Re: This is the Nets' chance to return to the Finals....
[quote name='PrimeTime' post='369990' date='Jun 1 2007, 10:17 AM']Ben Gordon cant give a consistent 20 ppg? doesn't the whole stat that says 20 ppg mean he can score points every night since thats exactly what he did. Lets look at January(one of the biggest[/quote]20PPG is an average, but doesn't tell the whole story. For instance last year (05/06) LeBron scored 5 more PPG than Wade, but Wade was much more consistent from game to game and team to team with his scoring. You used Gordon's hottest month, but he also had months were one game he'd score 30, and the next go 4-11. With other good scorers on the team, and the fact that Gordon starts just over half the games, he doesn't have huge pressure on him like superstar scorers do. If he went to LA he'd have WAY more pressure from the defense on him, and his scoring would take a big hit.
Not to mention Vince Carter only scores 2 more ppg and hes 30. I'd much rather have a young kid who wins sixth man of the year his rookie season, then in his 3rd season takes apart the defending champs. The nets beat who again in the playoffs? Oh yeah the raptors...
You beat the Heat largely due to Wade, their best player, was at about 70% and they hadn't played with their full roster the whole season. Not to mention Gordon wasn't even the best player in the series...Deng was (26PPG on 58% shooting).
and before that they've lost how many times in the first round? Ben Gordon has more potential and hes been a winner.
They lost once in the first round, 2 years back to a great Miami team who was rolling. Not to mention RJ was hurt. If you were taking a shot at the Nets franchise, look at what we have done the past 5 years or so compared to the Bulls. Hell, even this year we got as far as you guys did (and that was with our only scoring big man out).VC has been to the semi's I believe 3x in his career, and in playoffs multiple times. Do not tell me he hasn't been successful and isn't a winner. Gordon has been out of the first round ONCE.
Not a not so clutch aging sg.
VC actually scores about 10PPG more on 12% better shooting in the clutch. VC is a clutch player.
If the Lakers got Hinrich/Gordon they would still be a playoff team. Lakers fans want to see them win games, not sell out arenas(by winning you sell out arenas anyway.)
I don't think you watch enough Lakers games to actually see what Kobe does for that team. With the reoccuring injuries the team has, they have needed Kobe to drop 40PPG in a month and it is still barely enough to keep them winning. Defenses will be far tighter on Gordon and Hinrich than they were in Chicago.VC sells out arenas, easier to market, will sell more jersies, etc... If they go the Bulls route they will lose TV deals, jersies sales will be far lower, arenas won't be selling out, etc...
BTW if Vince Carter sells so much tickets why are the nets relocating? :no3:
That decision was made before VC joined the Nets. Since he has arrived he has has the hottest selling jersey for the franchise, more people have come to games, and he is extremely popular.
A chance to win what? A playoff berth? I really doubt it, they would be worse than the current Lakers with VC instead of Kobe. And Lakers were 7th in a tough Western conference that should mightily improve this season. Can't see them winning anything but some lottery balls and being stuck with a overpaid star.
Well, if Lamar can stay healthy, and the additions of VC (who, while not Kobe, still gives you a lot and can carry a team) and Marcus Williams (nice upgrade from Smush) they can contend for a playoff spot. Mightily improve? Doubt it. Spurs and Clips are getting older, Memphis/T-Wolves/etc will likely stay in the crapper, and I personally don't see Portland or Seattle getting marginally better in the first year with Durant/Oden. Only teams I can see being better are the Warriors and the Nuggets.