Thorn gets graded on moves

[NJNetz]

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">June 2006 - drafted Marcus Williams, PG, and Josh Boone, PF, in the first round [A] and Hassan Adams, SG, in the second round. [A]
Sometimes, it?s better to be lucky than good. Williams keep falling and falling and unlike other GM?s Thorn and Stefanski were there to catch him. Boone could make this an A+ if he delivers on his potential, particularly on defense. Adams same thing if somewhat less of a risk. </div>

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">June 2006 - Declined team option on Scott Padgett, saving the team $1.2 million?his remaining contract year minus a $450,000 buyout. [C+]
Having the team option in the original contract was a good idea and since Padgett didn?t want to stay and Nachbar seems to provide the same services, no apparent harm.</div>

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">July 2006 - Let Jacque Vaughn sign with the Spurs. [C-]
Vaughn sees Williams pick and realizes he will get less time. Up and down year didn?t help him, but still a steadying influence, a great teammate and if for some reason Williams doesn?t work, it?s a move the Nets might regret.</div>

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">July 2006 - Declined team option on Cliff Robinson, then agreed to sign him to a new deal worth $1.3 million less. To help Robinson save face, the team included a team option for a second year. [B+]
Hold your nose and let bygones be bygones. The new contract saves the team money in a cost conscious era and Cliffy is contrite. Perhaps permitting the team to focus elsewhere in free agency. </div>

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">August 2006 - Signed combo guard Eddie House to one year, $1.4 million contract. [B+]
Considering his shooting ability and small contract, a great pickup at a bargain price. A gunner who can play some point, once he gets hot, it?s bombs away. Nets are looking to run more and House helps that plan a lot. He can disrupt a defense with some well-placed three?s. Defense as questionable as his conscience. </div>

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">August 2006 - Bought out Zoran Planinic for $150,000, permitting him to join Tau Ceramica in Spain and open a roster spot for Mile Ilic.
Giving up on a draft choice is never easy, particularly one so highly thought of. But the Planinic experiment was a failed one. With the drafting of Marcus Williams, Planinic saw the hand-writing on the wall and asked for permission to seek new opportunities overseas. </div>

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">August 2006 - Agreed to buyout and sign Mile Ilic, their 2005 draft choice, to a multi-year contract starting at $800,000. [A-]
It?s all about potential. Ilic?s nickname on his Serbian team was ?Yao Mile? because his height and skillset are reminiscent of a poor man?s Yao Ming. He is tall, athletic, a good shooter and passer with limited post moves. Nets brass have described him as ?lottery caliber? and ?intriguing?. By signing him to a multi year deal, the Nets guarantee that if he learns quickly they will have a bargain down the road. A small risk with potentially big rewards.</div>

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">August 2006 - Invited Jay Williams to training camp, essentially giving him a non-guaranteed contract and a chance to show what he has to the Nets brass as well as other NBA teams. [B+]
If it works out and Williams is good enough to make the team, a great decision. If he doesn?t, no real risk. Another case of low risk, high reward, the signature of this year?s off-season, starting with Marcus Williams and including the draft of Hassan Adams, the signing of Mile Ilic and Eddie House.</div>
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