You know, the performance of this team over this road trip, including the first 2.5 quarters against a supremely dominant Lakers team that many predicted would embarrass the Nets, is really starting to push the question: when do you stop looking to the future and conclude that the future is now? I believe this team is one quality SF away from being in serious contention for at least the third seed in the east, if not higher. Consider that they have accumulated all their impressive victories of late without the guy that's been their best big man the last two years in Josh Boone. Consider also that they won tonight without their backup PG, who has given them excellent and clutch play in nearly all of his games this season. Consider that their rookie big men are outstanding but are certainly not as good now as they will be in April. Consider that their talented starting 4 is still on a tremendous learning curve and that several months can make a substantial difference in his overall performance and consistency. Consider that the team is still learning each other and the systems since only 3 of them started last year with the team. Consider that Devin Harris is just beginning to assert his claim to superstardom. And consider that Vince Carter is doing everything his idiotic critics said he couldn't do: lead, play smart, perfect his shot selection, play good defense, and generally be the safety net for all system failures. I am beginning to think that the Nets should start to think in bigger terms for trades this year and not necessarily worry about taking on extra salary if it's for the right player or players. We are a quality SF away from contending now. Word is that the Heat have put Marion on the block. http://basketball.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/55741/20081130/heat_placing_marion_on_the_block/ He's a flight risk as he's a FA next year, so I wouldn't want to give too much for him. But, if not him, who might the Nets go after by the deadline with a 1st round pick, Sean Williams, and salary filler (Simmons/Hassell/Swift)? I think a guy like Shane Battier would be absolutely PERFECT to fill that spot but doubt the Rockets would consider it, even with Artest taking his starting spot.
His contract is FINE. IIRC (this from researching over the summer), he has this year and next at something near 6 mil. The problem is I don't think the Nets have anyone they're willing to give up for him except Boone or Williams. Rockets are in "win now" mode and will be less attracted by picks.
Battier would be extremely hard to get. The Rockets need him if they plan on contending this season, and they do. I'll write my long response sometime later today or tomorrow.
to get one of those players the teams will want all of our rookies and picks plus a good player. I say just let this team develop. Remember what we got for Kidd, well those teams will want the same type of deal from the nets. Ain't worth it...
FOMW, I think you do have a point in this thread, but at this point I think I let this team run for a little while, probably until January or so and see where we are then. If we continue to play hard and win games and have a .500 or better record then keep it like it is or make a small trade, maybe move Boone or SWAT, but nothing major. IF This team is not playing as well by late December or so and we see that things can be fixed via a trade then we should go after Marion, simply because his contract expires, but Miami might want too much for him. Good thread...
An interesting thought, and I'm sure Thron/Kiki aren't satisfied either. Perhaps CDR is much better, much faster than any of us imagined he would be? That can help a lot towards contention as well.
Think cheap, think James Jones. I think he could be had for Sean Williams or Josh Boone, straight up. James Jones more than a decent defender and is lights out in the perimeter. His contract does not hurt the Nets in the long run and would be a huge upgrade at SF. Hes coming off an injury so now is the time to pounce.
Marion will in no way command what Kidd did. He hasn't come close to having the same level of career, so he doesn't have the "all time great" reputation angle going for him. And his contract expires THIS year, not year after, which makes it a much bigger gamble for a team and drives down the price. A first rounder and a decent player will be enough to land him if Miami does trade him. ETA: And Pat Riley is no Rod Thorn when it comes to engineering trades.
I would love James Jones and hoped he might be in the Nets sights over the summer. But he just signed with Miami. Are they likely to trade him before he's even had a full season with the team?
That would be HUGE, but I don't see how they get him without giving up substantial young talent, which I don't want.
Miami desperately needs size, so I think it will have to be Boone. They have Joel Anthony and Marc Blount starting some games, yeah I think they would look at a Boone deal.
My only concern about Wallace, aside from the concussion issue and length of his contract, is the perimeter shot. I think a SF in our offense needs to be at least 40% on long range 2s and 3s.
We don't need much from a SF, Simmons can be that one SF we are looking for, but he needs to attack the basket and hit some more of those wide open three's he has been missing. I know he is not shooting it that bad lately from downtown, but he has missed LOTS of WIDE OPEN looks, just look at tonight's game vs the Suns.
That's true. But it is also true that our SF needs to be no more than the #4 option on offense (and possibly #5), and be able to play above average defense. Anything more offensively is overkill, and could ruin the chemistry. Simmons at least knows his place. Simmons is fine as he is if Yi could just be a little more consistent, to be honest.
I agree. Although it's still very hard watching all those wide open shots missed so often. Great teams don't have those kinds of weaknesses. And I think we could be a great team if we shored up that position.
Rockets won't give up Battier. They are trying to contend. Defense is their strength and its hard to see them part with a key defensive player in their system. I've also been keeping an eye on young Blazers forward Nicolas Batum in the last few games. He was the 25th pick in this year's draft, 4 picks after Ryan Anderson. The kid has move into the starting 5 and is performing reasonably well. He can shoot the 3, 6-12 from 3 point land since starting and is a pretty good athlete. So while I think Anderson will be a very solid pro and the Nets may have been better off with Batum.
