson to come in for Carter which leaves him & Scalibrine or him and Buford on the floor together at the 2/3 spot then it can work successfully during the playoffs in my opinion.

Iam not saying we are going to knock off the Heat of course Iam wishing. But I know realistically, we have no one on the frontline that can stop Shaq from getting 30 plus easily without him even having to work. I think we just have to approach it as a situation where we know Shaq going to get his....and we have to take Wade, Damon Jones and some of the inexpereinced playoff guys out of their games. And then I think we can give Miami a run for their money...cause all the real playoff expereince is on New Jersey's side, Kidd, Jefferson, Collins, Robinson, Best, Scalibrine, Buford etc all have legitimate playoff expereince actually all have been to the finals before in their careers. While Miami only Zo, Eddie Jones and Shaq have really legitimate playoff expereince...Wade, Damon Jones etc really dont have that much expereince in these situations, so we will see...