Al Iannazzone of this season’s Nets and the Meadowlands: This has been the sorriest season in Nets’ history and their 8-33 home record is their worst ever. But they leave Izod with a lifetime 654-518 mark. Their most glorious times came during the past decade when Jason Kidd led them to back-to-back NBA Finals and four Atlantic Division titles. But there was very little nostalgia for the farewell.
ESPN’s Chris Sheridan has some gems in his write-up of the Meadowlands: Outgoing Nets coach Kiki Vandeweghe reminisced about how Knicks fans used to pack the building and drown out the Nets faithful when he played for New York, and longtime New York Post beat writer Fred Kerber (who called the arena “Hades” earlier this season) had a chuckle as he recalled how he once scored two tickets for his friends, who found themselves seated alone in section 234 in the upper deck and were told by an usher to keep their voices down despite the fact they were cheering for the Nets.
Fred Kerber talks to Nets fans about their final impressions of the Izod Center.
Bruce Ratner reacts to New Jersey Congressman Bill Pascrell’s challenge of the sale of the Nets to Mikhail Prokhorov: “Everything is in great shape,” said Ratner, who called Pascrell’s accusation “inaccurate.”
Larry Brown seems sorry to see the Nets leave New Jersey: “When I was in Detroit, we had one of our greatest wins in this building, which is pretty special, when the Nets were really good,” he added, referring to the Pistons’ 2004 playoff triumph on their way to the championship. “I hate to see the Nets leave New Jersey, especially with that new building (in Newark available) that they’re going to.”
Terrence Williams on the final games of the season: “It’s important to win every game, definitely the last game,” said rookie Terrence Williams, who had 21 points, 13 boards and six assists. “[Moving] isn’t going to wash [the recent losing] away, but it definitely helps, especially if you come out and play well and start winning. You start winning, it puts it in the back of peoples’ minds and go forward from there.”
Another column arguing John Wall or Evan Turner.
Blogger Mark Travis sings the praises of Terrence Williams.
