2007-08 NBA Preview: Atlantic Division

Nets' season will come down to the attributes of their Big Three:

Jason Kidd’s aging body but flawless mind, Richard Jefferson’s underrated skill set, and Vince Carter’s awesome athletic ability.

Unfortunately for New Jersey, Lawrence Frank has decided that Carter should take all the late-game shots.

Even though Kidd can’t shoot a jumper into the ocean, his ability to make clutch plays (and clutch shots) makes him a better option. The same can be said of Jefferson’s penchant for coming up big when the pressure is on.

Carter can be allowed to dominate the first three quarters if Frank sees fit, but Kidd and Jefferson have to be given the bulk of the responsibility in the closing minutes—when VC's turnovers and forced shots have killed New Jersey.

If healthy, Nenad Kristic is a finesse man who gets chumped on the glass and on the boards. His game, however, is perfectly suited to screen/rolls with Kidd, Carter, and Jefferson.

Jamal Magloire will bully around the weaklings of the NBA, but will disappear when the opponents push back. Given that Magloire is much more of an interior scorer than Kristic, the Nets might have the makings of a fairly versatile frontcourt.

If only either man could defend or rebound.

Jason Collins is a hard-working grunt off the bench. Darrell Armstrong’s defense and energy make him a better backup to Jason Kidd than is Marcus Williams. Boki Nachbar is a good outside shooter but a slow defender. Malik Allen will set screens, defend, and score off broken plays. Antoine Wright is underwhelming, and Bernard Robinson’s awareness hasn’t caught up to his potential.

As long as Kidd and Jefferson stay healthy, the Nets should be able to earn a low seed in the playoffs.

But unless Lawrence Frank puts the ball in Kidd and Jefferson’s hands, the Nets ceiling will continue to be the second round.

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