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August 3, 2009
Atlantic Division breakdown
Pro Basketball News
By Chris Bernucca
Though Atlantic Yards developer and NJ Nets owner Bruce Ratner will deny it, all signs indicate that the money-hemorrhaging team is positioned or a sale. From PBN's "detailed team-by-team look at the offseason."
NEW JERSEY NETS
Makeover mandate: Moving sale
Smartest move: The Nets needed building blocks and added one in shooting guard Courtney Lee, the key to the Vince Carter trade. Unloading Carter also opened up more salary cap room for next summer.
Biggest setback: The team's financial woes and the ongoing saga of the Atlantic Yards project led owner Bruce Ratner to put the team - or at least a portion of it - up for sale. That can't be good for luring free agents.
Feeling the draft: Terrence Williams was taken 11th overall and should be given a long look at small forward because it's obvious Bobby Simmons and Jarvis Hayes are not the long-term answers.
Summer fun: Yi Jianlian apparently has bulked up and is playing for China. In Orlando, the Nets and 76ers had a merged summer league team that did not provide enough opportunities for Williams and second-year guard Chris Douglas-Roberts.
Sleeper move: The expiring contracts of Rafer Alston and Tony Battie - also acquired in the Carter deal - will have value up to the trading deadline. As veterans with NBA Finals experience, they could be solid trade chips for GM Rod Thorn to move to a contender.
Biggest risk: With all the uncertainty swirling around the franchise, will any free agent really want to sign with the Nets?
Vacancies: None. Having exercised the options on all their young players, the Nets have 15 guaranteed contracts and don't appear to be a team willing to eat one to get better.
Overall grade: C. There's still some small-ticket items in the driveway. Everything must go!
Posted by lumi at August 3, 2009 5:10 AM