Nets 2008 Wish List

Christmas, New Year’s, it’s a good time for one of those lists with gifts or resolutions. What do the Nets need? Well, if you have watched this season, you realize they have many needs, but I will keep this simple, so here goes:

1. Youth Movement - We may look back to mid-December, and point to inserting Josh Boone and Sean Williams into the starting lineup as the turning point of the season, if the season turns. The Nets need these two blossoming players to develop into consistent, night in, night out, forces under the basket, on both sides of the floor. But, maybe more so for the long-term prospects, Marcus Williams has to show the Nets something this season. The Nets need help on offense, Williams has immense offensive talent, here is his chance.
2. Health - I know, not the most creative gift, since each team wants health. They need the current team to remain in tact, that goes without saying. More importantly, The Nets want nothing more for Christmas than to see a fully recovered Nenad Kristic on the court playing at his pre-injury level. Hopefully, this gift arrives in January.
3. No Stupid Trades - Jason Kidd to Cleveland sounds silly, since the Nets are actually better than Cleveland, and many teams in the East for that matter. If they can straighten the ship, why not make a run at it. If you get into the playoffs in the East, can avoid Boston or Detroit in the first round, get hot at the right time, you never know. Address J. Kidd’s future in the off-season, he would still have a year left on his contract, presumably lots of value if his current performance continues, and the front office would have a much better idea of what Marcus Williams, and the other youngsters, are all about.
4. A New Home - The Izod Center is the NBA equivalent to a morgue. It’s painful to even watch games some nights, dark, quiet, no atmosphere at all. Forget the difficult access for fans, and the lack of any reason to go that area other than a game. Fans still flock to see the Jets and Giants, but football is different, its religion in this country, and its 8 times a year. Whatever the case, the Nets will never draw fans at The Swamp. They need to move, they need to move quick. Here’s hoping Brooklyn actually happens.
5. Shooters - Eddie House, where have you gone? Before the season I never realized how important Eddie House, or another killer shooter was, until you watch a team that cannot consistently bury outside shots. Without a dominant post presence, Jersey needs a knock-down shooter to spot up and give Jason Kidd a target on drives to the basket, and alleviate the double-teams that VC and RJ inevitably receive when they are hot.

Here’s to a great 2008, Happy New Year!