ISH's FIVE QUESTIONS: Brooklyn Nets Edition

[bagelred]

No draft, signings done, no Summer League. Two months of nothingness......so it's time to do some ANALYSIS!!! One team at a time!!!

A brand new series which is not similar to any other sports websites idea....called....... ISH's FIVE QUESTIONS.

So let's go through the league alphabetically, shall we? :applause:

Previous teams:

Atlanta Hawks: http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=309213
Boston Celtics: http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=309651


Today's team?

THE BROOKLYN NETS

PG - Williams/Livingston/Taylor
SG - Johnson/Terry/Anderson
SF - Pierce/Kirilenko/Shengelia
PF - Lopez/Blatche/Plumlee
C - Garnett/Evans/Teletovic

Head Coach - Jason Kidd
General Manager - Billy King




1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.



You can elaborate on your answers. :D


:banana:

[boozehound]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?
Both. It clearly makes them better next year, but it also creates an untenable cap situation down the stretch. They added one of the best defenders in the league next to brook (who needs all the help they can get) and brought in a dynamic and smart wing player who does a hell of a lot more than wallace. Really, though, I like the AK signing as much or more.

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?
Huh, this is a hard one. I was tempted to answer AK, but I think its JJ. Deron is a very good pg and I expect him to play that way. I also expect the other 3 starters to give us what we expect. How does JJ adjust/fit in?

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.
TBD. He was a good publicity hire for sure. I think he will do fine, but I am surprised they didnt try and woo an established headcoach.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?
Probably Health. Defense wont be a problem.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.
False. Pacers and Heat on lock.

[The JKidd Kid]

It's August 1st!!! No draft, signings done, no Summer League. Two months of nothingness......so it's time to do some ANALYSIS!!! One team at a time!!!

Let's shamelessly rip off ESPN's 5 on 5, and create our new series called???: ISH's FIVE QUESTIONS. So please give detailed answers to our five questions....

So let's go through the league alphabetically, shall we? :applause:

Previous teams:

Atlanta Hawks: http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=309213
Boston Celtics: http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=309651


Today's team?

THE BROOKLYN NETS

PG - Williams/Livingston/Taylor
SG - Johnson/Terry/Anderson
SF - Pierce/Kirilenko/Shengelia
PF - Lopez/Blatche/Plumlee
C - Garnett/Evans/Teletovic

Head Coach - Jason Kidd
General Manager - Billy King




1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.



You can elaborate on your answers. :D


:banana:

1. Brilliant trade, became contenders immediately and only gave up 2 late first round picks and one POSSIBLE lottery pick in 2018. On top of this they got rid of Gerald Wallace's contract and assured that they would avoid the repeater tax in 3 years. This trade is a win whichever way you spin it.

2. The X factor for this season is Deron Williams if he can continue his great play from the end of last season then this team is a contender, if not then...

3. Pre-Celtics trade, yes in order to establish a culture for a team with almost no hope. Post-Celtics trade, no because you don't really want a rookie coach leading a team with such a short window. At least they got Lawrence Frank to guide Kidd through the transition process. However, he might surprise us and pull a Larry Bird and win COY. You never know. :confusedshrug:

4. Neither this team isn't injury prone, Peirce and Garnett know how to sacrifice and play with an elite ball dominant PG. KG and defensive minded coaches Kidd and Lawrrence Frank will improve their defense dramatically.

5. I wouldn't be a good fan unless I said true.

[Dagouch]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?

I wouldn't call it brilliant but it's a very good trade for them right NOW. Time will tell but they did upgrade their roster.


2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?

Tie between Paul Pierce and Garnett. They were clearly run down with all those minutes and nagging injuiries. Both of them Healthy in the playoffs will be huge but it's a huge if.

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.

False. Did they Hire Jason Kidd knowing in the back of their head they were doing this trade? A more expeirenced coach would be better for this team.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?

Health, Health and Health

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.

False for now. Let's see how they mesh first.

[kshutts1]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.


1) Brilliant. They want to win now, and made a move that they believe will help them accomplish that.

2) Player only? Jet or Johnson. Jet because, if he can be the 6MOY challenger that he has been in the past then that team's so dangerous. Johnson because he's young enough and good enough to still be a star, yet he didn't play like one last year.

3) Before the trade, smart hire. After the trade, I'm skeptical. I would have rather gone with a more proven commodity. Win now roster, but unproven coach? Doesn't equate.

4) Biggest challenge? Health, of course. Look at their age. However, chemistry will be the most important facet, as they have the depth to (partially) combat possible health issues.

5) False. Considering the collective age, plus the minimal time to work together, I don't see this team doing exceptionally well in the first year. Miami, Indiana, Chicago are all formidable teams, and Brooklyn is currently a distant 4/5 with New York. That being said, one factor that really helps the cohesiveness is that large portions of the team have played together at times, so it's more of a melding of the KG/Pierce/Terry group with the Williams/Johnson/Lopez group, and the three Boston players have shown the ability and willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. Williams and Johnson, however, struggled last year, much less adding in more "mouths" to feed.

[niko]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical? It has no downside UNLESS something horrible happens, like Brook's foot snaps or the Nets have massive injuries elsewhere. Then the loss of picks will be awful. Otherwise, it has very little downside and the upside is being a contender.

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success? AK47. They basically need him to play starters minutes. He can't have his 20 games injured, 10 more games recovering in and out. If he's hurt, Pierce is the main SF and that's problematic at his age.

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach. I'm torn. Net fans sold me on it. They really want it to succeed which is important. It gives him time, means they have patience. But post trade they really would be better off with a more experienced coach. The thought is they don't need a strong coach with KG, Pierce, but having them usurp his authority by their presence (essentially they will be listening to him via Frank, his proxy) is a bad look. If KG isn't performing well, can Kidd reduce his time? Yell at him?

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets? Health. Defense and chemistry may be an issue because of health. And it's not really health, ,it's age. Injuries won't be the overriding issue, people being slow and banged up will.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season. False. I'd love to say Knicks but Pacers and Heat seem destined to be there.

[niko]

I don't like the Kidd Frank dynamic with the roster they put together. They brought in people (KG specifically) to change the culture of the team. The new players specifically look up to the assistant, who is much more accomplished than the actual coach and who will be looked on to do more. Frank's ultimate goal is to be a head coach again. Then you have the current roster, the leader of which is a very good friend of Kidd. It's a strange mixture.

[It's A VC3!!!]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical? Brilliant. When you get bounced in the first round by an inferior team you have to make major adjustments. Paul's contract is good for next season and Kevin and Jason have two more seasons. It's a win-win.

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success? Difficult question. I would say Kevin Garnett. If he can give us 15/15 in the playoffs and provide his usual stellar defense, our championship aspirations are legitimate.

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach. True, true and true. Every one of our new additions praised Jason Kidd and said he was the best hire for this team. They all stated that they have a ton of respect for him and can't wait to play under his tutelage.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets? Chemistry won't be as bad as people predict. Nets had 13 new players last year and still managed to win 49 games. Health is our biggest concern. If we lose Paul or Joe, we're fine. If we lose Kevin, Brook or Deron, we're screwed.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season. The homer in me says yes but with the East being so top-heavy, it's going to be a dog-fight getting out of the second round. If healthy, it's championship time!

[Harison]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?

Brilliant trades (cost aside :D) Celtics stars and AK47 while giving up barely anything in return? No wonder GMs are fuming around NBA.

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?

Joe or AK47, we know what we'll get from the rest, more or less. Both of them could blossom or flop with such setup.

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.

Smart before mega-trade, not so much after. I still think it wont be a big issue, - where Kidd could be lacking, Lawrence will fill in. Or if it comes to it, veterans can coach themselves just fine.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?

Health first and furthermost. Chemistry will be fine, and defense should be elite (depending how many minutes KG plays, and if Nets stars will buy into his mentality, as Celtics stars did).

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.

Hardly, Nets are 4-5th in the East. That said, Celtics also were dismissed for years but vets never gave up and pulled many upsets. If health allows, current Nets will give any team all they could handle, win or lose.

[redhonda76]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?
Brilliant trade for the Nets. Last season's issue they had was rebounding, defense, and shooting. This trade already patched their weakness plus they didn't have to give up much other than money. This is a 2 year project. The talk, excitement and rivalry is what the NY needs between the Knicks and the Nets.

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success? Pierce and Garnett will be the X factor. Their ability to hit shoots at the 3 and 4 spot is what was missing last season with Gerald Wallace and Evans. The Nets were basically exposed in the regular season and especially during the playoffs, playing 3vs5 on offense.

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.
False. There are only 2 coaches ( Larry Bird and Mark Jackson) that had zero coaching experience and were successful. Bird had Rick Carlisle, who did most of the coaching, and Mark Jackson was surprisingly very good.
The inexperience of coaching will be a factor during playoffs.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?
Health will the issue mainly because of Pierce and Garnett.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.
True. The key is to have Pierce/Garnett/Terry at full health at the time of the playoff. The Net's bench is pretty stack and those trios should not have to log pass 32+ minutes each game. The Nets arguably might have the best starting 5 and bench. However, they will not able to beat the Heat.

[DukeDelonte13]

overrated.

[niko]

overrated.
The Nets or Bagel's questions?

[CanYouDigIt]

What retarded fish frog sticky'd this?

[JimmyMcAdocious]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?
--Brilliant, for the sheer facts that their previous roster wasn't good enough to win a championship and the upside of that roster was likely never going to be good enough. Why wouldn't you take the chance? Is it better to legitimately contend for 1 or 2 seasons or to be a pretender for the next 5?

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?
--Kevin Garnett. I still think he has enough in the tank for one last push, and his presence on a defense, even at his current age, is franchise changing. Offensively, his ability to pick and pop will provide more floor spacing for one of the most talented offensive post players in the NBA and his passing (both high post and in general) will should get open looks for all the talent on that roster. Nevermind his leadership, composure, championship experience, and team mentality impact. The guy is a net positive for any team, even if he's not playing well.

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.
--True. Look at their roster. No coach is coming in and setting up a system for them unless it's someone who can demand their attention from the get-go. The window for this team may only be a single season as well. The players will run the show and, imo, it's their best chance to succeed this year. However, I think this is a less than ideal situation for Kidd.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?
--Health. Always health. People might point to the 2004 Lakers, but that team probably would have won if GP and Malone could stay healthy. They played against an incredible defensive Pistons team with tremendous chemistry.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.
--False. Second round exit.

[EnoughSaid]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?
- It's a brilliant trade if the Nets are in WIN-NOW mode, which they clearly are. Prokhorov has clearly stated that he wants to bring a championship as soon as possible. The pieces they gave away (Brooks, Bogans and Humphries) weren't really anything special either.

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?
- Deron Williams needs to step up and become one of the best point guards in the league. He has all the weapons around him that are necessary to win a championship, he just needs to manage the team and get everyone on the same page. Kidd will help with that.

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.
-True, because out of all the options available, he seemed like the best choice.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?
- Health and chemistry are kind of at the same level in terms of importance. If the team is Healthy and their chemistry is off, then they're not going anywhere. If the team is gelling well but are hurt, then nothing is going to happen. So they need to balance out.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.
- False. There is 3 teams that are clearly better than them (Heat, Pacers, Bulls) and I don't see the full roster staying healthy for a full season and a deep playoff run.

[VCDrivesAPorscheToWork]

The 2012-2013 Nets swept the season series vs the Pacers.

While that does not mean this new team would sweep the Pacers with Granger, it does mean that more people should take note and not just say:

"Heat is a lock... and so is.... oh let's go with Pacers or Bulls because I'll get ridiculed on ISH!"

What if the Knicks make the ECF and the Heat don't?

[Fresh Kid]

http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site36/2013/0722/20130722__nate-robinson2~p1.jpghttp://a.espncdn.com/photo/2013/0503/nba_u_knickscel_cr_576.jpghttp://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1247481!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_635/melo-kg-knicks-celtics.jpg

[EnoughSaid]

Aight Fresh Kid, you're a Knicks fan and you're trying to talk shit? :roll:

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2013/05/20/sports/basketball/20araton-pic/20araton-pic-articleLarge-v2.jpg

http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/0c9109c71ea0524d9fe840f91fabd67bb94a26a9/r=537&c=0-0-534-712/local/-/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2013/03/03/lebrondunk-3_4.jpg

http://images.freshnessmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/miami-heat-2013-nba-championship-after-party-at-story-miami-event-recap-08-570x856.jpg

:rockon:

[The JKidd Kid]

Aight Fresh Kid, you're a Knicks fan and you're trying to talk shit? :roll:

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2013/05/20/sports/basketball/20araton-pic/20araton-pic-articleLarge-v2.jpg

http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/0c9109c71ea0524d9fe840f91fabd67bb94a26a9/r=537&c=0-0-534-712/local/-/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2013/03/03/lebrondunk-3_4.jpg

http://images.freshnessmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/miami-heat-2013-nba-championship-after-party-at-story-miami-event-recap-08-570x856.jpg

:rockon:

:cheers:

[G-train]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?
Skeptical. Will depend heavily on how much KG can play. Terry is cooked and Pierce is getting older too, there will be some decline.
2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?
Garnett.
3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.
FALSE.
4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?
Health, then chemistry.
5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.
FALSE

[Wavves]

Fresh Kid doesn't do anything but bag other teams even though he has nothing to brag about. Contributes nothing to this forum at all except for being a really bad troll and an idiot.

I love these five question threads by the way, keep them coming

[Wavves]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?
Brilliant trade because it makes them better than they were before. It may not work, but the franchise has taken a risk to get a championship so I like it.

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?
AK47, dude is going to be massive come playoff time.

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.
Have to say false, the win now approach doesn't really suit the head coach hiring. Why not pick a experienced coach to lead the team. Nothing against Kidd though, he will be a good coach, it's just risky.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?
Health easy.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.
False. I just don't see them beating the Pacers, Heat or the Bulls as of yet. Who knows though.

[Derka]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical? Eh, a little bit of both. The Nets clearly want to win NOW and they certainly grabbed some good pieces to get that done, especially with Miami getting a year older. Pierce taking a smaller role the Celtics could never give him should prolong his usefulness...and a 37-year old KG is still KG. However, if they don't win now, and I mean right now, they sold off a big chunk of their future for nothing.

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success? Joe Johnson. The guy *has* to do more than just do the things that Joe Johnson has always done. If he can elevate his game, Brooklyn will be on another level. If he's content to just be Joe Johnson and cash his check on that, the Nets will remain a first/second round exit.

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach. I want to say False, but this one's tough to answer without having seen him coach a game before. I certainly think he's a better option than PJ Carlesimo.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets? Tough one. I'm going with health. I think this team has enough veteran presence on it, including in the head coaching slot, to make the chemistry and defense a little easier to sort out. Several of these guys have been on deep playoff runs and know what has to be done. Strained quads and planar faciwhatever tears just throw all that chemistry and hard work right in the shitter.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season. False. I think the Bulls and Pacers will be duking it out to face Miami.

[Fresh Kid]

Aight Fresh Kid, you're a Knicks fan and you're trying to talk shit? :roll:

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2013/05/20/sports/basketball/20araton-pic/20araton-pic-articleLarge-v2.jpg

http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/0c9109c71ea0524d9fe840f91fabd67bb94a26a9/r=537&c=0-0-534-712/local/-/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2013/03/03/lebrondunk-3_4.jpg

http://images.freshnessmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/miami-heat-2013-nba-championship-after-party-at-story-miami-event-recap-08-570x856.jpg

:rockon:
http://i.usatoday.net/communitymanager/_photos/game-on/2011/06/14/LeBron%20Jamesx-inset-community.jpghttp://niketalk.com/content/type/61/id/115565/width/350/height/700/flags/LLhttp://www.knicksstateofmind.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/1999-knicks-houston.jpghttp://www.totalprosports.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/9-knicks-heat-1999-biggest-nba-playoff-upsets.jpeg

[Fresh Kid]

Fresh Kid doesn't do anything but bag other teams even though he has nothing to brag about. Contributes nothing to this forum at all except for being a really bad troll and an idiot.

I love these five question threads by the way, keep them coming
What do I have to do with anything?:oldlol: you one of tha worst posters of all time knowing you lost that bet to me:lol

[Wavves]

What do I have to do with anything?:oldlol: you one of tha worst posters of all time knowing you lost that bet to me:lol

This post just gave me cancer.

[Fresh Kid]

This post just gave me cancer.
:lol what a comeback:lol

[Wavves]

:lol what a comeback:lol
:facepalm

[BallsOut]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?
Brilliant trade. Late 1st rounders every year are useless to a team that wants to win now.

KG is a huge upgrade over Evans. Pierce is one of the best shooters at SF in nba history and an upgrade over Wallace offensively. Terry adds scoring punch to an inconsistent bench.

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?

Deron Williams. He needs to be able to integrate all 5 guys and maximize their strengths. Step up and make this his team.

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.
False. 0 coaching experience. Sloan would've been perfect.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?

I'm going to go with health. KG teams never have defense or chemistry problems.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.

False. The Pacers upgraded as well and have a younger core.

[Shade8780]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?

Good trade. These three guys both have enough left in the tank to compete, and now since they'll have lesser roles than with the Celtics, they'll be fresh by playoff time.

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?

Deron Williams.

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.

False

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?

Health.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.

False.

[bagelred]

Hey there, ISH fans...did you know you can STILL answer the questions to previous teams ISH's FIVE QUESTIONS? Well, it's True!!!! Just go to the provided links in the Original Post and answer away. It's Fun and it's Free!


Insidehoops....More Threads, More Fun!!

[Peteballa]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?

Skeptical. New Jersey rolls the dice on three guys who are way past their primes and on the verge of retiring, sacrificing four first rounders in doing so. While I won't say it's a bad trade, it isn't brilliant, either. It has the chance of backfiring terribly, much like the Knicks when they traded their future picks because they were in "win now" mode.

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?

Deron Williams has to be the man. He has to show that he is worthy of his superstar label and deserving of the max contract he received, as well as the hype that has surrounded him the last few years. People forget that Wiliams was in a debate with Chris Paul a few years ago for the title of best PG in the league - Williams needs to remind those people why that debate ever existed.

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.

False. While I love Jason Kidd as a player and believe that he has a tremendous basketball IQ, I feel as if he would have benefitted from a few years as an assistant coach before becoming the head coach, and that the Nets would have been better served with an experienced guy at the helm. While I feel Kidd has the long term potential at being one of the great coaches, I don't know if he will be able to do so this year or even next year, and the Nets have a very small window for winning a title.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?

Chemistry. While defense will be an issue and health will be a concern simply due to their ages and injury history, I believe chemistry will be the biggest challenge. Defense will be solid as long as KG is healthy and Deron / JJ do their part, and health won't be a large issue because of the likelihood that the Nets do what the Spurs have been doing with Manu and Duncan these last few years - resting KG / Pierce in the regular season and making sure that they don't break down.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.

Wait and see. While the Nets should be a fun team to watch and a story to follow for the season, there are three teams in the East who, as of right now without watching the Nets play, are better than them. The Bulls, Pacers and Heat are three proven teams that will make it difficult for Brooklyn to reach the ECF, though we can not count them out before even seeing them play again.

Oh, and great thread idea Bagel. I had a lot of fun answering these.

[kshutts1]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?

Skeptical. New Jersey rolls the dice on three guys who are way past their primes and on the verge of retiring, sacrificing four first rounders in doing so. While I won't say it's a bad trade, it isn't brilliant, either. It has the chance of backfiring terribly, much like the Knicks when they traded their future picks because they were in "win now" mode.

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?

Deron Williams has to be the man. He has to show that he is worthy of his superstar label and deserving of the max contract he received, as well as the hype that has surrounded him the last few years. People forget that Wiliams was in a debate with Chris Paul a few years ago for the title of best PG in the league - Williams needs to remind those people why that debate ever existed.

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.

False. While I love Jason Kidd as a player and believe that he has a tremendous basketball IQ, I feel as if he would have benefitted from a few years as an assistant coach before becoming the head coach, and that the Nets would have been better served with an experienced guy at the helm. While I feel Kidd has the long term potential at being one of the great coaches, I don't know if he will be able to do so this year or even next year, and the Nets have a very small window for winning a title.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?

Chemistry. While defense will be an issue and health will be a concern simply due to their ages and injury history, I believe chemistry will be the biggest challenge. Defense will be solid as long as KG is healthy and Deron / JJ do their part, and health won't be a large issue because of the likelihood that the Nets do what the Spurs have been doing with Manu and Duncan these last few years - resting KG / Pierce in the regular season and making sure that they don't break down.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.

Wait and see. While the Nets should be a fun team to watch and a story to follow for the season, there are three teams in the East who, as of right now without watching the Nets play, are better than them. The Bulls, Pacers and Heat are three proven teams that will make it difficult for Brooklyn to reach the ECF, though we can not count them out before even seeing them play again.

Oh, and great thread idea Bagel. I had a lot of fun answering these.

You're not the only one to bring up this point. I see the logic behind saying the Nets "gave up a lot", but my thinking is just... "you play to win the game". The Nets went all-in with a logical trade/attempt. I would have more reservations if they had gone all-in on less proven players. But taking all factors into account... New(ish) city, apparent (though I disagree) decline of the Heat, Westbrook, Kobe and Rose coming back from ailments, Duncan getting older, Indiana waiting on George (though maybe no need to "wait" anymore)... this was arguably the best season to attempt such a ridiculously awesome idea.

I wish my team would be this bold and direct in their attempts to win a title, rather than be complacent. Assuming the Nets were my team, and even if they don't win a title with this gamble, 5 years from now I'd still be proud of their effort and I'd have that much more faith that management will NOT settle for mediocrity, and will go down swinging. That's a team worth rooting for. This trade, even if it doesn't win them the title, puts the Brooklyn Nets strongly in the forefront of the NBA, and labels them, and their ownership, as a force to be reckoned with.

[bagelred]

You're not the only one to bring up this point. I see the logic behind saying the Nets "gave up a lot", but my thinking is just... "you play to win the game". The Nets went all-in with a logical trade/attempt. I would have more reservations if they had gone all-in on less proven players.



Can you imagine the backlash if the Knicks did the same exact trade...giving up 4 first rounders for 3 guys over 36 years of age? :oldlol: My god, the media would be RELENTLESS....same old Knicks.....Isiah never left....joke of the league...yada yada....

Nets do it and they are praised. :oldlol: :hammerhead: I mean, it could work, maybe the CeltNets experiment pays off....it's just funny how the media works sometimes.

[kshutts1]

Can you imagine the backlash if the Knicks did the same exact trade...giving up 4 first rounders for 3 guys over 36 years of age? :oldlol: My god, the media would be RELENTLESS....same old Knicks.....Isiah never left....joke of the league...yada yada....

Nets do it and they are praised. :oldlol: :hammerhead: I mean, it could work, maybe the CeltNets experiment pays off....it's just funny how the media works sometimes.

Only factor you overlooked is the Knicks are already.. THE KNICKS.

The Nets are an afterthought in their "own" city. They need to tell the NBA world that they're for real, they're playing to win, yada yada yada. The Knicks do not need to do that.

[fpliii]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?

Brilliant if KG is healthy and continues to defy age. The other guys aren't going to give you all that much at this point, though it'd be interesting to see Pierce playing like VC primarily as a spot-up shooter.

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?

Lopez. If he can continue to improve, the Nets will have an incredible two-headed monster in their bigs.

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.

False, PR move. Make no mistake though, Lawrence Frank will be running the team (at the very least until Kidd gets his feet wet).

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?

Health. This is a team of veterans without ego problems (DWill aside, potentially). If KG's healthy the defense will be fine (again, unless he completely falls off).

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.

False. Two of Miami, Chicago, Indiana will make the ECF. I don't see the Nets holding up health-wise, and even then it's close.

[kNicKz]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?

Skeptical. KG was a great pick up but Pierce will likely physically crumble in the new system. Jason Terry was awful last year too.

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?

Deron Willians. If he can't beat the Bulls D-League team then what the hell is his purpose? He needs to prove himself

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.
Smart hire. Jason Kidd knows everything there is to know about coaching basketball. Many other point guards have become head coaches. He will make a couple rookie mistakes but this was a great long term pick up I think.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?

If any 3 of these elements are off the Nets will suck. One of them is bound to be off.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.

False. They aren't better than the Pacers, Bulls, or Heat

[MTing]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?
Brilliant. Proky wanted a ring in 5 years and now he has his shot. Our future might take a hit but it'll all be worth it if we win that chip.

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?
I think it'll be Deron Williams. The offense runs through him and if he can average 10 assist a game and maintain a good flow to our offense, we'll be pretty hard to stop.

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.
False. It was a very risky hire. I love Jason Kidd, he's probably my favorite PG of all time but he doesn't have the coaching experience yet. But if anyone come right out of the gate and coach its him. So time will tell.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?
Definitely health. KG and PP have been pretty healthy the last few seasons and they've proven they can still play. Hopefully we don't get the injury bug this season. Brook's foot is also suspect but he should be ready to go for training camp.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.
I think it'll depend on who finishes where in the East. A lot of people are writing the Pacers to be in the ECF again with the Heat but with Rose coming back to the Bulls and the Nets improving it's hard to say who will face the Heat.

[embersyc]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?

Hey if you can get guys like KG and Pierce and Jason Terry you have to go for it. They are all old, but I'm sure they will all play their hearts out this season.

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?

Deron Williams. He is going to have to become a great distributor with all that talent around him. Knowing who to give the ball to and what time is going to be very important.

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.

False. If everybody buys in then it could work, but I could see guys being salty listening to a guy they were playing against just last season.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?

Health. Basically if Pierce and Garnett can stay healthy then the Nets have a shot at doing something.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.

This really depends on the seeding. I'm not sure they can beat Indiana or the Heat, so if they can avoid playing one of those teams in the first 2 rounds then sure.

[Dr. Cheesesteak]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?
Skeptical. Guys are old and Nets lost a lot of depth in the trade (though they made up for it in FA). It really seemed more like a soccer move to me, given Prok's Russian influence.

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?
Deron Williams. If he can run the offense well and put KG, Pierce, and Lopez in good positions to score, the Nets should be fine. Plus he should be getting some mentoring by JKidd.

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.
False. I don't like the hire. Again, another soccer move by Prok. What has Kidd done to prove he can coach a team? Especially one filled w/ so many vets that probably view him as a peer, rather than a coach.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?
Health. Though I don't think any of the 3 will be a big challenge.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.

False. Most likely they'll have to play Chicago, Indy, New York, or Cleveland in the first round. Then Miami, Chicago, or Indy in subsequent rounds. Seems like a tall order for an old team w/ a rookie coach.

[Mr Know It All]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?

Little bit of both, but ultimately I think it's a good trade considering the short term goals of the franchise. Ownership wants a championship, and this move shows that's what they are gunning for.

KG and Pierce are still plenty effective, as is Jason Terry as a shooter off the bench.

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?


Deron Williams. From how cohesive this team is, to clicking with head coach Jason Kidd, it all comes down to the point guard and best player.

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.

False. Forgetting Deron Williams' history with head coaches, I just don't like the mix of a rookie HC with a veteran team. Add to that all the pressure on Kidd to win a championship in his first year.

Whether or not he will be a decent head coach or not remains to be seen. But considering the situation I think it's a bad hire.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?

Chemistry, with health a close second.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.

False. Eastern semis, with a loss likely against the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, or Indiana Pacers.

[fefe]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?

Brilliant.
I know that KG, Pierce and Terry are not in their prime anymore, but look what the Nets gave up:
Gerald Wallace who just had a horrible season, and is owed 30 mill guaranteed money in the next 3 years,
Humphries' expiring contract,
Marshon Brooks, who has some talent, but is not a sure bet to stay in the league for long, as his defense is very suspect,
3 first round picks, probably none of them will be in the lottery.
(I'm not counting the 4th pick, where Boston has the right to switch, bacause they will have the better pick anyway.)

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?

Williams - I'm not worried about him. he will become more of a passer and less of a scorer. He will distribute, and average 10+ assists. He will be back in the discussions with CP3 for best PG in the league.
Lopez - If he can stay healthy he will stay one of the best offensive centers in the league, KG's midrange jumper will provide him much more space to operate than he had next to Evans and Humphries. He will also improve defensively next to Garnett.
Pierce - he is 36. He does not have to bring anything special, he can be the 4th option, he has to play good team defense, and take what the defense gives him. He will have a lot of space to operate. His shooting will be a tremendous improvement over Wallace.
Garnett - he is 37. 5th option on offense. He needs to bring his leadership, his defense, his passing and his midrange shooting. No matter how much he declines he will be a huge upgrade over Evans and Humphries.
AK47 - he will get enough playing time backing up both KG and Pierce, he has been super consistent his whole career, he has to bring his defense, passing and bball iq.
Terry - he can be somewhat of an X factor, since either he will play well, provide extra scoring of the bench, or if he just can not bring it anymore being 36, and very undersized for his position. His role will not be big enough, so the Nets can be just as good if Terry doesn't show up, as Alan Anderson will take over the backup SG spot if necessary, and he was also a 10+ ppg scorer last season on the raptors.

Te X factor is going to be Joe Johnson.
I think all the other guys will be able to fit in, and assume a role where they can give their all, contribute with all their skills, without becoming selfish and also not disappearing.
I'm not affraid of Joe becoming selfish, but I'm affraid that with so many other offensive options around him he might develop a tendency to disappear. If he can find his role in this system, the Nets will be very good.

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.

I can not predict. For this current roster full of veterans, a veteran coach might have been a better choice, but Kidd had influence on KG waiving his no trade clause, and all the players love that he is the coach, so it might turn out just fine.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?

I'm not really worried about chemistry and defense. Healthy can be an issue, but they are a very deep team, so I'm not worried about Garnett, Pierce, Kirilenko missing even 15-20 regular season games each with smaller injuries or even for rest, as long as they are healthy in the playoffs.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.


I think they will beat the Bulls or the Pacers in a 7 game series, so if the road to the conference finals does not go through the Heat, I really think the Nets will get there.

[jbryan1984]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical? I THINK THAT AS LONG AS THE RUSSIAN BILLIONAIRE DOES NOT MIND GOING OVER THE CAP, IT WAS A GOOD TRADE FOR THEM WITHOUT DOUBT. THEY WANNA WIN NOW.

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success? I SUPPOSE BROOK LOPEZ BECAUSE I STILL THINK WE ARE YET TO SEE HIS CEILING.

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach. FALSE. NO EXPERIENCE EVER FROM WHAT I HAVE HEARD. THE ONLY THING HE REALLY GOT GOING IS THAT HE WAS CONSIDERED TO BE ONE OF THE BETTER COACH EXTENSIONS ON THE FLOOR.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets? I THINK HEALTH. PP AND KG ARE GETTING UP THERE IN AGE. CHEMISTRY COMES INTO PLAY TOO BECAUSE HALF THE LINEUP IS USED TO ONE WAY AND THE OTHER HALF ANOTHER WAY, UNLIKE THE USUAL ONE MAN COMES IN AND LEARNS.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season. I WOULD HOPE SO. SOMETHING WRONG IF THEY DON'T.

[nerds]

Paul Pierce may be 36 but he is still an elite talent in the NBA and will eventually be the deciding factor if the Nets take the title.

Everyone talks its Derons team, I don't buy that as its Paul Pierces if he wants it!

Don't underestimate Paul Pierce and likewise KG as these guys have what Deron, Lopez and Johnson don't and that's a take over the game, killer instinct!

Ohh a reminder, Paul Pierce is not just a shooter!

[Chrono90]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.
:

1. Yes it's a good trade. The East got stronger this year. Nets need all the talent they can get if they want to win now.

3. No. He needs to at least be assistant for some time first.

4. Health

5. Yes.

[Thorpesaurous]

It's August 1st!!! No draft, signings done, no Summer League. Two months of nothingness......so it's time to do some ANALYSIS!!! One team at a time!!!

A brand new series which is not similar to any other sports websites idea....called....... ISH's FIVE QUESTIONS.

So let's go through the league alphabetically, shall we? :applause:

Previous teams:

Atlanta Hawks: http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=309213
Boston Celtics: http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=309651


Today's team?

THE BROOKLYN NETS

PG - Williams/Livingston/Taylor
SG - Johnson/Terry/Anderson
SF - Pierce/Kirilenko/Shengelia
PF - Lopez/Blatche/Plumlee
C - Garnett/Evans/Teletovic

Head Coach - Jason Kidd
General Manager - Billy King




1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.



You can elaborate on your answers. :D


:banana:


1) Like almost everything in life, the trade probably falls somewhere between something I'd consider Brilliant, and something I'm skeptical of. But if I'm a baseball style arbitrator and have to pick one or the other, I'd go toward brilliant.
Pierce and Garnett aren't long for this world, so cap space wise they don't kill you. You have to swallow JET's deal, but otherwise it's basically two late first rounders for a shot to really contend for at least next year, maybe two. I'm fine with that from a Net's perspective. And I'm a Celtic fan, and frankly I'm ok with it from there end too. You hope you get a second good pick if this team melts down physically, but you're adding young cheap assets at the end of the first round regardless. They had no title run left in that roster.

2) I lean toward Deron. I saw him twice last year in person. Once in February against the Heat, and he looked like me. Just not in great shape. Mostly relying on jumpers and bully tactics. Then again in the classic Bulls Nets playoff games, where he looked like a totally different player, although it didn't end well, he just looked so much better. He's gotta be the best player on this team night to night. The game isn't played inside out enough anymore for it to be Lopez. He's gonna be surrounded by weapons on offense. KG is a classic Pick and Pop option. Deron Williams has to at least be on the fringe of the MVP conversation this year, sort of the way Tony Parker was last year, for this to totally be a success.

3) I love Jason Kidd, but I'm gonna say no. And I didn't like it before the trade, and after the trade it seems almost silly. First, I'm a little suspicous of truely great players as coaches, especially ones as intuitive as Kidd. It was really rough for Magic. Whereas guys like Larry and Russell, who were a little more technique based, seem to do better. But it's more the midlevel career grinders who seem to make great coaches out of the former players. With all the money they spent, I'da been inclined to chase a big name. But perhaps take someone with a better resume. Brian Shaw I really liked. So along with Kidd not being a great fit in my mind anyway, now you're combining this roster with a coach that's never set a lineup. I'm rooting for him, but I don't think it's a great situation. Before the trade it made some sense from a marketing standpoint. And perhaps the team could grow with him. Now it doesn't look good to me at all.

4) Health I think is the gimme here. But this team looks to have enough depth with AK behind both Pierce and Garnett, to at least cut the minutes for those guys. And honestly I think this group fits together pretty nice. JJ and PP maybe are a little more ball dominant than wings you'd typically want with a ball heavy PG like Deron. But they also will allow Deron to come off screens and play a little without having used his dribble. JJ in particular is a very good facilitator. And they spread the floor well, and have good size. Combined with AK, they may not be stoppers, but they give you a lot of good bodies to throw at Lebron come playoff time. And Garnett couldn't fit better as a player next to Lopez and Deron. Pick and Pop with Deron. Spacing for Deron off the bounce. Spacing for Brooke on the block. And he helps so much of Brooke's defensive liabilities.
You can make a case for some concern of personality clash between KG, who is a sociopath, and Lopez, who's basically a 7-2 third grader. And even Deron who wilted under the intensity of Jerry Sloan type coach, and now KG is going to bring some of that to the floor, with no time to grown into it. Pierce may be a little pouty, or he may come out with something to prove.

5) I won't say yes or no, but they're right there with the Heat, Indy, and Bulls. I have no issue saying those are without question the four best teams in the east. They're certainly a cut above everyone else. ECF is mostly dependant on how things fall.

[Sharmer]

AK47 is being paid under the table. Russian mafia style.

[Hittin_Shots]

AK47 is being paid under the table. Russian mafia style.

Maybe he just wanted a billionaire countryman as a friend?

[I<3NBA]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?

Skeptical. An expensive move for a possible broken toy.

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?

Kevin Garnett. If he is healthy, they have a chance to beat the Heat.

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.

True. a Nets Legend, he has the hometown backing. A true court general, transition from player to coach would be easier.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?

health. chemistry is not an issue, with veteran players aboard, gelling will be easier. defense too is much improved with KG and Kirilenko on board.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.

false. they got together too late. they had a chance last year, when Rose was out and the Pacers were weaker. now Pacers are scarier with a stronger bench and Rose is back. no way in hell they beat either for a chance to meet the Heat in the ECF.

[INDI]

No draft, signings done, no Summer League. Two months of nothingness......so it's time to do some ANALYSIS!!! One team at a time!!!

A brand new series which is not similar to any other sports websites idea....called....... ISH's FIVE QUESTIONS.

So let's go through the league alphabetically, shall we? :applause:

Previous teams:

Atlanta Hawks: http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=309213
Boston Celtics: http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=309651


Today's team?

THE BROOKLYN NETS

PG - Williams/Livingston/Taylor
SG - Johnson/Terry/Anderson
SF - Pierce/Kirilenko/Shengelia
PF - Lopez/Blatche/Plumlee
C - Garnett/Evans/Teletovic

Head Coach - Jason Kidd
General Manager - Billy King




1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.



You can elaborate on your answers. :D


:banana:

1. Brilliant!!! They got tons of talent and gave nothing away, who cares about draft picks that wont amount to much. With the trades at the very least it made the nets a team that needs to be in the conversation for contender and thats all that you can hope for. Before prok. They were a bottom feeder franchise, 3 years later they are contenders, whoa.

2. X factor is williams. People forget that at times he looks like the best pg in the league. If anyone was to have a great season, i would say his would be the most impactful.

3. I admit that kidd was a risky decision but it was a low risk high reward decision. If kidd ist two wet behind the ears then lawrence frank will have a more vocal role ad they will barely skip a beat, but what if Kidd is as much of a genius on the sideline that he was on the court? Big payoff.

4.Health is the only thing that can stop them. There are no super selfish players so they will all be in win now mode. Also they are all above average defenders so they should be around 10th in league defense.

5.true they will be in the eastern conf finals

[niko]

1. Brilliant!!! They got tons of talent and gave nothing away, who cares about draft picks that wont amount to much. With the trades at the very least it made the nets a team that needs to be in the conversation for contender and thats all that you can hope for. Before prok. They were a bottom feeder franchise, 3 years later they are contenders, whoa.

2. X factor is williams. People forget that at times he looks like the best pg in the league. If anyone was to have a great season, i would say his would be the most impactful.

3. I admit that kidd was a risky decision but it was a low risk high reward decision. If kidd ist two wet behind the ears then lawrence frank will have a more vocal role ad they will barely skip a beat, but what if Kidd is as much of a genius on the sideline that he was on the court? Big payoff.

4.Health is the only thing that can stop them. There are no super selfish players so they will all be in win now mode. Also they are all above average defenders so they should be around 10th in league defense.

5.true they will be in the eastern conf finals
Let me guess, you're a Nets fan?

[INDI]

Let me guess, you're a Nets fan?

All things Brooklyn for me. That's my hometown so the moment I knew they were moving there is when I chose them as my new team.

10th is not unrealistic, you only have around 6 great defensive teams (heat, pacers, bulls, thunder, grizz, spurs) am I correct? That still leaves room for 3 other teams to be ahead of them. They have KG, AK47, Reggie Evans and Alan Anderson, all are well above average defenders and then you have a bunch of veterans that now how to play as well as length. Whats there not to like about their defense?

[It's A VC3!!!]

Top 10 in defense seems right. I would say 7th. They were fourth in least amount of points allowed last season and an abysmal 18th in defensive rating. The addition of Kevin and AK should put us in the top 10. Hopefully KG makes Brook a defensive beast. If that happens, 7th is realistic.

[Fresh Kid]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?
Skeptical and stupid:oldlol:
2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?
kirlenko.
3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.
FALSE:facepalm
4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?
Health. too many old bagz in tha set:oldlol:
5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season. TRIPLE FALSE:lol :roll: :oldlol:

[gigantes]

whoa, nice! it's hard to know when a decent thread will pop up in this wretched hive of scum and villainy.


anyway, seems like boozehound and thorp pretty much nailed it. what else is there to add? i say enjoy the ride... try not to freak out if / when it comes up a little short.

as a nets fan, this will be the first season in years that should be truly fascinating. last year i didn't like the mix of parts from the very beginning... could barely keep my eyes open half way through the season. :facepalm

[niko]

Top 10 in defense seems right. I would say 7th. They were fourth in least amount of points allowed last season and an abysmal 18th in defensive rating. The addition of Kevin and AK should put us in the top 10. Hopefully KG makes Brook a defensive beast. If that happens, 7th is realistic.
I'm sure Brook, who responds awful to being yelled at will respond great to KG who isn't a sociopath or anything.

[bagelred]

http://nba.si.com/2013/08/26/offseason-grades-brooklyn-nets-kevin-garnett-jason-kidd/?sct=nba_t11_a2

Every other selection has been dealt in total or via the right for a trade partner to take the Nets’ pick if it’s higher than its own. Here’s the breakdown:

2014
First round: No pick. The Hawks can swap picks with the Nets as part of last year’s Joe Johnson deal, and the lesser of the two picks is now owed to Boston from the Garnett-Pierce-Wallace trade.
Second round: No pick. It was traded to Boston (along with the rights to JaJuan Johnson) in 2011 for the rights to MarShon Brooks. Philadelphia now owns this pick.

2015
First round: The Hawks can swap picks with the Nets as part of the Johnson deal.
Second round: No pick. It was traded to Utah for Mehmet Okur in 2011.

2016
First round: No pick. It was traded to Boston in the Garnett-Pierce-Wallace deal.
Second round: The Clippers can swap picks with the Nets as part of the the Evans sign-and-trade deal last year. (The Clippers lose the ability to swap second-round picks if their own choice falls in the 56-60 range.)

2017
First round: The Celtics can swap picks with the Nets as part of the Garnett-Pierce-Wallace deal.
Second round: No pick. It was traded to Atlanta in the Johnson deal.

2018
First round: No pick. It was traded to Boston in the Garnett-Pierce-Wallace deal.
Second round: Brooklyn has this selection.

:roll:

[chips93]

:roll:

how is that possible?

i thought you cant traded first rounders 2 years in a row?

[niko]

how is that possible?

i thought you cant traded first rounders 2 years in a row?
Every other year they trade places, still have a pick, just will be the worse of their's and the Celtics and Hawks.

If Nets don't win a title this might be remembered very badly in retrospect. It will be a total second guess but that never stopped anyone before.

[It's A VC3!!!]

I'm sure Brook, who responds awful to being yelled at will respond great to KG who isn't a sociopath or anything.
How do you know brooks responds awful to being yelled at? In my years of watching brook play as a net, he's never been yelled at. plus, brook is not the guy to flip out. especially if kg is yelling at him. wow, you really try to reach for ANYTHING negative even when there's nothing to reach for when it comes to the nets.:oldlol:

[niko]

How do you know brooks responds awful to being yelled at? In my years of watching brook play as a net, he's never been yelled at. plus, brook is not the guy to flip out. especially if kg is yelling at him. wow, you really try to reach for ANYTHING negative even when there's nothing to reach for when it comes to the nets.:oldlol:
There's tons of information about him and Avery, the fact his rebounding and defense got worse and worse under Avery, that he didn't like the yelling and needling. Did you not see him play and be rooted the spot like a tree while Avery yelled at everything the Nets did?

Based on everything we know about Brook's personality that's a huge stretch to assume it will be great. Brook is the most non confrontasional person in the world and likes to talk about superman and batman. KG is a sociopath who is intense all of the time. When KG yells at Brook to get the **** down the court or he'll punch him in the head, Brook will absolutely 100% respond well? I say maybe, maybe not. You say of course. Based on what?

Did you see any Laker games last year?

[The JKidd Kid]

There's tons of information about him and Avery, the fact his rebounding and defense got worse and worse under Avery, that he didn't like the yelling and needling. Did you not see him play and be rooted the spot like a tree while Avery yelled at everything the Nets did?

Based on everything we know about Brook's personality that's a huge stretch to assume it will be great. Brook is the most non confrontasional person in the world and likes to talk about superman and batman. KG is a sociopath who is intense all of the time. When KG yells at Brook to get the **** down the court or he'll punch him in the head, Brook will absolutely 100% respond well? I say maybe, maybe not. You say of course. Based on what?

Did you see any Laker games last year?
This is literally the 1st time I've ever heard anything about Avery having a bad effect on Lopez, just saying.

[niko]

This is literally the 1st time I've ever heard anything about Avery having a bad effect on Lopez, just saying.

Because you decided to become a Net fan the day Jason Kidd took over, just saying. We have conversations back and forth ad nasuem about Avery, you know - when you were a fan of a different team.

Look, if i were to bet i'd bet Garnett has a good impact on Lopez but saying it's 100% definitely going to work means you are either just being a fanboy or just aren't knowledgable because personality wise, those two are miles apart, and none of the Celtics main pieces were like Brook personality wise.)

(Note: If you come back to tell me Brook is this badass then I'm not conversing with you anymore because making shit up doesn't make for good conversation.)

[The JKidd Kid]

Because you decided to become a Net fan the day Jason Kidd took over, just saying. We have conversations back and forth ad nasuem about Avery, you know - when you were a fan of a different team.

Look, if i were to bet i'd bet Garnett has a good impact on Lopez but saying it's 100% definitely going to work means you are either just being a fanboy or just aren't knowledgable because personality wise, those two are miles apart, and none of the Celtics main pieces were like Brook personality wise.)

(Note: If you come back to tell me Brook is this badass then I'm not conversing with you anymore because making shit up doesn't make for good conversation.)

You're right, I have been a Nets fan since Kidd took over... In 2001. Also, I think Brook is going to respond poorly to Garnett. I actually think that Brook is one of the most overrated players in the league, most people don't understand how much he has benefitted in his career with Williams/ Carter/ Johnson creating shots for him. The only reason Nets fans value him so much is because we drafted him, I honestly think its the funniest thing in the world when Nets fans blame Williams/Johnson/Evans for losses but dont mention anything about Brooks ridiculously soft and slow interior defense because he is considered untouchable by most Nets fans and apparently he can do no wrong. I would honestly trade him for Marcin Gortat if I had the chance. I'm just saying that I never heard anything about Johnson hurting Brook in any way.

[niko]

You're right, I have been a Nets fan since Kidd took over... In 2001. Also, I think Brook is going to respond poorly to Garnett. I actually think that Brook is one of the most overrated players in the league, most people don't understand how much he has benefitted in his career with Williams/ Carter/ Johnson creating shots for him. The only reason Nets fans value him so much is because we drafted him, I honestly think its the funniest thing in the world when Nets fans blame Williams/Johnson/Evans for losses but dont mention anything about Brooks ridiculously soft and slow interior defense because he is considered untouchable by most Nets fans and apparently he can do no wrong. I would honestly trade him for Marcin Gortat if I had the chance. I'm just saying that I never heard anything about Johnson hurting Brook in any way.
Im just busting chops, you don't have to justify your fandom to me. :lol

I've heard Brook doesn't react well to the yelling, that basically he just doesn't have that kind of twitch reaction if someone yells GO LEFT! to suddenly go left. He's not soft. He's slow and a bit sensitive. I know people who met him, say he's about the nicest human being you've ever met, but his interests are all outside bball. Plus ive seen it, went to a few Net games right on the baseline. Avery was a total prick. Nothing was his fault, rolled his eyes, yelled when they ****ed up to no one in particular just to make sure everyone noted it was not his fault but their **** up, just was frustrated and angry at all times.

[gigantes]

in the following img, brook very politely takes a seat after avery very politely tells him to sit down.

http://i.minus.com/iCb2jKKFmyAY5.gif

[niko]

in the following img, brook very politely takes a seat after avery very politely tells him to sit down.

http://i.minus.com/iCb2jKKFmyAY5.gif

Great picture.

If anyone ever wants to see what was bad about Avery as coach, go find a tape of the loss to OKC in 2 OT (i think) from 2011. He was abrasive, he was blaming everyone, going into histrionics, in a game the nets had a chance of winning. It was completely the player's fault, and he wanted you to know it, and they hated him for it.

[The JKidd Kid]

Great picture.

If anyone ever wants to see what was bad about Avery as coach, go find a tape of the loss to OKC in 2 OT (i think) from 2011. He was abrasive, he was blaming everyone, going into histrionics, in a game the nets had a chance of winning. It was completely the player's fault, and he wanted you to know it, and they hated him for it.

Exactly, Avery was a peice of shit, worthless, negative coach, not to mention he was completely insane and a control freak. I honestly don't understand how that Dallas team dealt with that condescending midget asshole.

[gigantes]

Exactly, Avery was a peice of shit, worthless, negative coach, not to mention he was completely insane and a control freak. I honestly don't understand how that Dallas team dealt with that condescending midget asshole.
IIRC he did a nice job for them on the defensive side, then when he got promoted it was pretty much the peter principle at work. of course, the same thing has happened to lots of other head coaches who turned out to be busts at that level.

i'm sure he does plenty of good things... he just doesn't seem to have the personality to wear the captain's hat. of course, a lot of this is also on king and prokhy. you can't hire an under-performing coach followed by a virgin head coach and say you did very well in the hiring process. all you're left with is hoping that something good happens out of all that.

matter of fact, that's how the trades and the loss of draft picks has gone so far, as well. a lot of big, bold moves and a lot of hoping that it will pan out in the end. we'll see......

[niko]

IIRC he did a nice job for them on the defensive side, then when he got promoted it was pretty much the peter principle at work. of course, the same thing has happened to lots of other head coaches who turned out to be busts at that level.

i'm sure he does plenty of good things... he just doesn't seem to have the personality to wear the captain's hat. of course, a lot of this is also on king and prokhy. you can't hire an under-performing coach followed by a virgin head coach and say you did very well in the hiring process. all you're left with is hoping that something good happens out of all that.

matter of fact, that's how the trades and the loss of draft picks has gone so far, as well. a lot of big, bold moves and a lot of hoping that it will pan out in the end. we'll see......

The Nets make moves that if you take them separately, sound fine. But the problem is the moves are not the result of a plan, they are whatever tweaks their fancy at the moment. Kidd was made the coach, then they blew it up and got an uber veteran win now team. They made the JJ trade, used all their cap space, then tried to leap back into the D12 derby without cap room to use. They aren't following a definitive plan, and usually that comes back to bite you because it means at best you have no margin of error.

[The JKidd Kid]

The Nets make moves that if you take them separately, sound fine. But the problem is the moves are not the result of a plan, they are whatever tweaks their fancy at the moment. Kidd was made the coach, then they blew it up and got an uber veteran win now team. They made the JJ trade, used all their cap space, then tried to leap back into the D12 derby without cap room to use. They aren't following a definitive plan, and usually that comes back to bite you because it means at best you have no margin of error.

The JJ trade was a move to show Deron that they're committed to winning. I agree that the Kidd hiring and Celtics trade don't really mix, but the team does have a plan. That plan is to win now with this core, which they are very capable of doing and then in 2016 chase after the big name free agents. This team doesn't want to go through a rebuilding process, only a reloading.

[The JKidd Kid]

IIRC he did a nice job for them on the defensive side, then when he got promoted it was pretty much the peter principle at work. of course, the same thing has happened to lots of other head coaches who turned out to be busts at that level.

i'm sure he does plenty of good things... he just doesn't seem to have the personality to wear the captain's hat. of course, a lot of this is also on king and prokhy. you can't hire an under-performing coach followed by a virgin head coach and say you did very well in the hiring process. all you're left with is hoping that something good happens out of all that.

matter of fact, that's how the trades and the loss of draft picks has gone so far, as well. a lot of big, bold moves and a lot of hoping that it will pan out in the end. we'll see......

I don't really understand what you're trying to say. If you're trying to say that they traded draft picks for something that they hope will come together is some how a bad thing then that doesn't make sense because rebuilding through draft picks is the definition of "hoping everything goes well". Hell, the NBA is all about hoping everything goes well. The players/coaches that will constantly have a team in contention (Shaq, Lebron, Duncan, Popovic) are few and far between. The rest of the league has to just put the best team possible on the floor and hope everything works out, which the Nets, Bulls, Pacers, Clippers, Warriors etc. have all done.

[niko]

The JJ trade was a move to show Deron that they're committed to winning. I agree that the Kidd hiring and Celtics trade don't really mix, but the team does have a plan. That plan is to win now with this core, which they are very capable of doing and then in 2016 chase after the big name free agents. This team doesn't want to go through a rebuilding process, only a reloading.
Winning is not a plan, it's a hope. How you go about it is a plan. The Nets never had a thought of what kind of team they wanted to put around Deron, how they wanted to play, etc. Kidd said he wanted to run, remember that? The Nets are pretty much slow as shit. They got a rookie coach, then got vets. Got JJ to show Deron they loved him and ruined the D12 chase, which was fine except they re-entered the chase right after.

They have no plan. Reloading every few years isn't going to work, that's not a plan, that's hope. I've seen that plan.

[gigantes]

I don't really understand what you're trying to say. If you're trying to say that they traded draft picks for something that they hope will come together is some how a bad thing then that doesn't make sense because rebuilding through draft picks is the definition of "hoping everything goes well". Hell, the NBA is all about hoping everything goes well. The players/coaches that will constantly have a team in contention (Shaq, Lebron, Duncan, Popovic) are few and far between. The rest of the league has to just put the best team possible on the floor and hope everything works out, which the Nets, Bulls, Pacers, Clippers, Warriors etc. have all done.
relax, mate.

[Nets fan 93]

You're right, I have been a Nets fan since Kidd took over... In 2001. Also, I think Brook is going to respond poorly to Garnett. I actually think that Brook is one of the most overrated players in the league, most people don't understand how much he has benefitted in his career with Williams/ Carter/ Johnson creating shots for him. The only reason Nets fans value him so much is because we drafted him, I honestly think its the funniest thing in the world when Nets fans blame Williams/Johnson/Evans for losses but dont mention anything about Brooks ridiculously soft and slow interior defense because he is considered untouchable by most Nets fans and apparently he can do no wrong. I would honestly trade him for Marcin Gortat if I had the chance. I'm just saying that I never heard anything about Johnson hurting Brook in any way.
wow :wtf: also niko was riht, Avery was terrible for brook. please dont tell me you don't remember the game where Avery yanked Brook at the end of a close game that went into OT
Edit: gigantes was way ahead of me lol

[Nets fan 93]

Winning is not a plan, it's a hope. How you go about it is a plan. The Nets never had a thought of what kind of team they wanted to put around Deron, how they wanted to play, etc. Kidd said he wanted to run, remember that? The Nets are pretty much slow as shit. They got a rookie coach, then got vets. Got JJ to show Deron they loved him and ruined the D12 chase, which was fine except they re-entered the chase right after.

They have no plan. Reloading every few years isn't going to work, that's not a plan, that's hope. I've seen that plan.
Alright niko. You're a fan of the Knicks, correct? What exactly is their plan? Trading a future 1st round/2nd round pick for a player who was thought to be untradable? Signing metta world peace? Isn't JR Smith bad enough to have? Two crazies on the same team? Who do they have to help Melo win? Is a sixth man that worries more about Rihanna than the playoffs their thought? Is Tyson Chandler their thought? Felton? Get the man a damn robin already. The nets made an effort. If you have an option to improve your team while getting rid of two pretty blah contracts, you're gonna do it, Jason has never coached so running coulda been an option but hey he's played in many different systems so I'm sure he can adjust his book a little.

[The JKidd Kid]

Alright niko. You're a fan of the Knicks, correct? What exactly is their plan? Trading a future 1st round/2nd round pick for a player who was thought to be untradable? Signing metta world peace? Isn't JR Smith bad enough to have? Two crazies on the same team? Who do they have to help Melo win? Is a sixth man that worries more about Rihanna than the playoffs their thought? Is Tyson Chandler their thought? Felton? Get the man a damn robin already. The nets made an effort. If you have an option to improve your team while getting rid of two pretty blah contracts, you're gonna do it, Jason has never coached so running coulda been an option but hey he's played in many different systems so I'm sure he can adjust his book a little.

Niko has said several times that the Knicks are poorly managed, no need to remind or attack him.

[The JKidd Kid]

Winning is not a plan, it's a hope. How you go about it is a plan. The Nets never had a thought of what kind of team they wanted to put around Deron, how they wanted to play, etc. Kidd said he wanted to run, remember that? The Nets are pretty much slow as shit. They got a rookie coach, then got vets. Got JJ to show Deron they loved him and ruined the D12 chase, which was fine except they re-entered the chase right after.

They have no plan. Reloading every few years isn't going to work, that's not a plan, that's hope. I've seen that plan.

Ill give you that. I actually think they had plans, but couldn't go through with the plan fully. The JJ move was desperate, but it had to be done since the magic were being stubborn. The Kidd hire, IMO, was to help change the Nets losing culture into a winning one, they probably didnt know that they would Get KG and Peirce so they signed Kidd because he had the highest risk/reward. The Kidd hire was a bad move in hindsight, but it was a good move at the time. I think that the Nets are just taking the best options possible, such as JJ for spare parts and KG and Pierce for low draft picks. The Nets however, put a damn good team on the floor for not having a plan.

[niko]

Alright niko. You're a fan of the Knicks, correct? What exactly is their plan? Trading a future 1st round/2nd round pick for a player who was thought to be untradable? Signing metta world peace? Isn't JR Smith bad enough to have? Two crazies on the same team? Who do they have to help Melo win? Is a sixth man that worries more about Rihanna than the playoffs their thought? Is Tyson Chandler their thought? Felton? Get the man a damn robin already. The nets made an effort. If you have an option to improve your team while getting rid of two pretty blah contracts, you're gonna do it, Jason has never coached so running coulda been an option but hey he's played in many different systems so I'm sure he can adjust his book a little.
The Knicks plan is to build around Carmelo with shooters and good ball movement (2 pg) and then in 2 years to reset. Their coach is in on it too. Is it a title winning plan? Doesn't look like it. The Knicks in their history have barely ever had a good plan.

Look at the Pacers, how they build. Miami who puts shooters around Lebron. SA. Looking at the Knicks who have a crappy plan doesn't mean the Nets have a plan.

Net fans always say "what about the Knicks?" What about us? If your goal is to just be better than the Knicks? Lofty goal.

Tell me the Nets plan. WIN A TITLE is not a plan, it's a goal. Tell me their plan.

[Fresh Kid]

Niko has said several times that the Knicks are poorly managed, no need to remind or attack him.
man shut up,your team lost to tha 3rd string bulls in tha 1st damn round for cryin out loud:roll:

[niko]

Niko has said several times that the Knicks are poorly managed, no need to remind or attack him.

:lol shoot me...

[niko]

Ill give you that. I actually think they had plans, but couldn't go through with the plan fully. The JJ move was desperate, but it had to be done since the magic were being stubborn. The Kidd hire, IMO, was to help change the Nets losing culture into a winning one, they probably didnt know that they would Get KG and Peirce so they signed Kidd because he had the highest risk/reward. The Kidd hire was a bad move in hindsight, but it was a good move at the time. I think that the Nets are just taking the best options possible, such as JJ for spare parts and KG and Pierce for low draft picks. The Nets however, put a damn good team on the floor for not having a plan.
I think Gigantes agrees with me but not most other Net fans, for being all in, I'm not sure this is the best the Nets could do. They had a GM, they told him that he could trade every pick forever, pick up as much salary as they could forever, nothing was off the table. The Knicks put themselves in a similar spot actually.

The problem the Nets will run into if this all in doesn't work is historically title winning teams have that one or two good young guys (Miami being the exception) that blossom and turn very good to title winning. The Nets won't have those guys because those guys need to be drafted.

[niko]

man shut up,your team lost to tha 3rd string bulls in tha 1st damn round for cryin out loud:roll:
Deep. Very Deep.

[Nets fan 93]

Niko has said several times that the Knicks are poorly managed, no need to remind or attack him.
I mean he's a very knowledgable poster but he worries more about the nets than his own team I feel like

[Nets fan 93]

I think Gigantes agrees with me but not most other Net fans, for being all in, I'm not sure this is the best the Nets could do. They had a GM, they told him that he could trade every pick forever, pick up as much salary as they could forever, nothing was off the table. The Knicks put themselves in a similar spot actually.

The problem the Nets will run into if this all in doesn't work is historically title winning teams have that one or two good young guys (Miami being the exception) that blossom and turn very good to title winning. The Nets won't have those guys because those guys need to be drafted.
You don't think Brook Lopez is that one young guy!? The man has improved each year. Playoff experience will only help him

[Kurosawa0]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?

Brilliant because Prokhrov doesn't care about spending. The Nets were already a win-now team anyway. Its not like they would've been looking to clear cap and hoard draft picks in the next 3 to 5 years anyway. They've purchased a shot at a title, however small it might be, it's still a shot.

2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?

Brook Lopez. They will certainly need him to be huge to get past Miami, Chicago and/or Indy. If Lopez isn't dominant offensively I'm not sure much else matters.

3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.

False. I just can't imagine it ever being a good thing for any first year coach with zero previous coaching experience to start with a championship or bust season.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?

Health is always #1. They have enough talent to overcome hiccups with chemistry or defense. With several older players at key positions, health is definitely the issue to watch for.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.

False. I think they'll be in the second round, but Miami, Chicago and Indy should all be better. I'm just hoping we get a 4 vs 5 match up with New York in the first round.

[gigantes]

I think Gigantes agrees with me but not most other Net fans, for being all in, I'm not sure this is the best the Nets could do. They had a GM, they told him that he could trade every pick forever, pick up as much salary as they could forever, nothing was off the table. The Knicks put themselves in a similar spot actually.

The problem the Nets will run into if this all in doesn't work is historically title winning teams have that one or two good young guys (Miami being the exception) that blossom and turn very good to title winning. The Nets won't have those guys because those guys need to be drafted.
yep, mostly agree.

i do think that the nets field a very good team and have a reasonable plan, just that i can't push it any further than that. they're not quite what i'd think of as a champion-caliber team, although i'd love to be wrong. it's not a *great* plan to me because of all the risks involved.

so that's it, basically. i always try to make expectations match reality. not trying to put the team down or anything. but what makes me uneasy is when too many people onboard expect too much. not because i want conformity, but because it makes enjoying the team online, posting in game threads, analysing events that much more difficult. like riding a bus full of manic-depressives.

having said that, the nets do have some talented young assets to develop. the loss of picks is not going to hurt as much as some people think, particularly since those picks weren't going to be great, anyway. also because brooklyn has quickly become a premium destination. i mean, cap issues aside, prokhy is willing to pay insane amounts of money to squeeze players in any way possible. he's a players' dream. he makes them feel well-paid and valued even when they're only getting the minimum.

picks or no picks, star vets busting out or not, brooklyn is pretty much guaranteed to field very good teams as long as prokhy is in charge. maybe one of them will get hot at the right time and ride it to a trophy. we'll see...

[niko]

I mean he's a very knowledgable poster but he worries more about the nets than his own team I feel like
No, i fight with the Knick fans. It's more contained and hasn't been as bad but it will come. Wait until they want the coach fired and Melo traded this year if you want to see me go off. As Wilds09 here, me and him are lock step in our opinions on the Knicks. :lol

If you wanted to see me fight with the Knick fans, when we let Lin go and they were saying they'd never cheer for the Knicks again and we should have let Melo go and kept him. I wasn't in agreement. Or me and Bagel fighting endlessly that the Knicks shouldn't give up Mozgov and let it torpedo the Melo trade.

[ChuckOakley]

1. Nets trade for KG, Pierce, and Terry. Brilliant trade or Skeptical?
Brilliant for several reasons
a. They got rid of nothing win now.
Wallace, Bogans, Brooks, Joseph, Humphries - all bad players. Wallace the best of them and was awful last year.

b. The moved Wallace's 3/30 contract
That move actually puts them under the tax in 2015-2016 meaning they could do sign and trades, full MLE, BAE and avoid repeater penalties

c. They convinced Ainge to trade within the division which is rare

d. They upgraded their starting forwards from probably the worst pair in the league to one of the best.


2. Which Brooklyn Nets player do you consider the "X Factor" for this seasons success?
Kirilenko
Not very talked about, such a bargain of a signing. If KG sits out, AK moves to PF. He automatically is our best perimeter defender and brings chemistry from Utah. He also allows rest for PP.


3. TRUE or FALSE: Jason Kidd was a smart hire as Head Coach.
TRUE
Especially at the time.
The best coaches/minds are young coaches (Vogel, Spolstra) and why I would have been OK with Shaw as well. Kidd also can relate to and has played with some of these guys.
It's also forced us to fortify the bench beyond belief.

4. Chemistry, Defense, or Health: Which of these 3 will be the biggest challenge for the Nets?
Health should be #1 but I like our depth.
However, I am very skeptical about our perimeter defender. D.Will, PP, JJ all big for their position, but relatively slow. JT is old, Livingston not known for his D. Taylor and Anderson are good defenders, but third string. AK will be our best perimeter defender easily, but who's going to guard the Roses', Westbrook's and Parker's of the league? Our interior D will be fine with KG, Lopez and AK.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Brooklyn Nets will make the Eastern Conference Finals this season.
No idea.. it's all about match-ups. I like our odds against any team in the East, other than Miami. If we can avoid them all together or until the ECF, then yes.