November 19, 2009
The end comes quickly and in stunning fashion. Whether it be a three to end the game like Dwyane Wade’s in Miami or the first three minutes of the third quarter in Milwaukee, it’s easy to identify where the game is lost. The dagger hits, the blood flows quickly and there’s no surviving.

This all could have been avoided. You’re up 16 in the 4th at Minnesota on opening night. Just hang on and none of this is any big deal. Yes, the injuries still hit and the record wouldn’t be great, but there wouldn’t be this great big zero blinking like a neon light in the win column. Now the streak takes on historic proportions and national attention. This season wasn’t supposed to be about wins per se, but it is for now until they can finally get one.

The ’98 Clippers and ’88 Heat hold the record for consecutive losses to start a season with 17. I don’t remember offhand what the circumstances were that lead to them dropping the first 17 games. Maybe they had a rash of injuries or perhaps a brutal schedule. Maybe they got beat at the buzzer a bunch of times or just got blown out over and over. I don’t know. All I know is they’re in the record books.

That’s what the danger is for this Nets team. Those of us close to them realize what they’re going through. We see the agony the players and coaches are in after each defeat. We understand the deluge of injuries to key players. We admire the efforts of an outmanned team that has come close, on many occasions, to ending the streak against the odds. But moral victories don’t show up in the win column. There are no asterisks in the standings. If it gets to 0-17 or more, no one will remember the circumstances a decade from now.

Thanksgiving week is always a tough road trip for the Nets. This season it’s especially difficult. That’s why the streak must end against the Knicks on Saturday afternoon. Devin Harris needs to ride in like the All-Star he is and provide the spark that’s needed to get that elusive first win. They can’t go out West without having erased that zero in the lefthand column of the standings. Otherwise, the legacy of this season will be decided before December even gets here.

November 9, 2009
When I think of the ages of the Nets players who will be on the floor this season, I am reminded of the line, “They're so young, the coaches cut their meat for them!"

Yes, the team is young, but there is talent and definitely a bright future.

Fans, players, and coaches might endure some tough evenings, but they are also looking for the heart and passion players will need to overcome the lack of experience and make this a successful season. What's that as far as numbers? Who knows – what does matter is that this group plays hard!!!