By Ryan McDonald(@RonnieMac90)
After the first round of the NBA Draft, the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics have agreed in principle to a trade that sends Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to Brooklyn according to Yahoo Sports.
What the Nets Give Up
Gerald Wallace
Tornike Shengelia
Kris Humphries
Reggie Evans
Keith Bogans
Kris Joeseph
2014 1st Round Pick
2016 1st Round Pick
2018 1st Round Pick
What the Nets Get
Kevin Garnett
Paul Pierce
Jason Terry
A major deal that required Kevin Garnett to waive his no trade clause, which he did late Thursday night. This is has put the Celtics in full rebuilding mode, and expect them to trade Rajon Rondo later in the year as well.
For the Nets though, giving up 3 1st round picks for three aging players? Pierce and Terry are both 35 and Garnett is 37 years old. However, all picks are expected to be non-lottery, which means they’re not as valuable as they would appear. So it’s not as bad as a negative as some are making it out to be.
Then we have the actual players that we gave up and their replacements. Is Kevin Garnett, even at his age, an upgrade over Reggie Evans, who started at power forward for most of the year for the Nets? Absolutely, a huge upgrade. Garnett is a better passer, a better defender, and of course, a better offensive player. Garnett has a great jump shot which will space the floor and allow Lopez to be much more effective than when he was paired with Evans. Garnett also brings the intangibles, he’s a natural born leader and has always been. He plays with maximum effort all the time, which not saying Evans didn’t, but some of this roster needs to start doing more often.
Next up is Paul Pierce replacing Gerald Wallace. Again, Pierce is a much better shooter than Wallace, so he’ll space the floor much better. However, Wallace is the better defender. The Nets will miss Wallace on defense and rebounding, but in scoring and passing, Pierce is superior. It’ll be interesting to see however who the Nets put on the oppositions best perimeter player, which was normally Wallace. Pierce at this point is a bit of a liability on defense, as is Joe Johnson, but hopefully Garnett will help protect the rim and Lopez will continue to develop his shot blocking to make up for Johnson and Pierce’s poor defense.
Jason Terry will most likely assume the role as Deron Williams’ back up and replace CJ Watson who will be lost to free agency. Again, the Nets lose perimeter defense, as Terry has difficulties on defense. But Terry is known for his big shot making, and can shoot off the dribble extremely well still.
The starting line up will be projected to be Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Brook Lopez. With Terry, MarShon Brooks, Mirza Teletovic, and Mason Plumlee off the bench.
With the addition of such aging players, it’s clear that the Nets have Championship or bust for the 2013-2014 NBA season. This means even MORE expectations for rookie head coach Jason Kidd. Already under what was called unrealistic expectations, Kidd will be expected to deliver a Championship this upcoming season. This could end with a short run of Kidd as the Nets’ head coach say the Nets lose in the 2nd round of the playoffs which could easily happen.
If they don’t win a championship this upcoming season, the future is bleak. Terry, Garnett, Pierce, will all be another year older, and their play has already significantly downgraded. As well as Joe Johnson, who seems to have hit and past his prime already. Pierce’s contract expires after the 2013/2014 season, but Garnett’s and Terry’s do not expire till after the 2015/2016 season. Even with Pierce’s expiring contract, the Nets’ payroll will be roughly $84,000,000. Meaning they won’t be able to do anything in terms of free agency. After the 2015/2016, again, the Nets’ payroll will still be $62,000,000, tied up in Lopez, Johnson, and Williams. This means that after this crucial 2013/2014 season, the Nets will not be bad enough to get the few 1st round picks they have left to be lottery picks, but they won’t be good enough to contend for a championship.
Even so, I still think this was a good trade for the Nets. The Nets as constructed with Gerald Wallace, would not contend for a Championship anyway, and they still wouldn’t be bad enough to get into the lottery. The Nets are trading away the next 3 years of being a 4-8 seed in the East, for a shot at being a 1-3 seed and a shot at the NBA Finals.
The trade makes them a better team for this year, and that’s all we can really ask for. They aren’t the favorites to win it all, but they’ve certainly gotten better, and anything can happen.
By Ryan McDonald (@RonnieMac90)
Jason Kidd has become a candidate for the Brooklyn Nets head coach position. Kidd played with the Nets from 2001 to 2008 and led the Nets to the finals for the first time in franchise history. Kidd now looks to jump into his next career just a week after retiring as a player from the NBA.
Kidd has no coaching experience but he was one of the most intelligent players to ever play the game. When talking with past teammates, they rave about his leadership in the locker room. These qualities combined with the respect a first ballot hall of famer would get from any NBA locker room make Kidd a seemingly great head coach. However, no coaching experience does raise concerns, especially for a team with such high expectations as the Nets.
Another coach who had no prior coaching experience before being hired was Mark Jackson. Jackson was hired by the Warriors in 2011. Like Kidd, Jackson was a former player and has a great sense of the game. However, unlike Kidd, Jackson did not jump into coaching right after his playing days were over. Jackson became an analyst for both YES Network and ESPN for 6 years. This gave Jackson time to adjust and learn as he normally worked with former Knicks and Rockets head coach Jeff Van Gundy. Jackson has had success thus far in his coaching career, getting the Warriors to the 2nd round of the playoffs this year.
If the Nets do select Kidd as their head coach, it is speculated that he’ll have an experienced staff around him. Target to be an assistant already is Lawrence Frank who was the Nets head coach from 2004-2010 before he was fired. Frank coached Kidd, and has come out in support of Kidd’s decision to pursue coaching. The Nets would be foolish not to insure experience around Kidd to make up for his lack in experience.
Hiring Kidd is not only risky to the Nets, it is risky to Kidd as well. With high expectations for the next few seasons, the Nets are trying to contend for a championship. The Nets at this time do not seem to have a roster to comply with these demands despite expectations. With over $70,000,000 tied up in just four players for the next 3 years, roster moves are limited. The success of the Nets will have to depend on the health of Brook Lopez, the hopeful resurrection of Gerald Wallace, the inconsistent isolation prone Joe Johnson, and their all-star guard Deron Williams. If Kidd were to take over and only get to the 1st round of the playoffs each year, he would most certainly be fired by trigger happy owner Mikhail Prokhorov. Prokhorov has already been through two coaches, Avery Johnson whom was fired mid-season, and P.J. Carlesimo, who led the Nets to the 4th seed in the east an a 1st round exit.
If Kidd is fired due to these seemingly unreasonable expectations, he may not get another head coaching job for quite a while. It may be safer for both parties to go with a more proven coach at this current time. Frontrunner still is Pacers assistant head coach Brian Shaw who has many years of experience as an assistant with Phil Jackson.
Jason Kidd may end up being a fantastic head coach, but at this time, with this Nets organization, the reward doesn’t seem worth the risk.
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| sports.yahoo.com |
By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)
May 2nd, 2013
Brooklyn Nets vs. Chicago Bulls Game 6
Final Score: Nets 95 Bulls 92
The Brooklyn Nets were able to win their first game in Chicago this season, and it couldn’t have come at a better time than with their backs against the wall facing elimination in the playoffs. The win moves the series back to Brooklyn for a win or go home Game 7 on Saturday night, in what should be a great game at the Barclays Center.
Positives:
- The Nets on offense were surprisingly well balanced, with five players including four starters scoring more than 15 points, which is something that hasn’t happened much at all this season. Deron Williams with Kirk Hinrich missing the game with a calf injury was able to notch his 22nd postseason double-double. Williams finished with 17 points on five for 12 shooting, and dished out 11 assists. The three-point shot wasn’t great for Williams in this one however, as he went just one for four from deep.
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| facebook.com |
By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)
April 29th, 2013
Brooklyn Nets vs. Chicago Bulls Game 5 Recap
Final Score: Bulls 91 Nets 110
The Brooklyn Nets after a horrific triple-overtime loss in Game 4, which was by far their worst loss of the season, and probably one of the worst losses in playoff history, were somehow able to bounce back at home and avoid elimination. The Nets win in game 5 at the Barclays Center will send the series back to Chicago, and the Nets will have to win again to push a Game 7.
Positives:
- Nets All-Star Center Brook Lopez has probably been the Nets most consistent and best player throughout this series, and that continued in Game 5. Lopez finished with a game-high 28 points on 11 for 20 shooting, and 10 rebounds. Lopez has really stepped up his play from a great regular season, as he’s averaging more points, rebounds, and blocks per game in the series against the Bulls.
- With Bulls Starting Point Guard Kirk Hinrich missing Game 5 with a calf injury it allowed Deron Williams to have a nice game, as Hinrich has quietly had a great series against Williams. Deron was able to finish with 23 points on six for 14 shooting, with 10 assists. Williams has had a very up and down series so far, but when he plays well the Nets win, so the Nets will need two more good games from Williams which is something he is certainly capable of doing.
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| sbnation.com |
By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)
April 25th, 2013
Brooklyn Nets vs. Chicago Bulls Game Three Recap
Final Score: Nets 76 Bulls 79
The Brooklyn Nets suffered their second straight playoff loss to the Chicago Bulls, and now trail in the best of seven series two games to one, as a combination of good Bulls defense and bad Nets offense has the Nets heading into a very important Game Four on Saturday afternoon.
Positives:
- For the second straight game there wasn’t many positives for the Brooklyn Nets, but Brook Lopez was one of the few Nets who did come thru with a nice game. Lopez scored a team-high 22 points on eight for 16 shooting, while grabbing nine rebounds, and blocking a ridiculous seven shots. As good, as Lopez was offensively he may have looked the best he did all season on the defensive end against All-Star Center Joakim Noah. Lopez held Noah to one point on zero for seven shooting, and although Noah is clearly hurt, it was an impressive job by Lopez.
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| usatoday.com |
By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)
April 22nd, 2013
Chicago Bulls vs. Brooklyn Nets Post Game Recap
Final Score: Bulls 90 Nets 82
For the Nets Game Two was the polar opposite of Game One in the series against the Bulls, and that led to Brooklyn’s first loss of the Postseason. Splitting the series at home now means the Bulls have the home court advantage over the Nets.
Positives:
- In what was a very bad loss for the Nets there wasn’t many bright spots, but Brook Lopez did play a good game, and kept the Nets in it with most players in the starting lineup struggling with their shots. Lopez finished with a game-high 21 points on seven for 14 shooting to go along with five rebounds, and three blocks.
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| espn.com |
By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)
April 20th, 2013
Game One Chicago Bulls vs. Brooklyn Nets Post Game Recap
Final Score: Bulls 89 Nets 106
The Brooklyn Nets were able to take game one of the series with the Bulls in convincing fashion at the Barclays Center. Brooklyn fans came out for the “Brooklyn Blackout”, and gave the building a good playoff atmosphere in the win. Next game for Brooklyn will be on Monday night, and Joakim Noah who suited up for the Bulls on Saturday night but only played 13 minutes is expected to play in Game Two.
Positives:
- As its been for most of the second half of the season the Nets were led by Point Guard Deron Williams in the Game One win. Williams finished with a team-high 22 points on nine for 15 shooting, which included going two for three from behind the three-point line. Williams also added seven assists, and three steals to round up what was a very good first Playoff game on the Nets.
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| espn.com |
By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)
April 15th, 2013
Brooklyn Nets vs. Washington Wizards
Final Score: Nets 106 Wizards 101
The Brooklyn Nets were able to have a comeback win over the Washington Wizards on Monday night, as despite resting the Big 3 along with a few others, Brooklyn’s normal bench players stepped into the starting lineup, and played good games.
Positives:
With the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference already locked up, with no way of moving up or down in the standings, Head Coach P.J. Carlesimo had the luxury of resting some of his core players. Carlesimo sat four normal Starters in Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Reggie Evans, and Brook Lopez. He also gave Keith Bogans, whose been dealing with a sore back, and Jerry Stackhouse the night off.
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| nydailynews.com |
By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)
April 10th, 2013
Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics Post Game Recap
Final Score Nets: 101 Celtics 93
The Brooklyn Nets were able to head up to Boston and take the season series against the Celtics with the win on Wednesday. It is the first time the Nets have won the season series against the Celtics since the 05-06 season, as every win counts for Brooklyn now, as they look to grab the fourth seed, and home court in the first round.
Positives:
- The Nets were led to the win in this game by Point Guard Deron Williams, whose high level of play has been consistent in the second half of the season. Williams scored a game-high 29 points on nine for 18 shooting, with 12 assists, and four rebounds. Williams only went one for six from behind the three-point line, but the one three-pointer that Williams hit allowed him to pass Kerry Kittles for most three-pointers in a season with 159.
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| newyork.cbslocal.com |
By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)
April 4th, 2013
Chicago Bulls vs. Brooklyn Nets Post Game Recap
Final Score: Bulls 92 Nets 90
The Brooklyn Nets after coming off a successful circus road trip suffered a tough loss in their first game back in the Barclays Center to a depleted Bulls team, which was missing a lot of players. The loss means that the Bulls are just 1.5 games behind the Nets for the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference, and home court for the first round.
Positives:
- Point Guard Deron Williams led the way for Brooklyn in this one, as he continues to play at an extremely high level in the second half of the season, but despite a monster double-double for Williams it wasn’t enough to get the Nets the win. Williams finished with a game-high 30 points on nine for 16 shooting, and hit 10 free throws to go along with his 10 assists. Most of Williams’ damage came in the second half, where he scored 20 of his 30 points.
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| fearstheword.com |
By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)
April 3rd, 2013
Brooklyn Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Post Game Recap
Final Score: Nets 113 Cavaliers 95
The Brooklyn Nets were able to finish up their circus road-trip in strong fashion with a blowout win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. Brooklyn with the win finished their road-trip with a 5-3 record, which is the most road wins ever for the Nets on a road-trip, and our guaranteed to have a winning record on the road for the first time in franchise history.
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| aol.sportnews.com |
By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)
April 3rd, 2013
Brooklyn Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Pre Game News and Notes
The Brooklyn Nets will be looking to finish their eight game circus road-trip strong on Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Nets are currently 4-3 on the trip, and a win in Cleveland would be a good end to the long road-trip
- Banged Up
Shooting Guard Joe Johnson will be missing his fifth straight game for the Nets on Wednesday due to his injured left heel. Small Forward Gerald Wallace also may not play, and is listed as a game-time decision because of a sore left foot. If both players sit the bench, which has been playing very good will really have to step up in case Wallace can’t go. Keith Bogans, who has been starting in place of Johnson, is also a game-time decision for Brooklyn.
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| blazersedge.com |
By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)
March 27th, 2013
Brooklyn Nets vs. Portland Trail Blazers Post Game Recap
Final Score: Nets 111 Trail Blazers 93
The Brooklyn Nets were able to pick up a great win in the Rose Garden, which has been a tough place to play all year for visiting teams, and with the 111-93 win the Nets move to (4-1) on their circus road-trip. The win also guarantees that the Nets will finish with a winning season for the first time since 2005-2006, and with the win on the road it ties a franchise record of 20 road wins in a season.
Positives:
