2011-12 New Jersey Nets Outlook
Following the tragic mark of 12-70 the Nets had 2 seasons back, New Jersey felt a little better to double their win total last season. Though 24 victories is not a big number, and they were still towards the bottom of the Eastern Conference, a small bit of hope was seen in Jersey when they dealt for Deron Williams last season. As it stands, New Jersey may simply be able to re-sign Deron Williams if they can deal for Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard.
While everyone waits to work out if a deal will be made, the $64000 question in everyone’s mind now is how competitive will New Jersey be if they can’t make a trade. Williams is one of the finest point guards in all of basketball and one of the most underrated players in the league today. Deron has shown that he is an all around package. He will score 20 points, get 10 plus assists and grab 4-5 rebounds night in and night out. Also he is an able defender and a real leader. Though the Nets may not have an especially accomplished team, Williams won with similar squad in Utah for years.
Although the pairing of Howard and Williams would be a perilous combo, a Lopez-Williams tandem can be intriguing too. Lopez averaged a career high 20.4 points/game last season and truly came on strong by the end of the season, scoring 27 plus points in five of his last 6 games. With a full year, Lopez can only get better with Williams by his side. After the injury on Brooke Lopez, the Nets managed to trade for Mehmet Okur and he will be the team’s starting Center.
The remainder of the starting five is where people start to get worried. Anthony Morrow is about to be the starting SG for New Jersey. Though he put up 13.2 points in 58 games last season, he wouldn’t be a starter on a good squad. He could be a major contributor in Jersey, particularly since Williams can make everybody around him better.
After waiving Travis Outlaw in the offseason, the Nets may start sophomore SF Damion James. Their also getting back Kris Humphries as the starting PF. Players in the rotation that can be given heavy minutes will be Johan Petro, Sheldon Williams and Shawne Williams, each of which can start if needed.
For the Nets to be competitive and fight for a playoff spot in the East, they’re going to need their rookies to give them enormous minutes off the bench. Marshon Brooks figures to see plenty of time at the 2-guard, while Jordan Williams will see a little time playing behind Lopez.
Prediction: 4th Eastern Conference Atlantic Division – While a slot in the playoffs is possible, the Nets need to play very well with the present roster that they have. If they can somehow get Dwight Howard then watch out and all NBA predictions on the team need to be thrown out the window. Otherwise, the team will have a difficult time winning lots of games with this roster, they ought to be able to keep games a load more close than they have the previous two seasons.
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