The New Jersey Nets have reason to be excited this year
Head Coach: Avery Johnson (coaching record 194-70)
Last Year’s Record: 12-70 (missed playoffs)
New Arrivals: Troy Murphy, Travis Outlaw, Jordan Farmar, Anthony Morrow, Johan Petro, Quinton Ross, Joe Smith, Eddie Gill,
Rookies: Derrick Favors, Damion Jones, Ben Uzoh, Brian Zoubek
Outlook: The debacle that took place last season is now over, and the start of a fresh era is upon the New Jersey Nets. New owner, Mikhail Prokhorov, from Russia will certainly provide the headlines this team sorely needs. While attendance last year was at a league’s worst, it only figures to improve with the transition of players/coaches this team is undergoing.
The Nets return only 4 players from last years squad, which is probably a good thing considering the team only won 12 games. New arrivals Derrick Favors, Troy Murphy, and Travis Outlaw should provide adaquete scoring aside from Devin Harris and Brook Lopez. The excitement lies with highly touted number 3 overall pick in the draft, Derrick Favors. The kid has a promising upside evidence of his ACC tournament numbers 17ppg, 9.8 reb, 3blks. What I question is the fact that while playing in one of the toughest conferences in the nation, he was only able to average 11.8ppg 8.7 reb. Solid for a freshman, but being the number 1 recruit out of high school I would argue those numbers should of been higher for such a high draft pick. Still the upside is unquestionable and he has a solid work ethic with exceptional athletism.
With Devin Harris, the Nets have one of the best point guards in the NBA. Seemingly back from an injury which plagued the 2009-2010 season he should return to the all star form he displayed a year prior. Pair one of the best young floor generals to a stud young center in Brook Lopez (18.8ppg 8.6reb) and the Nets have a nice young formidable duo at the point guard and center positions. If Favors flourishes, this could be a surprise team out of the East.
Prediction: It’s going to take some time for this unit to mesh, but with a solid coach in Avery Johnson and some building blocks in place with Harris, Lopez, and Favors the Nets will improve greatly this season. The question is whether or not Favors is the real deal. The season will hinge on Favors and him being 1 year out of college, it’s probably going to take some time with the East being significantly better this season for him to really make an impact. Overall I like the additions of Outlaw, Favors, and Murphy. They have added speed and athletism while obtaining an experienced big man with a nice outside touch. I like a surprise season out of the New Jersey Nets and predicting a 42-40 season teetering on making the playoffs.
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