The New Jersey Nets

Why did the Nets stink last season? Many reasons. For starters, Jayson Williams didn't play a single game. He was their biggest, brightest, most positive team personality, and the team rebounder and enforcer, and now he's gone - career over. Kerry Kittles was almost out for much of the season as well. Marbury played like a true All-Star, and should be making that team in 2001. Scoring over 20ppg and dishing out 8.4apg (very impressive considering that none of his teammates shoot well), we believe in Stephon's ability.

Keith Van Horn put up very nice numbers, but he didn't convince anyone that his game is raising to a particularly awesome level.

Jamie Feick is a very useful guy to bring off the bench for rebounding and toughness, but not as your main man at the center spot. His defense and offense are very limited, and he's pretty short to play the 5.

Jim McIlvaine can block your shot, then foul you 3 times, then miss a few close-range shots, foul twice more, and sit down, all pumped up.

Getting Kenyon Martin makes the Nets center spot slightly less important. Martin is a monster, and will rebound the hell out of the ball. He should play power forward, with Keith Van Horn sliding over to small forward. While Van Horn is a tweener on offense, defensively he's pretty slow to keep up with most quick 3's and will have some major adjustments to make, but overall the Nets have definitely upgraded their frontcourt by adding Martin. This now allows Kendall Gill to play his natural position, shooting guard, for the first time in years.

A problem is that both Marbury and Gill have lousy 3-point shooting percentages. Ideally, Gill would magically develop a consistent 3-point shot overnight, since Marbury penetrates almost as easily as McIlvaine commits fouls and really needs guys who can make the most out of receiving a kick-out pass and shooting the open outside shot.

Kerry Kittles will probably miss the season due to injury, so Gill's the man at the 2.

The Nets also have new guys running the show, with the widely-respected Rod Thorn, and a man who the team hopes will become the next Doc Rivers, Mr. Byron Scott. An eager, new coach, and respect in the team office. Excellent combination.

It's tough to say how much the Nets will improve this year, but 2000-2001 should have Nets fans excited. The team should be expected to make the playoffs, or at least come very close. Expect them to finish 7th, 8th, or 9th overall in the East. 

Marbury, Martin and Van Horn are a terrific foundation for the future.

8/21/2000
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