Areas of Strength:
Skills at point guard and center. In Deron Williams and Brook Lopez, the Nets have two of the most talented players at their position. Acquiring Williams was a major step toward returning to the postseason. He can choose to become a free agent in 2012, but he's also a star that will make other players want to play for the Nets.

Needs Work:
Athleticism and defense. The Nets need to surround Williams and Lopez with more talent at the two, three and four spots. They've got shooting, but now need athleticism to match up with the more talented wings in the Eastern Conference. They need to improve defensively both on the perimeter and on the interior.

Two Stats That Matter:
1 -- Williams was the only player in the league to average at least 20 points and 10 assists per game.

13.1 -- The Nets' defense forced just 13.1 turnovers per game, fewest in the league.

The Way To Go:
The Nets gladly dealt their lottery pick (which landed at No. 3) to Utah in the Williams trade, and it's unlikely they'll find a real contributor with their other two picks. With plenty of cap space, they'll look to add talent via free agency or trade. And you can be sure that GM Billy King will be calling Otis Smith in Orlando about the availability of Dwight Howard.

2010-11 Team Stats:
Offensive: 100.2 (27th)
Defensive: 107.0 (22nd)

Players Under Contract:
G: Deron Williams
G: Anthony Morrow
G: Jordan Farmar
G: Sundiata Gaines
F: Damion James
F: Travis Outlaw
C: Johan Petro
C: Brook Lopez

Free Agents:
G: Ben Uzoh
G: Sasha Vujacic
G: Mario West
G/F: Stephen Graham
F: Kris Humphries
F: Brandan Wright (Restricted)
C: Dan Gadzuric

-- John Schuhmann