Evan Roberts from WFAN (660 AM New York), the only legitimate Nets supporter in the local media, will appear on NJNetscast later this week. If you have a question for Evan, e-mail hosts@njnetscast.com, and we’ll pick a good one to ask. Tune in to hear Evan and I discuss the Nets free-agent list, the on-going arena issues, take inventory of the Kidd trade with it finally in the rear view mirror, and delve into the trade market.

As the Nets embark on an important off-season for the franchise, here’s a list of links to pertinent player information for potential roster moves.

Complete List of Early Entrants for the NBA Draft:
http://www.draftexpress.com/article/2008-Official-NBA-Draft-Early-Entry-List-/

2008 NBA Free Agent List:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=2008freeagents

Nets Current Salary Situation:
http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-player-salaries/team/Nets/

ESPN NBA Trade Machine (if you’re feeling creative):
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/trademachine

As Dallas fans watched Chris Paul torch Jason Kidd for 33.5 points and 13.5 points in the first two games of its first round series with New Orleans,  both losses, they had to wonder if the Kidd trade was worth it. Would things be different if Devin Harris was still around? Lo and behold, the former Mav showed up on Friday night, unfortunately for Mark Cuban he was in civvies in the front row.

Interviewed by ESPN during the game, the Nets point guard stated he came to the game to support good friend Josh Howard, who had a rough week, struggling in both losses to the Hornets before admitting to smoking marijuana during the offseason on Michael Irvin’s Dallas radio show. Harris did not directly comment on Howard’s remarks, instead saying that Howard typically says what is on his mind. ]

Nonetheless, rare to see a current player at a game supporting his former team. Makes you wonder if Harris wishes he still donned the blue and white in Big D?

If the two best measurements of fan support are attendance and local television ratings, the Nets are not well-liked. Final ratings for local cable coverage of NBA games show the Nets have by far the lowest average rating of .45 households on YES Network broadcasts, only the Clippers rank remotely close, a 40.8% drop from last season, the second biggest drop to the Miami Heat’s plunge. Miami finished with the worst record in the NBA in a season of dysfunction that included the Shaquille O’Neal trade and an injury to Dwayne Wade.

New Jersey posted 641,921 in paid attendance, 78% of capacity at Izod Center. The only teams with lower capacity this season: Indiana (off-court problems, management turmoil, missed playoffs), Memphis (gave away their best player), Philadelphia (the only surprise - expect this to change next year), Minnesota (no KG, no fans), Charlotte (yet to field a good game), and Seattle (small problem with ownership). And when you watched the Nets, especially in the second half of the season, it’s evident the paid attendance numbers are a major embellishment over the actual attendance - though they are probably not alone in that.

Newark anyone?

Vince Carter underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle Wednesday, to remove bone spurs and loose bodies, plus perform a debridement of the ankle, according to the Nets website. The team provided no exact timetable for recovery, but after several weeks on crutches and rehab, the Nets expect Carter to be ready for training camp.

Criticized in the past for not playing through injuries, tagged as soft in NBA circles, Carter showed his heart playing in 70 games after initially injuring his ankle in a loss to Boston on November 10. The extent of the injury makes his season look even more remarkable.

Give Carter credit on two fronts. He played hard right until the last day of the season, elevating his game – on and off the court - after the Kidd trade, while the ankle continued to give him problems. Not once did he complain about the injury. That should quiet any questions about his heart, or devotion to the team. Ankle injuries can be serious, unlike, say, a migraine.

Having the surgery immediately after the season to gives VC as much time to rehab for next season as possible. Too many times injured stars wait after the season, talk about rehabbing, talk about resting, wind up having surgery later in the summer, then next thing you know they show up unprepared for the season, or miss regular season games. By taking care of the injury a week after the season ended, barring an unforeseen setback, the Nets can count on Carter.

Missing the playoffs has its benefits, a high draft pick, and extra rest for the veterans. Giving Carter a few extra weeks, and others that hobbled to the finish line like Devin Harris, Josh Boone, and Boki Nochbar – if he returns – will benefit the Nets playoff run next season.