Author Archive

Obviously, this is a New Jersey Nets blog, however, the NAS crew absolutely love the NBA in general. So, every week, Sebastian, Mark, Devin, and myself will answer questions regarding the L.

1) If you were an NBA GM and your owner mandated multiple titles in the next five years, and you had a choice of any player to build your franchise around, who would it be?

Sebastian: It has to be Kevin Durant.  I'm not saying he is the best player in the league (though he will be soon), but when building a team, I don't think there is anyone better.  Not only is Durant a superstar, but he is a guy who does things the right way and he is a good teammate.

Mark: Well, up until a few weeks ago, I would have said LeBron James, because he struck me as the multi-talented do-it-all guy who could carry a team on his back and beat you in so many different ways. I guess he still is, but now that his talents are in South Beach with the Superfriends, it's clear he doesn't have the alpha dog gene and I want my building block to be a cold blooded killer... which given how the game has changed doesn't leave me with many players to pick anymore. For the sake of making a choice, let me go with who I think is going to be next season's MVP and say Kevin Durant. He's a unique player who finds ways to score without having the kiss of death "Next Jordan" moniker or the egomania of Superfriends.

Devin: It hurts me to say it, but the answer is LeBron James. It's possible that somebody like Kevin Durant becomes the Russell to his Chamberlain, but everything I said in my LeBron James FA Targets piece still holds true, regardless of how creepy free agency seems now. LeBron is the most talented basketball player walking this earth right now and at 25 he's entering his prime years. If he doesn't win multiple championships, especially now with his current line-up, he becomes the "biggest" loser in NBA History. I just don't see that happening.

DV: I know that he's "old" and by year five, he might not even be playing anymore, but I'd take my chances with Kobe Bryant.  (Awaits the boos at the choice).  Bryant is hands down the only closer with that crazy desire to win now that LeBron James went down to South Beach, thinking that he needs Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to win championships.  Because of that, he loses testicular fortitude points, which is something you want in a franchise player.

I don't think there can be any argument that Kobe doesn't want NBA titles, he needs them.  I believe that he has two more years of being a dominant player, followed by two more years of being very good to excellent.  I think by then his experience will help his teammates and the team - the wily veteran factor, if you will.  There is no doubt that LeBron is the best talent, but Kobe is the best player.  Over five years, particularly at the beginning, I think Kobe can will himself and his team a couple of titles.... MORE →

Obviously, this is a New Jersey Nets blog, however, the NAS crew absolutely love the NBA in general. So, every week, Sebastian, Mark, Devin, and myself will answer questions regarding the L.

1) Since the Miami Heat locked up LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, are they automatically going to win the Eastern Conference?  Who will be in the hunt for the conference?

Sebastian: I don't know if the Heat are a lock to win the East, but they are certainly the favorites.  In the playoffs I see a team like Orlando giving them trouble.  A team with a big man that can do work against either Bosh or Haslem.  Plus, that team can defend.... MORE →

Obviously, this is a New Jersey Nets blog, however, the NAS crew absolutely love the NBA in general. So, every week, Sebastian, Mark, Devin, and myself will answer questions regarding the L.

Hey NAS readers, thanks for your support first of all.  Second, everything will be okay.  Finally, breathe.  In any case, it's been awhile since the last NORT went up on here, but we had more important things to worry about, such as pondering why only the first two-thirds of Stripes is so good and the last third so boring in comparison?  Same sort of goes for Full Metal Jacket, except with the first segment in basic training versus the rest of it.  Oh, and there was also the NBA Draft and Free Agency that had to put NORT on the backshelf.  However, we're back!

1) Thoughts on the Amar'e Stoudemire signing with the New York Knicks?

Sebastian: While Amar'e is on two bad knees with a bad eye, I think this is a decent signing.  Before the Amar'e signing, the Knicks had Danilo Gallinari and that is about it.  Amar'e brings star power and pairing him with a guy like Anthony Randolph will make the Knicks so fun to watch.  Not saying they are going to make the playoffs, but with coach Mike D'Antoni running the squad, it's going to be interesting.

I also like the Stoudemire signing because it kept the Nets from signing him.  Stoudemire and Lopez together on defense is too much of a liability, and I think the Nets have a good enough core where they didn't need to give Amar'e the max to be competitive.... MORE →

BALLER!!!

For the past few days, I've been using that word to the point where I'm severely annoying everyone. Well, more than usual. In fact, I'm fairly certain my NAS colleagues, or as I like to call them - John, Paul, and George (I don't mind being the ugly one that still tours, didn't lose his money to a pegleg, and doesn't look like Angela Lansbury) - have read many emails that contained the word, "baller" when it comes to that unavoidable image across from Madison Square Garden along Eighth Avenue.

It's an image that's panties in a bunch inducing (not the sexy type).... gets one all hot and bothered... puts a burr under one's saddle... and has someone ask, "Would you like some cheese with that whine?" All of this happens if you just got your face rocked by...

... the most BALLER move ever!... MORE →

Dwyane Wade

Age: 28

Height: 6'4"

Position: SG

Key 2009-10 Stats: 26.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 6.5 APG, 1.8 SPG

What To Like About Dwyane Wade: What isn't there to like about Wade?  He can snap the net on the regular with either jumpers in the arch, money balls from behind it, body-contorting lay-ups, or jams that make the crowd fill with "daaaaaaamn"s.  He can also board and distribute the ball, facilitating the offense.  Wade is also one of the league's top thieves, playing the passing lanes well, and a game-changer on both ends of the floor.  We've seen the man put a whole team on his shoulders that included Shaquille O'Neal and won the title for Miami in 2006.  Wade is easily in the top five in the conversation as to who is the best player in the NBA.... MORE →

David Lee

Age: 27

Height: 6'9"

Position: Power Forward/Center

Key 2009-10 Stats: 20.2 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 54.5 FG%, 81.2 FT%

What To Like About David Lee: Lee is like Rick Ross - everyday he's hustlin', everyday he's hustlin'... Lee has an obvious motor and desire to rebound, which is obvious when looking at his rebounding numbers throughout his career.  However, he recently transcended the label of "hustle" guy by averaging 16 PPG in 2008-09 and 20.2 PPG this past season.  Yes, Lee was playing in a Mike D'Antoni offense, but you don't score 20 a night by accident.  Plus, he legitimately added a jumper into his offensive repertoire.  Lee is a career 55.7% shooter from the field and can take advantage at the charity stripe (77.4%).  He should complement Brook Lopez well, working in the high post, moving without the ball, and getting in position for the offensive rebound.  Lee will not be demanding the ball on offense, but will convert at an excellent rate when the opportunity arises and keep defenses on their toes.  He's the consummate team player and will be a great locker room guy. ... MORE →

It all began a long time ago when my mother and father met in Japan where my dad was studying ninjutsu and my mother was visiting from the Phillipines. It was there that they decided to come together. As a result, I was born into this crazy world and 30+ years later, find myself at the 2010 NBA Draft as a credentialed media member representing NetsAreScorching.com. Now, I hold Sebastian and Mark (Devin, not so much) in the highest regard and didn't want to disappoint them with my coverage... especially since I wasn't certain how I would cover the draft. I was more lost than the passengers of Oceanic Flight 815. Obviously, admitting not knowing what to write about is not an admission that will promote confidence in my ability to write for NAS, but honestly, I got to take a picture with Craig Sager, adorned in that beautiful lavender of his and that's pretty *damn cool!

*Sebastian had to remind me to not curse when I wrote this, otherwise, I would have used a more profane adjective in front of "cool."
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Obviously, this is a New Jersey Nets blog, however, the NAS crew absolutely love the NBA in general. So, every week, Sebastian, Mark, Devin, and myself will answer questions regarding the L.

1) How much do you think Tom Izzo not taking the Cleveland Cavaliers head coaching had to do with LeBron James?  Is this a sign that LeBron is bolting Cleveland?

Sebastian:
I don't think the actual non-signing has anything to do with LeBron.  Although, I think a big indicator that he might be leaving is the fact that he refused to meet with Izzo when he was in Cleveland.  If he is staying, doesn't he want to talk to the new coach and get things figured out?

Mark:
LeBron, LeBron, LeBron. I'm really starting to feel like Jan Brady here. Obviously, the uncertainty of the LeBron situation is connected to Izzo's decision to stay at Michigan State, though I don't think anyone can say with any certainty that this now tips LeBron's hand and he's going to leave.   Regardless of LeBron, I thought Izzo risked ruining his legacy by jumping to the NBA to coach the Cavs. And maybe, when it's all said and done, Izzo was much happier being the best college coach rather than another guy who came over to the NBA and failed. It's not like Pitino, Calipari and Carlesimo haven't set a precedent here.

Devin:
It's probably not specifically a sign, but do think LeBron is gone. Tom loves Michigan State (clearly) and obviously has a ton of allegiances to the university. While it would have been interesting to see him manning the sidelines at Cleveland,  I think it's probably best for him to stay in college, since most coaches have difficulties making the transition and Izzo's got a huge following at MSU. All in all, I don't think Izzo turning down the job had to do with LeBron's potential departure, but LeBron will most likely only play in Cleveland on the road next year.

DV:
I think the uncertainty of LeBron re-signing led to the uncertainty and eventually rejection of Izzo.  If there was any clue that LeBron was going to re-sign, Izzo would have been all over that job because who wouldn't want to coach LeBron besides Mike Brown who seemed like he never really did anyway.  I still believe that James will come back to Cleveland, but the coaching shambles did make me rethink that.  However, after a few minutes, I came back to think that Cleveland will continue to be witnesses.... MORE →

Attention, NBA teams! If you happen to finish the season with the worst record in the league, please do not think you will win the NBA Draft Lottery because I probably have a better chance of successfully resisting a piece of cherry pie than you do of being granted the first overall pick in the subsequent draft. And please note that I absolutely love cherry pie.

In the 26-year history of the NBA Draft Lottery, in only four of those years has the team with the worst record claimed victory over his fellow lottery foes and gained the first pick. That's 15.4% and that's just a pathetically low number. Seriously, there needs to be some reform here, and I'm not just saying that because the Nets were unceremoniously given the hard shaft of reality that they could no longer control their destiny and agonize over the merits of picking John Wall or Evan Turner. Okay, fine, I am saying that. But because of a flawed draft lottery system for those that actually need the help, the Nets wrestle with thoughts of Derrick Favors or DeMarcus Cousins with the third pick, and perhaps even Wes Johnson sneaking in.

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Since the unappealing outcome of the 2010 NBA Draft Lottery that saw the favored New Jersey Nets drop down to third overall pick instead of first, NAS has discussed the positives/negatives of DeMarcus Cousins and Derrick Favors at considerable length. Both youngsters declared for the Association after their freshman seasons at Kentucky and Georgia Tech, respectively, and are blessed with huge upside from the four and/or five positions.... MORE →

I can't take this LeBron James hype anymore. In fact, it's much ado about nothing since I believe James is just going to re-sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers anyway. If money talks, then the Cavs, in fact, do have an edge since they can offer LeBron $30 million more over the life of a max contract. "But what about the marketing opportunities in New York?" Stop it! Like he wasn't and couldn't continue to build his "brand" from Cleveland.

C'mon LeBron... just admit you're staying already!... MORE →

Obviously, this is a New Jersey Nets blog, however, the NAS crew absolutely love the NBA in general. So, every week, Sebastian, Mark, Devin, and myself will answer questions regarding the L.

Sebastian is off the table this week as he heads to Blogs with Balls in the Windy City. He'll also be running a covert operation to ruin the Bulls' chances of signing LeBron... oops, did I just write that?

1) LeBron James told CNN's Larry King that the Cleveland Cavaliers have "the edge" to re-sign him. Does this make sense for LeBron or should he get away from that under-performing situation?

Mark:
I have thought, dating back to two summers ago when the summer of 2010 was first becoming something for Nets fans to look forward to, that it made too much sense for LeBron to stay in Cleveland. And while being bounced in the second round is a major disappointment, Boston took care of the Magic in similar fashion - so maybe their run has more to do with their pieces coming together at the right time (along with some great defensive schemes from Doc Rivers and Tom Thibodeau) rather than the Cavs underachieving. With Mike Brown now out of the picture, LeBron could hand pick his own coach while staying in his home state. The idea that he has to come to the NY area for more marketing exposure is a myth. No one is going to care about LeBron if he's leading the Knicks to an 8 seed or helping the Nets rebuild. If he stays in Cleveland, he's all but guaranteed to be playing for a title contender, even if it hasn't worked out that way the past two springs.

Devin:
As a Nets fan who is infatuated with LeBron James, I'm obviously inclined to say, YES, YES, LEAVE. It also makes me inclined to say that the "edge" he is talking about is purely financial - the Cavs can re-sign him for more money than any other team can offer due to the nature of the free agent market. As a basketball fan, though, I'm not so sure it would be good for his legacy to leave. Look at the great players in the history of the NBA. Kobe will be a lifelong Laker. Magic too. Jordan was a lifetime Bull who never played anywhere else, ever, not even four years after he retired. Russell and Bird were Celtics their entire careers. If he shows loyalty to Cleveland, it could potentially be exactly what the doctor ordered - the FA cloud looms over them no more, the focus is finally on basketball, and a championship could be soon on the horizon.

However, LeBron, Harris, Lopez, and Favors/Cousins/Turner would be an awesome combo...

DV:
Previous to the Cavs getting tossed out of the playoffs by the Celtics, I thought LeBron would bolt Cleveland unless they won the championship. However, while the Cavs didn't win the title, they lost in such a bad way and a lot earlier than expected, I quickly changed my train of thought. There was no way that LeBron would stand to leave his legacy in Cleveland after that horrible series where the team seemed to give up, LeBron was not being the attacking LeBron, and his leadership seemed to dissolve right before our eyes, both on the court and off. I thought at the very least, he would opt for the one-year in 2010-11 and become a free agent again after that season. That said, I do think he'll re-sign with the Cavs and does make sense in a lot of ways - the team should contend again next season while teams like the Knicks and Nets won't. The Bulls possibly could, but geting back to legacy, I don't think he'll want to be in the Land of Jordan. So, if he really believes what he's saying about his hometown and the fans, as well as winning a title in that mix, he should re-sign. Plus the Cavs can offer him $30 million dollars more than any other team. Money always seems to talk.
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