New Jersey Nets

2003-04 Record: 47-35/First in Atlantic Division * 2004-05 Projection: 40-42 * Coach: Lawrence Frank

WHERE THEY LEFT OFF: Disappointed and, apparently, desperate. With All-Universe point guard Jason Kidd ailing--he was barely a shadow of a shadow of himself--the two-time defending Eastern Conference champs were easily disposed of in the second round of the playoffs.

NEW FACES: The Nets used to put Kenyon Marlin, Kerry Kittles, and Rodney Rogers on the floor. Now they'll line up with Nenad Krstic, Rodney Buford, Eric Williams, Ron Mercer, and Jacque Vaughn. Is there some kind of a joke being pulled here?

ON THE COURT: Just a few months ago, new owner Bruce Ratner sported a regulation-size nose. Now he might need to build another new housing development just to house that Pinnochio-like proboscis.

Nets fans should have known something stunk in Rather-land when, after repeatedly swearing that he's in the NBA ownership biz to win, the team Waded its first-round draft choice for someone named Eddie Gill--Then released said Eddie Gill. Next, young rebounding machine Martin--still just approaching his Grand Kenyon of potential--wasn't re-signed. Rogers, ditto. Then Kittles, the purest of shooters and another outstanding starter on an almost-championship team, was unceremoniously shipped off to the Los Angeles Clippers--for a future draft choice.

It seems like giving away a young superstar and your first round draft choice for nada is not the prescribed way to rebuild. Then again, what do we know about rebuilding? Rather is the real estate developer, not us.

OFF THE COURT: Citing eminent domain, housing biggie Ratner is attempting to un-house over 1,000 Brooklynites in order to build a new arena for the Nets. Let's just say we'd cash his check before calling the movers.

WHY THEY WILL FINISH THIRD: With Kidd (unless he requests to be traded), the explosive Richard Jefferson, and underrated Aaron Williams, New Jersey should still be OK. Kind of. Somewhat. Barely.

ON THE SPOT

THE QUESTIONS ARE MYRIAD FOR BRUCE Rather; Because attendance sort of stunk even during the good years, will anyone come to see this motley collection of Nets play in New Jersey? In Brooklyn? On the Ivory Coast? And how long before Jason Kidd wants out? Richard Jefferson? Aaron Williams? Rod Thorn? Can you just hear Jersey Dad next January during a driving snowstorm: "Hey, kids, we never went to watch Jason, Kenyon Martin, and Kerry Kitties. Let's go see Jacque Vaughn!"

COPYRIGHT 2004 Century Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning