Posts tagged ‘former players’

Yesterday the NBA tipped off it’s second season without the New Jersey Nets for the first time in seven seasons, however many players and coaches with ties to the Nets organization still have a chance for the crown. So as the Nets hit the links, resting hope on ping-pong balls, here’s some former Nets to keep an eye on.

Western Conference

Dallas-New Orleans – Dallas made the blockbuster mid-season trade with New Jersey for this reason – to win in the playoffs. Jason Kidd is the only major change on a team with two consecutive post-season collapses, a first-round exit following a 67-win season last year, preceded by gift wrapping an NBA Finals series they had within grasp in 2006. No longer a 67-win team, Dallas needed a strong finish, helped by Dirk Nowitzki’s return to lineup, to slide in with the seven-seed, and a first round date with New Orleans.

Kidd is the focal point of this series on and off the court. His match up against MVP-candidate Chris Paul, who torched Kidd multiple times during the regular season, will go a long way in determining the series. If Paul continues to dominate, Dallas heads home in the first round again. On the bright side, Kidd did outplay Paul in the Mavs regular season finale win over New Orleans.

Off the court, that extension J-Kidd demanded from the Nets and he expected from Mark Cuban remains unsigned. Mr. Triple Double may still need to prove he’s worth his weight in gold – or green, in this case – before Dallas rewards the aging 34-year old point guard.

On the opposite bench, Byron Scott, leading candidate for coach of the year, sits with revenge on his mind. Only four years ago, Kidd forced the Nets to fire Scott following two NBA Finals appearances. Now, Scott has brought another team from the ranks of laughingstock to the forefront of championship discussion. Kidd, meanwhile, never reached that level of team success again, and this may be his last chance. Think Scott would like to squash it.

Of the small army New Jersey shipped to Dallas with Kidd, only Malik Allen expects to see any playing time, albeit minimal. Allen took a total of 7 shots in April. Antoine Wright saw substantial playing time while the Mavs battled injuries, now with Stackhouse back he is out of the picture. Jamaal Magloire appeared in one game in April.

Denver-Los Angeles – Net fans point to losing one player that ended the string of Eastern Conference supremacy earlier this decade – Kenyon Martin. After missing all but two games last season, Martin put up solid numbers in Denver’s run and gun system, averaging 12.4 points, 1.2 blocks, and 6.5 rebounds in 71 games. Teamed with Marcus Camby on the backline, Denver needs a solid defensive series from Martin to contain the Lakers post game. Denver will need to play defense to win in the playoffs, outside Camby, Martin is the most experienced, athletic frontcourt player.

Houston-Utah – Thrust back into a starting role when Yao Ming suffered the fractured leg, 41-year old Dikembe Mutombo hopes to return to the NBA Finals one last time. Mutombo filled in admirably for Yao, providing solid defense, a shot blocking presence, and leadership, to the Rockets. Mutombo has a tough assignment, against a younger, more athletic Utah frontcourt led by emerging superstar Carlos Boozer. Mutombo appeared in the NBA Finals with New Jersey in 2003 and Philadelphia in 2001.

San Antonio-Phoenix – When Tony Parker needs a breather, Gregg Poppovich will look to defensive-specialist Jacques Vaughn to contain former MVP point guard Steve Nash. If the Spurs go deep into the playoffs, Vaughn will have his opportunities to spell Parker. He fits San Antonio perfect, a prototypical role player that plays stingy defense, and possesses a high basketball IQ.

Boston-Atlanta – Playing backup point guard most of the season, Eddie House sacrificed shots and points for the good of the team. Of course, running along side three superstars on your way to a 66-16 season makes it easier. With Sam Cassell now on board to backup Rajon Rondo, House is free to do what he does best, shoot. That same shooting ability the Nets sorely missed this season, will force to defenses to spread out, opening up lanes for Garnet and Pierce inside. If teams opt leave House open, he can bury them from downtown. His 91% FT shooting makes House a viable option in late game situations.

Cleveland-Washtington – A throwback to another era, Damon James made a cameo with the Nets in 1998-99. Now, the University of Houston alum, enters the playoffs as part of the James Gang for the third straight year. Cleveland needs its role players to step up, or the NBA Finals is a pipe dream, barring unmatched heroics from Lebron. Last year Daniel Gibson emerged, could Jones be the one to step up this year?

Toronto-Orlando – For those who forget, the Nets actually drafted current Raptor Anthony Parker in 1997, then shipped him to Philadelphia in the Keith Van Horn transaction. Parker continues to contribute on the court, while Van Horn deposits checks.

Philadelphia-Detroit – Former Nets GM Ed Stefanski now presides over arguably the biggest surprise in the NBA. Most experts picked Philly to battle for the top spot in the lottery, not playoff position. Give credit where credit is due though, former GM Billy King drafted the young players emerging this year, and built this team.