If the Nets get Rahim, they'll have an extremly competative team, not only this upcoming season, but at least anther season after it. I have lots of doubts that SAR will end up with the Nets. The Heat have a few contracts that Portland might be interested in. A sign and trade with Portland getting somthing and SAR getting more money than the Nets can ever put together is what I see occurring. We cannot forget that if players are willing to win, they like thier chances with Shaq on the team. San Antonio also has a great case to make with thier core of players and the fact that they won a championship. I would not be surprised if Detroit appeared in the picture as well. The only hope of SAR ending up on the Nets is if Kidd really convinces the guy to take less money for a crack at a championship.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">If the Nets can land both of those players, they'll be pushing for a top 4 seed.</div> If the Nets can land Rahim and Dooling and then use the rest of the MLEto sign some low level contract players to fill the bench like possibly Cliff if he comes cheap, we will definetly turn into instant contenders - not just a top 4 seed in the East. We probably wouldn't be at the level of Detroit or San Antonio, but we'd be up there with the Heat, Suns and Mavs. pg- Kidd, Dooling, Vaughn sg- VC, Dooling, Wright sf- RJ, Wright pf- Rahim, Collins, Cliff c- Krstic, Collins, Cliff Obviously this roster isn't complete because there are still decisions and resignings to be made regarding the bench. We'll have to get another SF to take scalabrines place and maybe another guard/sf to replace buford if we let him go. I put Cliff in there b/c we will need at least one or 2 pf/c to back up krstic, rahim and collins. Other than that our starting five would be one of the best in the league (if not the best) and would definetly rival that of Phoenix adn Detroit. Our bench wont' be great but it would be decent and certainly a lot better than last year with Dooling, Wright and Collins anchoring it. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I have lots of doubts that SAR will end up with the Nets. The Heat have a few contracts that Portland might be interested in. A sign and trade with Portland getting somthing and SAR getting more money than the Nets can ever put together is what I see occurring. We cannot forget that if players are willing to win, they like thier chances with Shaq on the team. San Antonio also has a great case to make with thier core of players and the fact that they won a championship. I would not be surprised if Detroit appeared in the picture as well. The only hope of SAR ending up on the Nets is if Kidd really convinces the guy to take less money for a crack at a championship.</div> Who do the Heat have to offer Portland? They are going to be well over the cap with O'Neal taking up so much money. Plus they already have a solid PF in Haslem, and neither playerwould be willing to take a backup role. The only way the Heat can sign Rahim is with the MLE and thats what we're offering, but then that would force them to let go Haslem in FA. Possibly they could work a sign in trade for a player like Eddie JOnes but I can't see that being beneficial for either team. I don't see the Heat being all to serious about wanting Rahim b/c they already have a championship contending line-up. They probably just threw their name into the Rahim sweepstakes for interest purposes just in case they lose Haslem. San Antonio could work a sign and trade as they too only have their MLE, but it would just be stupid for them to reshuffle a championship team and trade away instunmental parts of the team for yet another front court player. They already resigned Horry, and have Mohammed, Rasho, Duncan and Robinson. Starting Rahim at PF would mean moving TD to Center (he's more adapted to the PF position). It would be ridiculous for SA to try and modify their championship team (If it ain't broke don't fix it). The Detroit idea is the worst, as Rahim's agent says he won't come off the bench or play the SF like he did along side Randolph. Detroit isn't giving up two of the best bigmen in the league (Ben and Sheed) for Rahim. Rahim already ruled out the Magic as they already have Dwight. The Kings are a possibility but they would have to work a sign and trade, and I don't see Portland being too interested in what they have to offer (Sac isn't giving up Bibby, Peja or Miller, and they have nobody else to offer other than that except Jackson, and Portland is already too full of pgs.) The only possible options left for Shareef are us, Portland and some crappy team who is under the cap, but he doesn't want to return to Portland and he wants to win. Then again most of what I just said is hopeful speculation, but overall it does make sense. I think there's a good chance Rahim will take a paycut to play with us and possibly be part of a really great, exciting team.
^^Hmmm... Well youve certainly got my hopes up . I also hear that the Wizards are interested in Rahim. They seem to be doing good enough financailly and in need of PF to sign SAR. I guess they just might be the highest oppenent this offseason.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I also hear that the Wizards are interested in Rahim. They seem to be doing good enough financailly and in need of PF to sign SAR. I guess they just might be the highest oppenent this offseason.</div> True, though I don't think the Wizards are realy front-runners for SAR. I believe he is only visiting with us, Sac, and SA, but I guess if the money was right... I'm pretty sure the wizards are over the cap, and a lot of it depends on what they do with Kwame and Hughes. Like us they only have the MLE, but they do have quite a few trading pawns. If they really want Rahim, and are willing to work a sign and trade that would give him big bucks, then there's nothing we can do... but honestly I don't know why they'd want him b/c there team is so young and already full of young, big men.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting virve119:</div><div class="quote_post">True, though I don't think the Wizards are realy front-runners for SAR. I believe he is only visiting with us, Sac, and SA, but I guess if the money was right... I'm pretty sure the wizards are over the cap, and a lot of it depends on what they do with Kwame and Hughes. Like us they only have the MLE, but they do have quite a few trading pawns. If they really want Rahim, and are willing to work a sign and trade that would give him big bucks, then there's nothing we can do... but honestly I don't know why they'd want him b/c there team is so young and already full of young, big men.</div> Actually, I think Rahim is meeting with the Heat early next week. And that is the team that scares me...the south beach wheather and playing alongside Shaq/Wade, sure does seem tempting. The only thing that may save us in that case is the fact, Zo is there and wanting more big man minutes, they just drafted Wayne Simien and they have the Udonas Haslem situation to figure out....so Shareef going there wont really no what role he will have with the team until training camp starts...Iam hoping that uncertainity leads him back into the direction of the garden state..where he knows he is a likely starter with 30+ minutes every night.
Cliff Robinson Re-signs: <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Nets took another step forward in soldifying their frontcourt picture yesterday by reaching a agrrement on a one year-deal with 6-10 veteran forward Cliff Robinson </div> Nets point guard help search shall continue: <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Nets also would like to acquire Heat guard Keyon Dooling, but would likely need the mid-level exception; its doubtful that Pat Riley would aid a conference opponent with a sign & trade. If forced to use the mid-level on Abdur-Rahim, the Nets will shoot for less expensive frent agents, such as Toronto's Milt Palacio, Chicago's Jannero Pargo and Chris Duhon or Washington's Steve Blake</div> nypost.com (must sign up) ------------ Well, I think it is a very solid move bringing back Cliff Robinson, he adds veteran depth at a cheap price. And adds a shooting pressence as well as some solid frontcourt on ball defense. Iam not sure how much Robinson has left in the tank but if he can play a role similar to that of what he did for us late 2nd half then he will be a valueble asset off the bench, especially since it will be coming at alot cheaper price then the 5+ million we would have had to pay him if we didnt decline decline the team option at the start of the offseason. Now on to point guard search man would I love to acquire Chis Duhon, highly unlikely(probably end up with the Bulls)but I personally love this guys winning character, his basketball insticts exceed his basketball skills and I like cats like that. He is like Jason Kidd in the fact that he isnt a great shooter but he finds ways to help his team win( whether it was at Duke or last year helping the baby Bulls be a legit solid playoff team). He is a leader and someone that I think could develope under Kidd, he already has those leadership qualities need in my opinion. Stve Blake is another name that interest me because in today's game with the lack of quality shooters around the league you have to look at a decent shooter like a Steve Blake, giving him minutes alongside a Carter and/or Jefferson when Kidd is on the bench, the guy could really flourish with the type of looks he is going to get. I know he played alongside some nice scorers last year with Hughes and Arenas, Jamison etc...but we are more open to ball movement in our style of play. And that could create opportunites for him that was never really available in Washington, which could lead to some success. But Iam not really high on any other aspect of his game other then having the chance to add a decent shooter which we need in the backcourt. He is a dencent defender at times as well but we already have that with Kidd and Vaughn so that isnt as huge of a factor.
i though resignin Robinson would be a good idea. He adds another body but they need to find a backup point for Kidd which is the only real problem left. then they should be pretty solid on bench
I hope we can find away to add a shooter as well, I know our perimeter is pretty full right now but perimeter shooting has been a major problem for us in the last two playoff series( in 05 vs Miami and 04 vs Pistons). I would like to try & move Zoran Planninc or Ron Mercer to open up the space for a cheap shooter.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Nets might give in to land Abdur-Rahim Thursday, July 21, 2005 BY DAVE D'ALESSANDRO Star-Ledger Staff The Nets timeline for reaching an agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers is about to enter its final week, and while the two teams are no closer to a deal, there are whispers that one is willing to budge. The Blazers have to agree to accept the Nets' trade exception in order for them to complete a sign-and-trade deal with Shareef Abdur-Rahim, but if that exception expires -- as it will next Friday -- the free-agent forward won't get his six-year, $38 million contract. But a Western Conference executive said yesterday it is "widely believed" the Nets will sweeten the pot by offering Portland a lottery-protected first-round draft pick -- partly because they want to make Abdur-Rahim happy, and partly because they need to hold onto the mid-level exception to use on free agents such as Keyon Dooling. Nets president Rod Thorn would not divulge the substance of his talks with the Blazers, but he is on the record as saying he will not surrender a first-round pick or the rights to second-round choice Mile Ilic. "We had several discussions the last couple of days," Thorn said. "But we haven't reached an agreement. Are we closer? I don't know if I can even say that. But as long as you're talking, you have a chance."</div> Source The article also explains the situation on Dooling and that Crawford is working out for the Nets as we speak.
Thanks for the article, by da way can merge some of the Rahim threads together cuz theres to many and it hard for me to keep track on wats goin on, thnx
This Nets forum is kinda dead lately, so I wanted to try and get a sticky rolling. Who do you guys think we'll try and use our MLE on? The subjects has kinda halted lately since the SAR news, and I figured since we worked so hard to keep, we really need to use it wisely. Some reports have been Milt Palacio coming in as a backup. Personally, I think that'd be terrible, and I'd rather have TB or Vaughn filling that than Milt. Having seen him play lots in TO, I know that he's often reckless and out-of-control, and he's not a great passer, shooter, or defender. I don't like the thought of us using about half of our MLE on a player like him, and if he's the only backup guard we can get, then I say we stick with TB and use the full MLE or most of it on another quality backup bigman (Reggie Evans or Steven Hunter?). Another option is that we split it between a shooter like James Jones, Jon Barry or Casey Jacobsen and a bigman like Malik Allen, matt bonner or Songaila. I'm also surprised we haven't been talking about pickin up players like bostjan nachbar (bigman shooter) or kareem rush (pure shooter). Or what about Wesley Person or Michael Ruffin. We could use all or most of the MLE on a deadeye shooter backup pg in Damon Jones also. Brevon Knight, Damon Stoudamire, Earl Watson and Juan Dixon are also all unrestricted pgs, why has there been little or no talk about them? I also like bigs like Walter McCarty and Chris Andersen who would be good off the bench. We have multiple options here, and I only listed the players that we have a definite need for and would come in off the bench with roles (backup pg, shooter, bigman shooter to spread D, or banger bigmen). Some of these players would take up all or most of the MLE, some very little. Either way, I'm surprised that most of these guys have not been mentioned as need for us in free agency as opposed to a player like Milt Palacio...
I envision Palacio and Songalia coming over by means of the MLE. Picking up Jon Barry would be nice, but he would be a rather expensive MLE guy. I would not like Kareem Rush to come over. His game does not mix with the Nets. I personally see the Nets' needs differently. The Nets need to add two big men, in the case of injuries. One or two of these big men need to be a shotblocking and rebounding presense, or like Songalia is, and offensive threat. In addition to that the Nets need one guard, one that can preferably shoot well, and have the ability to replace Kidd when he is either hurt or on a game to game basis. The Nets are rather stocked at the guard an small forward positions, they still need to focus on adding more big men. I do not want to see a repeat of last season where Carter was playing PF.
I'd want to see Tyronn Lue with the Nets. He's a decent shooter, he has a good ast/TO ratio, and he can score off the bench. I hope we at least land Songaila, Allen, or Ruffin.
If we go hard after Jon Barry then I think we essentially kill two birds with one stone....while Barry isnt a natural point guard, he can still handle and is a good passer, so if you put him together with Jacque Vaughn they should be able to handle the backup pg role for the minutes Kidd is resting. And Barry adds that much needed shooter to the backcourt. So I hope he is a top the list of guys we are chasing, infront of Milt Palacio. As far as bigman go I think there are options but none of them overly eciting. Reggie Evans would have been nice if we would not have resigned Cliff Robinson but if we add him then we have a bunch of power forwards Reef, Robinson, Evans..but none can really shift over to play the 5 spot...so how would we fit their minutes in & our Center spot still would be a hole on our team. Steve Hunter at this point would be a better option, he can move over and play a legit 5, he can block shots and run with Kidd. The only problem with Hunter is was last season a one year thing. Before last year, he was really prety much a bust since coming out of Depaul, if you sign him up for 3 or 4 years, using most of the MLE that would be required, it could be an Alonzo Mourning type set back if it doesnt workout. Then there are lower level guys, I personally like Othella Harrington of the lower level guys, can score in the low post, play the 4 & 5. And is a proven Veteran, but he will likely end up back in Chi-town. Also on that lower level is Daruis Songala, good scoring potenial, but I never seen anything from him in Sacro, that would make me believe he would add anything defensively or on the boards. Robert Traylor would be on the lower level list as well, he can throw his body around on both ends. And he can be pshyical with the likes of a Duncan, so that adds something to the team that we dont reqally have right now.
Now that Keyon Dooling is off the market.......... Now that keyon Dooling is of the market..........who can the Nets pursue with the MLE? <font color="Red">Merged into the offseason thread because articles and talk on the point guard search will be posted regularly in this thread.-</font>Henacy
There has been talk about Damon Stoudmire but i dont know about that. Maybe or Juan Dixon but most likely Steve Blake
yeah i heard and read about Damon Stoudmire and songalia. And I heard that that we signed Clifford Robinson again. We should make a push for glenn robinson i think we can get him for a fairly cheap price for a former lottery pick
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting thedude9990:</div><div class="quote_post">milt palacio i read on hoopshype</div> yea i forgot about him. he is a possiblity.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting jwalk2denver:</div><div class="quote_post">yes</div> Can I help you?
