Nets Success Hinges on a Triple Threat
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Heading into the start of the Knicks' training camp, NYKnicks.com is previewing each of the four other Atlantic Division teams as well as each of the five other NBA divisions. We continue our series with a look at the New Jersey Nets, a local rival that boasts three major stars who can put fear into any opponent.
After losing the NBA Atlantic Division title they captured in 2005-06 to the Toronto Raptors last season, the Nets are focused on improving on their 41-41 record. The re-signing of Vince Carter in mid-July ensured that the dynamic trio of Carter, Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson would remain intact for another go at an NBA title. And despite their .500 finish last season, the Nets have reason to believe they can return to dominance.
Carter remains one of the most dynamic offensive talents in the NBA. Known earlier in his career primarily for his flashy dunks, he quickly turned himself into a franchise player, and has been amongst the league's elite ever since.
Boasting a seven-foot wingspan and a 43 inch vertical leap, the former UNC star averages 24.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game over his nine-year career. Carter is also New Jersey's go-to guy with the game on the line, and the eight-time NBA All-Star will look to make life even tougher for defenders in 2007-08.
Kidd is the other face of the Nets franchise. One of the finest point guards to come along in decades, he is a master passer and solid two-way player as well as the Nets' vocal leader on and off the court. The eight-time NBA All-Star and a four time All-NBA First Team selection, has averaged 14.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game over 13 seasons -- astonishing numbers for any point guard.
Rounding out the big three is Jefferson, an athletic small forward who is one of the most versatile three's in the league. Heading into his seventh season, all with New Jersey, he averages 16.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists -- providing the perfect compliment to Kidd and Carter's improvisational play.
Nenad Krstic's return from an ACL injury is another key factor in the Nets' effort to return to prominence. The 7-foot center appeared in only 26 games last season before he was lost for the rest of the year. Following his injury, the Nets lacked a true force in the paint.
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During the off-season, New Jersey replaced spark plug Mikki Moore with savvy veteran Jamaal Magloire. Appearing with his fifth team in eight years, Magloire is another big body (6-11, 265 pounds), and New Jersey can plug him in off the bench to fill the power forward slot
Also coming off the bench are Marcus Williams, Josh Boone, Sean Williams, Bostjan Nachbar and newcomer Malik Allen.
Williams, though a capable backup, provides a drastically different look for the Nets than when Kidd is manning the point. Still learning the position at the NBA level, the young former Connecticut star has a long way to go before being ready to make a major impact for the Nets.
Boone, another youngster from Connecticut entering his second season, did not live up to his billing last year. Brought in for rebounding and his defensive presence, he struggled in his first season with the team, forcing the Nets to draft shot-blocker extraordinaire Sean Williams out of Boston College. The rookie looks to make immediate impact on the defensive end and the boards.
The sharp-shooting Nachbar is a streak shooter who is very dangerous when hot, while Allen fills the role of yet another big body that can be substituted into the four position.
The Nets are coached by Lawrence Frank, who took over for Byron Scott in January of 2004. The youngest head coach in the league, last season was the 37-year old's first in which he didn't lead his squad to a winning record. Still, the Nets were the sixth seed heading into the playoffs before being ousted four games to two by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Over the last four years, Frank has a 157-129 record and has the confidence that he can return the Nets to their winning ways. Having a trio of Carter, Kidd and Jefferson leading the way doesn't hurt his chances either.
NEW JERSEY NETS AT A GLANCE
2006-07 Record: 41-41 (2nd in Atlantic)
Head Coach: Lawrence Frank
Key Additions: Malik Allen (F), Robert Hite (G), Jamaal Magloire (F), Sean Williams (F)
Key Losses: Hassan Adams (F), Eddie House (G), Mikki Moore (C), Cliff Robinson (F)
