Jason Kidd defied aging and had a much stronger year than the previous 2 years. He had a career high in rebounds at 8.2 per game and hovered around 9 assists per game the whole season. Vince Carter had a strong year with over 25 points per game but failed to take over games like the Nets needed him to. When Nenad Krstic went down, Mikki Moore was able to step in and be a capable fill-in with the help of Jason Kidd. Bostjan Nachbar proved to be a capable scorer off the bench and filled in nicely when Richard Jefferson got hurt. They caught a young Raptors team and veteranized their way to a win in the first round of the playoffs.
What Went Wrong?
Injuries ravaged this team. Krstic missed 56 games. Richard Jefferson missed 27 games with a wrist injury. Josh Boone had his NBA debut delayed by a shoulder injury and then was never able to catch up with the rest of the league as he played his way back to game shape. The Nets gave up more points than it scored all year. The Nets never had a stretch of games where everything clicked. They won 4 games in a row twice but lost at least 3 games in a row 7 different times. When they reached the second round of the playoffs, they ran into a determined Cavs team that would later make their way to the NBA Finals.
Off-Season Overview
The Nets received a huge upgrade in the post by picking up Magloire and Sean Williams while letting Mikki Moore leave. The signings of Gill and Jones give them more shooters off of the bench after the departure of Eddie House.
Players Added- Point Guard Robert Hite (Free Agent, Miami), Center Sean Williams (Draft), Center Jamaal Magloire (Free Agent, Portland), Power Forward Malik Allen (Free Agent, Chicago)
Players Lost- Guard Hassan Adams (Waived), Guard Eddie House (Free Agent, Boston), Center Mikki Moore (Free Agent, Sacramento)
Phil Barnett's Impact Players-
This is a team that can finish in the top three in the conference, or not make the playoffs at all this season. Health is what’s going to determine the Nets season.
Breakout Player: This could be a good year for Jamaal Magloire. Sure, his point totals have dropped every year since his all-star season in 2004, but he is finally playing on a team with substance again. That 2004 season he was surrounded by Baron Davis and Jamal Mashburn, this season it’s Jason Kidd, Richard Jefferson and Vince Carter.
Disappointing Player: Jason Collins will be the most disappointing player in New Jersey. We all know he isn’t an offensive threat, but his last ten games he averaged one point. The Nets will be playing 4 on 5 when they have the ball and he is on the court.
FantasyInsideronline.com Fantasy Sleeper
Nenad Krstic, Center- The 3rd year center was averaging almost 17 points and 7 rebounds per game while shooting well over 50% before his knee injury. Don't be worried about the additions of Jamaal Magloire and rookie, Sean Williams. Magloire can't do the things that the Nets need Krstic to do on offense and Williams has a very limited offensive repertoire. Expect Krstic to have another good season with around 18 points and 7 rebounds per game. His plus 70% free throw shooting makes him an asset for centers.
Best-Case Scenario
Jason Kidd, Richard Jefferson, and Vince Carter are able to stay healthy and help bring along the young players. Kidd keeps his production high by nearly averaging a triple double and Vince Carter becomes the dominant scorer that fans have always wanted him to be. They lead the Nets to the division title and play at a high level to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Worst Case Scenario
Jason Kidd's knee from previous micro-fracture surgery can't stay healthy as the Nets flounder without a ready point guard. Nenad Krstic's knee also isn't 100% and the Nets have to rely on the unreliable Jamaal Magloire. The Nets slip out of the playoff hunt but don't fall far enough for a prime draft pick in the lottery.
Talkhoops.net Prediction- 3rd in Division, 7th in East
The Nets will battle some injury problems this year but not anything debilitating. They'll probably play fairly inconsistently as they battle for one of the last spots in the East. I don't see much improvement in the record and the Nets will probably finish between 40 and 42 wins. Jason Kidd will have a great offensive year but his defense will continue to decline. Vince Carter and Richard Jeffeson will be good, but nothing spectacular. Coach Lawrence Frank needs some good things to happen for the Nets to advance deep into the playoffs.