I was a Bulls fan in the late 80's and in to the 90's. I watched Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen win 6 NBA Championships. Outside the Bulls and Jordan, I can say that there was only two other players I watched. Penny Hardaway and Jason Kidd. When Jordan finally hung up his sneakers, I ended up without a team to follow. Pippen didn't really flourish in Portland and Houston. Penny was not even a shadow of his former self. When Kidd was traded to New Jersey, I knew that I had a team again. The Nets. The Nets went from the cellar to the NBA's next big thing. For 2 straight seasons, New Jersey was the beast of the east. Three seasons later, less Martin, Kittles, Vanhorn and head coach Byron Scott, the Nets has slowly slid from the spotlight. Injuries to Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson only showed darker days ahead. But like they say, for every door closed, another one opens. And indeed it did. And from Canada at that. Vince Carter was traded to New Jersey. Carter was a shot in the arm for the Nets. Whatever has been said about Carter (including myself), he is undeniably a great athlete. After 2 seasons of heartbreak from Miami, New Jersey's time is here. With Kidd and Jefferson healthy, plus a legitimate bench (Marcus Williams), the Nets are poised to have a stellar season. To be honest though, I was dissapointed with the loss to Miami. Especially after Chicago ran through them by 42 points. The Sixers victory over Miami only made it worse. Maybe I expect too much from the Nets. But I do believe they can go far this season. To me, it is a make or break season for the Nets. I feel that if there is a good chance for the Nets, its staring the Nets right in the face. The time is now.
The Nets can make it to the finals, and I have no doubt about it. The only thing stopping them is themselves. I think they have all the right pieces and are able to match up against Chicago, Miami and even with the teams in the West. Each Net player just needs to step up on a more higher level and keep it going throughout the season and the playoffs. A championship isn't just going to be handed to them but in fact they will have to work really hard for it. But when it comes whether the Nets can be a good team, we have seen them bring it and go on a run when needed. I'm at that point where if the Nets don't make it to the finals, I will find the season a huge waste.
It feels like we're stuck in between being title contenders and another 2nd round exit. Sure, we have the talent to contend for the title this season, but can we do it? Talent isn't everything, but it's a huge part of the team. If any combination of the Big 3 or even one of them has a bad game, we struggle. Obviously, Carter, Kidd and RJ aren't going to play 82 games each. So, when they don't play, somebody is going to have to step up. Whether it'll be Krstic, Williams or even Eddie House or Antoine Wright, we can't depend on the Big 3 carrying us to glory. The role players and Krstic need to play well and lead the team to wins when RJ, VC or J-Kidd are injured/in foul trouble. If they can do that, I think we have a real chance to contend for the title.
<div class="quote_poster">AMS_ice Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I was a Bulls fan in the late 80's and in to the 90's. I watched Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen win 6 NBA Championships. Outside the Bulls and Jordan, I can say that there was only two other players I watched. Penny Hardaway and Jason Kidd. When Jordan finally hung up his sneakers, I ended up without a team to follow. Pippen didn't really flourish in Portland and Houston. Penny was not even a shadow of his former self. When Kidd was traded to New Jersey, I knew that I had a team again. The Nets. The Nets went from the cellar to the NBA's next big thing. For 2 straight seasons, New Jersey was the beast of the east. Three seasons later, less Martin, Kittles, Vanhorn and head coach Byron Scott, the Nets has slowly slid from the spotlight. Injuries to Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson only showed darker days ahead. But like they say, for every door closed, another one opens. And indeed it did. And from Canada at that. Vince Carter was traded to New Jersey. Carter was a shot in the arm for the Nets. Whatever has been said about Carter (including myself), he is undeniably a great athlete. After 2 seasons of heartbreak from Miami, New Jersey's time is here. With Kidd and Jefferson healthy, plus a legitimate bench (Marcus Williams), the Nets are poised to have a stellar season. To be honest though, I was dissapointed with the loss to Miami. Especially after Chicago ran through them by 42 points. The Sixers victory over Miami only made it worse. Maybe I expect too much from the Nets. But I do believe they can go far this season. To me, it is a make or break season for the Nets. I feel that if there is a good chance for the Nets, its staring the Nets right in the face. The time is now.</div> Hold on don't get too mad about the loss to Miami. They are the DEFENDING CHAMPS, and had just come off an embarassing first loss at their ring ceremony-of course they're going to be hungry. When the sixers played them, it was a combination of Korver and AI being ridiculously hot, Shaq not playing and Zo getting into early foul trouble. Don't look into it too much, we''ll see how they do against the recently hot Jazz and then judge them.
I agree that the time is now. Kidd is getting older but he can still play, but we don't know for how long he will keep at the pace that he is currently at. Vince Carter's contract year. Alot of rumors going around that he will opt out of his contract, but don't believe it. Just rumors to distract the Nets. Richard Jefferson is another player who is hungry for a title. He is the best player to not be in an all-star game. RJ will be one of the X-factors for us this year. Nenad Krstic is proving that he can be the third scorer. He is young and has potential. I just wish his rebounding was better. Marcus Williams probably the biggest steal of the 2006 draft. He is showing that he has ALOT of potential and that he can be the next Jason Kidd once his defense improves. With all of these key factors I am sure that if every player gives it their all, we can be top contenders for the NBA championship.
It's not really being mad, more on disappointment. But hopefully the loss was just a bump in the road. I'm still optimistic that the Nets are capable of making it back to the NBA Finals. We have a great team. We have the Hall of Fame bound Kidd, a rising Jefferson and of course Vince Carter, probably the best athlete around. Krstic is slowly becoming the big man the Nets need. And despite early jitters, Marcus Williams will be a big factor in the Nets' success. The Nets' reserves has been questionable the past few years, but this season, we have a capable bench. All in all, the Nets has the tools to win. Let's all keep our fingers crossed.
Let's face it. The Nets live and die with Carter. If Carter isn't feeling it, they will lose, and that's for sure. They won't get to the finals because they won't get past Detroit or Miami, and that's for sure. The Nets are only as good as Carter will be. Kidd and Jefferson won't do it.
<div class="quote_poster">hollagr8 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Let's face it. The Nets live and die with Carter. If Carter isn't feeling it, they will lose, and that's for sure. They won't get to the finals because they won't get past Detroit or Miami, and that's for sure. The Nets are only as good as Carter will be. Kidd and Jefferson won't do it.</div> What have you been smoking? Kidd is a significant factor as is RJ and Nenad Krstic. Carter may be the best player along with Kidd but what you just said is .
<div class="quote_poster">Carter Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">What have you been smoking? Kidd is a significant factor as is RJ and Nenad Krstic. Carter may be the best player along with Kidd but what you just said is .</div> Don't even compare Kidd to Carter. If Carter leaves, Kidd has no one to pass to. Carter is the best player WITH or WITHOUT Kidd. Okay, let's take Carter out of the equation. If you really believe they'll get anywhere without him, then you are People watch the Nets in the hopes they'll make the finals because of Carter, not the rest of your pathetic Nets team.
<div class="quote_poster">Carter Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">What have you been smoking? Kidd is a significant factor as is RJ and Nenad Krstic. Carter may be the best player along with Kidd but what you just said is .</div> Stop watching those idiotic addidas commercials about IT TAKING 5. For the Nets the hope lies with one. Thy name is Carter.
<div class="quote_poster">hollagr8 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Don't even compare Kidd to Carter. If Carter leaves, Kidd has no one to pass to. Carter is the best player WITH or WITHOUT Kidd. Okay, let's take Carter out of the equation. If you really believe they'll get anywhere without him, then you are People watch the Nets in the hopes they'll make the finals because of Carter, not the rest of the pathetic Nets team.</div> I agree without Carter the Nets are not a top team, but they are a playoff team. Kidd is a great player and can play excellent defense. He can find the open man and get them in the right position to score. He helped Carter and made him better. Carter was good but with Kidd he took another step higher so don't say stupid stuff about Kidd not being comparable to Carter. Kidd and Carter are two different players with two different styles of play. The Nets will do average without Carter, they will not be a sucky team. And what's this say about Kidd has no one to pass to? Richard Jefferson is a great player who doesn't get enough credit at times because Vince is the leading scorer. Nenad Krstic is a great scorer also and Jason Kidd has made him a better player. Pathetic Nets team? I think even people who aren't fans' of the Nets' would say that they are a top 10, hell maybe even a top 5 team in the NBA. So get before you go out and make stupid comments like that, think before you say something.
<div class="quote_poster">hollagr8 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Let's face it. The Nets live and die with Carter. If Carter isn't feeling it, they will lose, and that's for sure. They won't get to the finals because they won't get past Detroit or Miami, and that's for sure. The Nets are only as good as Carter will be. Kidd and Jefferson won't do it.</div> What's for sure is you don't know SQUAT about the game! Jason Kidd made a name for himself even before Carter came into the league. Carter is an integral part of the Nets system, but so is Kidd and Jefferson. The Nets are more than capable of beating Detroit, Miami or any team in the league for that matter. Kidd needs Carter as much as Carter needs Kidd. Anyone of the big 3 can step up and win games for the Nets. And what's even more dangerous, is when all 3 of them are on their game. And as for the Nets being pathetic? Look straight in the mirror first before making stupid comments. And what team do you root for anyway? Your trashing of the Nets won't change the fact that we have Kidd, Carter and Jefferson. And that the New Jersey Nets is considered as one of the teams who has a legitimate shot at the NBA Championship. And oh... hollar this
<font color=""Red"">What's for sure is you don't know SQUAT about the game!</font> What else do you know about the NBA except for the Nets <font color=""Red"">Jason Kidd made a name for himself even before Carter came into the league.</font> Yes, he was a wife-beater before Carter came into the league. <font color=""red"">Carter is an integral part of the Nets system, but so is Kidd and Jefferson. </font> Carter is the whole-Nets team. <font color=""red"">The Nets are more than capable of beating Detroit, Miami or any team in the league for that matter. </font> Are you re-tar-ded? You're comparing the Nets to Detroit or Miami? Stop taking drugs. Do your parent's know about this? <font color=""red"">Kidd needs Carter as much as Carter needs Kidd. </font> Kidd needs Carter, Carter doesn't need Kidd. <font color=""red"">Anyone of the big 3 can step up and win games for the Nets. </font> Big 3? 1. Carter, 2. Carter, 3. Carter? <font color=""red"">And what's even more dangerous, is when all 3 of them are on their game. And as for the Nets being pathetic? Look straight in the mirror first before making stupid comments. </font> Look in the mirror before you compare the Nets to Detroit and Miami. You are delusional and obviously unknowledgeable about this game. <font color=""red"">And what team do you root for anyway? Your trashing of the Nets won't change the fact that we have Kidd, Carter and Jefferson. </font> I root for New Jersey, but stop with all the Nets winning a championship and stuff. I'm realistic, our bench sucks. You can't win a championship with what we got. <font color=""red"">And that the New Jersey Nets is considered as one of the teams who has a legitimate shot at the NBA Championship</font> Psst. We can win the atlantic division. Why set your goals up so high?
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Yes, he was a wife-beater before Carter came into the league.</div> You make another comment like that and you will have a problem.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Yes, he was a wife-beater before Carter came into the league.</div> Are you a dumbass? I'm not even joking. You are getting on my nerevs.
Wait a minute guys... maybe we're missing something. Has anyone thought that Hollagr8 might be 8? If not, then he must be lacking a few screws in his head. Your calling me "unknowledgable about the game"? Tell me then, what have you said that you can back up with facts? What little thing that you might think you know about the game is from playing NBA Live. You do know that it's not the real thing right? Or don't you? You? A Nets fan? Now that's funny!
<div class="quote_poster">AMS_ice Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Wait a minute guys... maybe we're missing something. Has anyone thought that Hollagr8 might be 8? If not, then he must be lacking a few screws in his head. Your calling me "unknowledgable about the game"? Tell me then, what have you said that you can back up with facts? What little thing that you might think you know about the game is from playing NBA Live. You do know that it's not the real thing right? Or don't you? You? A Nets fan? Now that's funny!</div>
<font color=""Navy"">What else do you know about the NBA except for the Nets</font> I'm sure he knows more than you, and so does everyone else here. <font color=""navy"">Yes, he was a wife-beater before Carter came into the league.</font> <font color=""navy"">Carter is the whole-Nets team.</font> Carter may be the best player on the team, and that's arguable too, but if you, say, give him Kobe's supporting cast, do you think HE would carry them to the playoffs? Carter needs help to carry a team. He just isn't a leader-type player. <font color=""navy"">Are you re-tar-ded? You're comparing the Nets to Detroit or Miami? Stop taking drugs. Do your parent's know about this?</font> Miami and Detroit have both gotten worse than they were last year, while the Nets got better, and the Nets beat them both last year too. What makes you think that they won't beat them again? <font color=""navy"">Kidd needs Carter, Carter doesn't need Kidd.</font> They both need each other. Carter was averaging 15 ppg in Toronto before coming to the Nets. He needs a player who can get him the ball in good positions and someone who can take the leadership role off his back. <font color=""navy"">Big 3? 1. Carter, 2. Carter, 3. Carter?</font> I doubt a trio of three Carters can play 2 minutes together. <font color=""navy"">Look in the mirror before you compare the Nets to Detroit and Miami. You are delusional and obviously unknowledgeable about this game.</font> Well, if you feel others are so unknowledgeable, why don't you prove YOUR knowledge for once instead of making dumb*** comments all the time? <font color=""navy"">I root for New Jersey, but stop with all the Nets winning a championship and stuff. I'm realistic, our bench sucks. You can't win a championship with what we got.</font> Who knows? Maybe we can. And a Nets fan doesn't go around bashing the team and rooting for one guy. I think you're more of Carter's b**** than a Nets fan. <font color=""navy"">Psst. We can win the atlantic division. Why set your goals up so high</font>?[/QUOTE] In the words of Jason Kidd, the heart and soul of the Nets, "Why not?"
<div class="quote_poster">Carter Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Are you a dumbass? I'm not even joking. You are getting on my nerevs.</div> I could'nt careless. Face it, you don't see beyond the Nets because your small little mind can't comprehend the concept of other teams out there. Don't piss me off.
<div class="quote_poster">hollagr8 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I could'nt careless. Face it, you don't see beyond the Nets because your small little mind can't comprehend the concept of other teams out there. Don't piss me off.</div> I could piss you off if I want you idiot who doesn't know sh!t about the NBA or the Nets. Like people have mentioned before the Nets improved in the off-season and Detroit and Miami both got worse. Please don't join JustBBall when you don't know anything about the NBA.
