"They are starting to put to rest talk of rebuilding". --Jonathan Abrams, New York Times, December 7. The Nets are off to their best start since 2002-03, the last time they went to the Finals. They have the tenth best record in the NBA and the fourth best road record. They're not just winning. They are winning going away. In victories over the Clippers, the Suns, the Wolves and the Sixers, their margin of victory was also their biggest lead of the game. Their 29-point margin of victory vs. Minnesota was their biggest in nearly three years. They're 9-3 in the last 12 games. Their early season defensive issues may have begun to fade. In the last two games, as they held the Wolves and Sixers to 84 points each. Individually, their back court is arguably the best in the NBA. Vince Carter and Devin Harris are the highest scoring duo in the NBA. Harris leads the league in road scoring (27.9 ppg) and free throws made (9.2) and looks like a lock for the Most Improved Player award. Brook Lopez and Ryan Anderson both look like steals of the draft. They have four players in the top 25 of three point shooters, most in the NBA. And Lawrence Frank has silenced his doubters. Does all that look like a rebuilding team? Yes, it's VERY early and it could all go south with a catastrophic injury to Carter or Harris. A collision with the rookie wall could slow the development of Lopez and Anderson, and Yi Jianlian is still inconsistent...although getting better. But other than a bad game against Washington, there's been no indication they will regress. So what does it matter if the Nets are "rebuilding" or "contending"? A rebuilding team has a "business plan" based on prioritizing player development, limiting salary, stockpiling draft picks, etc. A contending team is more aggressive on the trading block, hoping to add that final piece, willing to sacrifice young pieces and picks for veterans. There's NO indication the Nets are even thinking about abandoning their "business plan" and making a radical roster move but could a shift toward contending mean more minutes for veterans like Eduardo Najera, when healthy, or Stromile Swift? Would they be willing to make a move for a veteran point guard? Thoughts...
I think there main priority is still developing Lopez and Yi. They seem to be still rebuilding unless they make a major trade they would be etremely happy if they are able to just sneak into the playoffs. The last thing they want to do though is trade first round draft picks though
11-8 translates to 47-35 over 82 games. That's not sneaking into the playoffs. That's a fourth or fifth place seed.
If we can keep up this pace, I don't see a reason not to try and go as far as possible. Even if we get kicked out in the 2nd or 1st round, our young guys will get playoff experience and we'll prove ourselves as a team to reckon with in the future. We'll still get a good 1st rounder anyhow.
I would have no problem if the nets trade swift or Haskell for draft picks or trade exceptions. Keep this core and continue rebuilding so they can establish a dynasty....
THEY thought they were rebuilding and soon realized they could contend. one more move to soldify either a swing or a 4 and we are in the game. some people want a backup pg but i think dooling is great there. very interesting year so far.
I agree with #1_War_Poet_ForLife retooling is the ideal word, any moves will depend on how we are doing mid Jan 09 and also which allstar players are on the trading block. Lopez, Yi and Harris are the only ones that are untouchable
i said a draft pick or trade exception. That would be a team that want to cut their salary cap for next year.
If you look at yourself as contending rather than rebuilding it changes how you view Carter. If you're contending, you don't even consider trading him. If you're rebuilding, you have to.
Why would a team trying to cut salary cap for next year trade for Hassell, who is set to earn $4.35 million in 2009/2010?
You can't use a trade exception combined with another player; they wouldn't be able to dump a bad contract.
In fact I don't dislike Stromile, he is a solid big man, that with some skills, he can dunk, block shot, and some limited post move, decent jumpers. Other than that, Hassell is a good defensive specialist, don't forget he help us big against suns, I think we can play him when he is useful, Don't diss them, that are not great, but useful. Back to the topic, I think we thought we were rebuilding, but right now Devin is great, we have to be retooling and contending.
We are still rebuilding and can't rush into things... We have to keep rebuilding until our young guns begin to solidify themselves in the league. Give them a year or two to establish themselves a little better, and keep our core intact Lopez/Yi/Harris and develop them as well as CDR/Anderson and we'll be fine. No need to rush anything and disrupt the chemestry we have
