<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">MIAMI - It's summer now in New Jersey, a quieter time than what we have across the Hudson with the Knicks, but still a critical offseason for the Nets nonetheless. It's a time when Rod Thorn has to figure out whether to stick with the Big Three or implement the Big Shakeup. It might be hard for Thorn to convince himself that this team has what it takes to make another run at a championship, with Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson. Last night, the Nets took the Miami Heat down to the final 1.4 seconds and had one last good chance to pull it out. But they said goodbye to 2006 when they couldn't complete their last in-bounds pass and never got a final shot off in a 106-105 defeat. "It's everyday contact," said Carter, after getting tangled up with the Heat's Udonis Haslem on the game's final play. "You can't blame anyone. It's history." Now so is their season. Last night was an especially bitter ending. The Heat left the door open, missing nine of 12 foul shots in the final quarter at one point. Carter tried to pull it out, with three straight baskets in the final 1:28. The Nets got the stop they needed in the last four seconds and had the ball. "We've got to be able to get a shot in that situation," Lawrence Frank said. "I let my guys down. That's a poor job on my part." But should it cost him his job? Not from this vantage point. He's still learning the playoff ropes, and the Nets' failings were more a reflection of some bad luck (the Clifford Robinson drug suspension), Carter's erratic play, plus the fact that they still have no answers for Dwyane Wade or Shaquille O'Neal. Even if Shaq looks more and more mortal every playoff series. Did the Nets give Miami fits? Sure, but after winning three of four games against Miami in the regular season, they did not expect to lose four straight to end this series. After his team had qualified for the East finals, Pat Riley noted that the Big Three went for 86 points. "They definitely came to play," he said. "We're fortunate to overcome that. The fact is, the last three games, anybody could have won 'em." The fact is Miami won them all and the Nets are left looking at a second straight playoff run for the Big Three that ended too soon. Their record vs. Miami over the last two playoff seasons is 1-8. But if you're looking for a big shakeup, it won't be easy to trade two-thirds of the trio. Kidd showed his age in these playoffs. Carter's acrobatics don't overshadow the fact that his prolific scoring often doesn't lead to playoff wins. Other teams know that. Jefferson will have to be part of a package for a big man who can get the Nets past the East's elite teams. But he was their best player last night and they'd hate to give him up because he's only 25. Kevin Garnett's name will be mentioned because Thorn has been trying to get him for years. But the Timberwolves have not reached the point where they have decided that they will move Garnett, who turns 30 in a few days. They will listen to serious offers, but it's not as if they're shopping Garnett. The Nets have more to offer the T-Wolves than the Knicks, that's for sure. It seems more realistic that Carter, Kidd and Jefferson will have to continue to make it work. They might think they can improve from within, with Nenad Krstic, a major no-show last night with only one point. But they're still not as good as Detroit or Miami. And because of someone named LeBron James, it won't be a shock if they're not as good as the Cavaliers next season. He is that good, after all. In the Big Three's second go-round in the playoffs, there was some improvement. Last spring, they were swept out by the Heat in the first round. But in this series, they lost all the key fourth quarters, starting in Game 3 last Friday. That will haunt Frank all summer. </div> Source
RJ shouldn't be traded. We won't get equal value cause no one knows how good he is. The best we could get is probably a Carlos Boozer, Kenyon Martin, Nene, Eddy Curry Al Harrington type, all players that don't bring as much as Richard. Obviously he's not going to swing a Kevin Garnett, Pau, or even Chris Webber type player for Richard. Perhaps in the end, the best deal would be for Lamar Odom, and I don't consider him better than RJ. He has the talent to be, but is so inconsistent. And if there is something to be learned from the Cliff Robinson situation, no more drug history players.
I might not sure where, but a few days ago I read that Thorn might offer Minny, Carter and 2 picks for KG. That might be good for the Nets, but the biggest thing they need is a good bench. I don't really remember when they had a solid bench anyway.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting NbaBaller:</div><div class="quote_post">I might not sure where, but a few days ago I read that Thorn might offer Minny, Carter and 2 picks for KG. That might be good for the Nets, but the biggest thing they need is a good bench. I don't really remember when they had a solid bench anyway.</div> i dont like that idea at all, i think they should keep the big 3 and look for a solid PF/C in the draft, free agency, or trade anyone thats not rj, vc, nenad, or j-kidd for one.
The last time we had a solid bench was about the time when we made the first playoff to the finals run, but they didnt perform at that time but they were more consistant. With anthony johnson, Scalibrine, Jefferson, aaron williams and rodney rogers (or was he acquired the next year?). This team does need alittle shake up. They need a big man like they always have, they need consistant players off the bench cliff is good but old, i like vaughn, and thats as deep as i can see it going. I think they should make a push in the free agent market for a PF or center that fits the team. I would rather see collins off the bench but the money that he is making is hard to take as a bench roll player. I think we should make a strong push for Ben Wallace if we keep vince. if we dont keep vince and trade him to say minne for garnett then we need to pick up a sg since wright is not ready for that position, we should try to get a nice low cost guard if not someone like bobby jackson or bonzi wells till wright is ready to take that spot at SG. But if we did happen to keep the big 3 we should go for the be PFC out there and that would be ben wallace. If not a low cost PFC that is an upgrade to collins like Nene or Drew Gooden, or reggie evans. And bolster the bench with veterans at their respective spot and prospects from the draft to take over when kidd and vince are gone. Also Kmart may be an option for the MLE
I wouldn't mind the deal for Odom. He would play well with a PG like Kidd. The PF situation is our biggest need at the moment.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting vcwannabe15:</div><div class="quote_post">Jefferson and a couple of draft picks for KG.</div> Nah I don't think Carter and KG can work. I prefer to keep Jefferson because he is a great player and runs the fast break better. I don't want Carter out, but I prefer him to go before Jefferson.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting NbaBaller:</div><div class="quote_post">Nah I don't think Carter and KG can work. I prefer to keep Jefferson because he is a great player and runs the fast break better. I don't want Carter out, but I prefer him to go before Jefferson.</div> What do you mean KG and VC can't work together? I did'nt know you liked Jefferson more than Carter.
Jefferson is more efficient than Carter when it comes to scoring. He doesn't need many touches or as much dribbling. Carter is the primary offense because well, he commands so much attention, including the best perimeter defender of the other team which allows Jefferson to be efficent. KG, Carter, and Kidd would be a primetime duo, but that's a soon to be an over 30 trio (Carter is 29, I think?) I like Jefferson more. He has the potential to be a great wing scorer now that his jumper is getting more and more solid each day, and his defense is above average. The only thing is I don't know why Minnesota would want Carter. He's getting older and won't make the team better. The draft picks are nothing really cause the draft this year is considerably weaker than the previous two.
I actually like Carter more but that doesn't mean he deserves to stay in NJ more than Jefferson. Like NJNetz said, he scores and <u>defends</u> consistently. Personally I love Carter, but I have doubts he will resign with us next year, so we might as well look for a trade that might benefit us. That's another reason why Carter should go before Jefferson.
I'd keep Carter, as much as I like RJ. Vince can take over games, and create shots for himself when needed, RJ can't. Plus I think we'd get more value for RJ. If we traded RJ for a solid power forward plus key role players, we'd still have a big hole at sf. Too bad we drafted Antoine Wrong instead of Danny Granger who is a great defender/shooter.
KIDD... still is the MAN in jersey What the Nets needs is a 4, trading Kidd would only hurt the team more. Yes he's 33, but Kidd is the type of player who can adopt to any situation. There is no question that Carter can score, but it wont automatically translate to victories, It would be better to keep Kidd and Jefferson, shop Carter around and get a shooter and a big man. Kidd could have scored more if he wanted too, but he's a team player, but I think he has proven that if needed, he can score. At 33 he led the NBA in triple doubles, with bad knee's and all he picks up 8 boards easily, he can rebound with the big men, didn't he just gave out a 17pt 12 asst. 13 reb. performance? And people say he's old? I wouldn't replace him for both Marbury and Francis! Kidd has been overlooked many times, he should already have an MVP trophy, And Nets fans mus not forget that he could have jumped ship and be with Duncan but he wanted to stay at New Jersey. Jason Kidd is simply the MAN IN NEW JERSEY!
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I think we should make a strong push for Ben Wallace if we keep vince.</div> There is absolutely no way that we can get Ben Wallace without a sign and trade, and that's very unlikely too. Detroit want Wallace and Wallace wants Detroit, he doesn't want to leave. Plus, they can offer him tons of money, and we can barely offer him 5 million dollars a year. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The only thing is I don't know why Minnesota would want Carter. He's getting older and won't make the team better. The draft picks are nothing really cause the draft this year is considerably weaker than the previous two.</div> First of all, since the teams can't trade players until after the draft, Minny would get picks for NEXT season, not this season, and you never know what players would improve till then. Second, Carter is the best player that the Wolves can realistically get, and to add to that, he also has an expiring contract that they can let expire or trade if they decide to go to full blown rebuilding mode. The following players are players that the Wolves could get: Francis/Marbury: Realistic. Their contracts are both huge and two years longer than Carter's, though. Plus, Carter is arguably better than both skillwise. Allen Iverson: Somewhat realistic. Though AI wants to stay in Philly, chances are he's getting traded this offseason. But would Philly want him? If they want to rebuild, than getting an aging KG back wouldn't help. If they want to go for another playoff run, why trade Iverson? Chris Webber: Unrealistic. HUGE contract, bad knee and less skill than KG. This would be great for Philly if they can pull it off, but Minny gets nothing back that would really help them. Kenyon Martin: Unrealistic. See Chris Webber above. Paul Pierce: Somewhat realistic. The only star player that can challenge Carter for a trade including KG. He's younger than Carter and has a player option in 07/08 that could give the Wolves cap room if he uses it. Jermaine O'Neal: Unrealistic. One of the only great big men in the league, but Indy don't seem to want to trade him right now. That could change though, so stay tuned. Ben Wallace: Unrealistic. He wants to return to Detroit, but a sign and trade containing him and KG is possible. Minny could do it if Wallace would agree to a short term contract that would expire and give them cap room, but is that really going to happen? And would Detroit agree to the trade, which would leave them with two all stars at PF, Sheed and KG? Not likely. Zach Randolph: Realistic. If the Wolves want to start rebuilding now, Randolph is a young and talented option that could replace KG at PF. Portland want him out, and Randolph wants out of Portland. But do the Wolves want a player who's locked up till 2010/2011 with attidute and off court problems? Basically, the best options for the Wolves are Pierce and Carter, and Carter has an expiring contract that could really help the Wolves if they'll decide to rebuild, so he's probably the better option. It's arguable, but the Wolves best realistic options are all swingmen, and Carter is the best all around package available for them. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I'd keep Carter, as much as I like RJ. Vince can take over games, and create shots for himself when needed, RJ can't. Plus I think we'd get more value for RJ. If we traded RJ for a solid power forward plus key role players, we'd still have a big hole at sf. Too bad we drafted Antoine Wrong instead of Danny Granger who is a great defender/shooter.</div> Yeah, Vince is better than RJ right now, but: -Vince has two more great years in him, and then he'll start declining. RJ is 4,5 years younger, and he's improving rapidly. -RJ is a MUCH better defender than VC. -RJ will eventually be able to replace Vince's scoring and learn to create shots for himself. Plus, the player we'd get back would probably fill in points too. Richard is much more valuable to us than VC, right now. He's the future face of the franchise. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">What the Nets needs is a 4, trading Kidd would only hurt the team more. Yes he's 33, but Kidd is the type of player who can adopt to any situation. There is no question that Carter can score, but it wont automatically translate to victories, It would be better to keep Kidd and Jefferson, shop Carter around and get a shooter and a big man. Kidd could have scored more if he wanted too, but he's a team player, but I think he has proven that if needed, he can score. At 33 he led the NBA in triple doubles, with bad knee's and all he picks up 8 boards easily, he can rebound with the big men, didn't he just gave out a 17pt 12 asst. 13 reb. performance? And people say he's old? I wouldn't replace him for both Marbury and Francis! Kidd has been overlooked many times, he should already have an MVP trophy, And Nets fans mus not forget that he could have jumped ship and be with Duncan but he wanted to stay at New Jersey. Jason Kidd is simply the MAN IN NEW JERSEY!</div> Nobody said anything about trading Kidd....
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting nextlevelgame:</div><div class="quote_post">RJ shouldn't be traded. We won't get equal value cause no one knows how good he is. The best we could get is probably a Carlos Boozer,<u> <font color=""Red"">Kenyon Martin</font></u>, Nene, Eddy Curry Al Harrington type, .</div> That would make me laugh. Kidd would be happy and confused at the same time.
yeah, that's like going back in time and trading RJ for the 3 picks denver gave us, plus a contract extension for K-mart
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">First of all, since the teams can't trade players until after the draft, Minny would get picks for NEXT season, not this season</div> How long have you been watching the NBA? Have you not heard of draft day trades? Big names have been traded on draft day since forever. SAR, Elton Brand come into mind.
What is said about Jefferson is true, in time he is the realistic choice to replace Kidd and not Vince. Jefferson has the ability to get better. The Nets can build around him. I just don't think Carter is leader material, yes he can score (obviously), but he is not a franchise player. If the Nets can get a power forward and keep Vince, that would be great, we can't take away the fact that he is a great scorer who can create his own shots. Let's just hope that Kidd and Jefferson stays healthy, maybe the early exit is a blessing in disguise... Kidd can fully recover from his surgery and be 100% next season. Let's cross our fingers that we can get a 4 (KG?), imagine this.... C - Krstic PF - Garnett SF - Carter G - Jefferson G - Kidd
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting nextlevelgame:</div><div class="quote_post">How long have you been watching the NBA? Have you not heard of draft day trades? Big names have been traded on draft day since forever. SAR, Elton Brand come into mind.</div> I know about that, but I think that you can only trade the guys AFTER they've been drafted, not the picks...correct me if I'm wrong, though. I mean, like the Suns drafted Nate Robinson and THEN traded his draft rights to the Knicks. They didn't just trade their pick to them. but i may be wrong.
