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December 30, 2009
Grading the First 30: Nets
HoopsWorld
by Alex Raskin
The bodies are starting to pile up at the Izod Center. Coach Lawrence Frank was fired and replaced by general manager Kiki Vandeweghe and injuries to Devin Harris, Keyon Dooling, Jarvis Hayes, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Yi Jianlian, Bobby Simmons, Tony Battie, Courtney Lee and others have bogged the Nets down to a 2-29 record. Young star Brook Lopez has been frustrated by the significant attention from opposing defenses and rookie Terrence Williams tweeted a few too many times. But as the team is losing on the basketball court, owner Bruce Ratner has been winning in the legal court. One by one, the obstacles are falling and a move to Brooklyn looks as likely as ever… A move up in the Atlantic Division, however, is less likely.
...Overall Grade: F — There is nothing in New Jersey that deserves a passing grade this season, but the franchise's overall health isn't nearly as bad. With the legal hurdles between East Rutherford and Brooklyn clearing up, tons of cap space and a new owner on his way, the Nets are a blank canvas with a growing roster of young talent… Of course, none of that is reflected by their on-court performance.
Also...
TSX — The Sports eXpress, Weekly NBA Rankings (12/28)
30. New Jersey Nets (2-28) If you want a blueprint on how to dismantle a team in six years, just ask Bruce Ratner. From Two-time Eastern Conference Champion to two wins in 30 games.
Posted by eric at December 30, 2009 8:59 AM