The World According to Najera

[pegs]

You only have to sit down with Eduardo Najera for about 20 minutes - which we did today - to be convinced that this is the right guy, the right role model, the right catalyst and sounding board for this group of kids they've thrown together.

The World According to Najera - Dave D'Allessandro, Star Ledger

Dave interviews Najera, who comments on multiple things, including Brook Lopez, the frontcourt logjam, rules, leadership, workouts, and predictions.

Interesting, when Dave brings up the frontcourt logjam, he brings up how the team is being built based on character, and talks about certain guys who "won't make the team":

"Some of the guys - and free agents right now are kind of dropping their heads, and throwing fits. You can tell those are the type of guys that probably aren't gonna make this team. But for the most part everyone has a great attitude and we'll see how it develops over tarining camp."

So this leads me to think that maybe he's hinting some of those frontcourt guys are getting traded soon..?

Oh, and for all the Carter haters/fans:

"In terms of talking leadership and all that, I always believed it has to come from your best player, and I think Vince does a great job. I'm sure you guys have seen it in the past. So far, I've seen that he's a great leader. He picks guys up, he gives you his opinion, he tries to help you succeed - especially the young guys. That's really the sign of a superstar. Everybody's going to learn from him, and look at him as the leader of the team, and then you've got to rely on your coaches as well."

 

[pegs]

Also, Kerber's (similar) article on Najera:

Forget raindrops on roses and brown paper packages and stuff. Eduardo Najera has a long list of things he likes about the Nets New Jersey Nets

already. Among them:


He likes being a leader for the team that is barely legal to drink in most states. He likes what he sees in Brook Lopez, although the rookie center needs to toughen up (an area of Najera expertise, by the way). He likes the Nets attention to detail, even if it means he has to tuck in his shirt. He likes what Vince Carter Vince Carter

is showing as a leader and an old guy on the team. And he likes that many folks already have placed the 2008-09 Nets on a par with toxic sludge.

A Few of Najera's Favorite Things - Fred Kerber, New York Post

With this hidden somewhere in there:

Najera wore a splint on his left pinkie. Nothing serious at all, he claimed.

But this is the Nets. Figure he'll be ready by March.

D:

Figures. I thought the same thing Kerber wrote when I read the first line.


(Waiting for Al's article next )

 

[Dumpy]

Interesting, when Dave brings up the frontcourt logjam, he brings up how the team is being built based on character, and talks about certain guys who "won't make the team":

he said "free agents are dropping their heads"--I think he is referring to current free agents, that is, non-roster players that are participating in these workouts, maybe someone like Hodge?

re: Carter. I've discussed this before, but one of my pet peeves is that some players believe that being a "leader" means huffing and puffing, shouting and yelling, and generally showing up your teammates. That is not a leader; a leader is one who inspires people to follow their example, not inspires them out of fear. Vince is not a yeller; he's a teacher and an encourager. And I'd still kick his ass in a race.

 

[pegs]

he said "free agents are dropping their heads"--I think he is referring to current free agents, that is, non-roster players that are participating in these workouts, maybe someone like Hodge?

Ah, I see. Hodge and Hamilton, I guess.

 

[kdub]

He also discusses Brook a lot. A lot a lot. Says he's a standout in training camp, very talented, and has a great basketball mind.

 

[SportsTicker]

Ah, I see. Hodge and Hamilton, I guess.

I suspect there are others there. Nets usually carry 20 players in training camp and since this is not training camp, they can invite whoever they want to this "voluntary" workout.

I would be surprised if Hodge did something that dumb...particularly since he and Najera were teammates.

 

[Netted]

I use to think Yi and Boone would be the starting PF and C, but I'm starting to think it will be Najera and Lopez with Yi and Boone backing up. Najera has the dirty work and leadership menatality that will get him in the starting line-up and you need Lopez's scoring and post game to compliment. Boone is more like Najera and will work well mostly alongside Yi. Plus I think the team will take things slowly with Yi due to his extensive work this summer and they'll want to see what they have in Lopez right from the beginning.

 

[soul driver]

after reading these articles, I'm even more excited about Najera, and the rest of the team. can't wait till pre-season.

 

[danxcr]

since they are goin to london for preseason will they still have the open practice?