The World According to Najera - Dave D'Allessandro, Star Ledger Dave interviews Najera, who comments on multiple things, including Brook Lopez, the frontcourt logjam, rules, leadership, workouts, and predictions. Interesting, when Dave brings up the frontcourt logjam, he brings up how the team is being built based on character, and talks about certain guys who "won't make the team": So this leads me to think that maybe he's hinting some of those frontcourt guys are getting traded soon..? Oh, and for all the Carter haters/fans:
Also, Kerber's (similar) article on Najera: A Few of Najera's Favorite Things - Fred Kerber, New York Post With this hidden somewhere in there: D: Figures. I thought the same thing Kerber wrote when I read the first line. (Waiting for Al's article next )
he said "free agents are dropping their heads"--I think he is referring to current free agents, that is, non-roster players that are participating in these workouts, maybe someone like Hodge? re: Carter. I've discussed this before, but one of my pet peeves is that some players believe that being a "leader" means huffing and puffing, shouting and yelling, and generally showing up your teammates. That is not a leader; a leader is one who inspires people to follow their example, not inspires them out of fear. Vince is not a yeller; he's a teacher and an encourager. And I'd still kick his ass in a race.
He also discusses Brook a lot. A lot a lot. Says he's a standout in training camp, very talented, and has a great basketball mind.
I suspect there are others there. Nets usually carry 20 players in training camp and since this is not training camp, they can invite whoever they want to this "voluntary" workout. I would be surprised if Hodge did something that dumb...particularly since he and Najera were teammates.
I use to think Yi and Boone would be the starting PF and C, but I'm starting to think it will be Najera and Lopez with Yi and Boone backing up. Najera has the dirty work and leadership menatality that will get him in the starting line-up and you need Lopez's scoring and post game to compliment. Boone is more like Najera and will work well mostly alongside Yi. Plus I think the team will take things slowly with Yi due to his extensive work this summer and they'll want to see what they have in Lopez right from the beginning.
after reading these articles, I'm even more excited about Najera, and the rest of the team. can't wait till pre-season.
