Nets Avoid Infamy: But What Does The Future Hold?

As the buzzer sounded last night, the New Jersey Nets had avoided their place in the record books.

They beat the Spurs to secure their 10th win, the game they needed to avoid being linked to the 1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers, as the worst teams in NBA history.

It’s been no mystery that the Nets season has been filled with misery, losses, and empty arenas.

However, what could be more miserable is, if next season is the same.

I highly doubt that with their 10th win, the Nets will go down as one of the worst squads to ever play through an NBA season, but next year should be different for many reasons.

With the 10 wins, the Nets have secured the highest odds to the number one pick, who will likely be John Wall.

The worst team doesn’t always win the lottery, but aside from Wall, there are other potential franchise changing prospects for the Nets.

If the Nets were to land the pick and take Wall, they would either have to figure out a way to play Wall with Devin Harris or trade Devin Harris.

John Wall is the dream, but let’s say the Nets were to get a guy like Evan Turner, who would automatically fit in with the Nets as they lack a true three, or one of the big men like, DeMarcus Cousins or Derrick Favors, they would potentially have a dominant frontcourt player to pair up with the talented Brook Lopez.

The Nets could come out of this draft with a nice young core.

The biggest change could potentially come from a management standpoint.

The Nets are expected to bring in Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov, who informed current Nets GM Rod Thorn he would be returning for next season.

There was a recent 60 Minutes feature done on Prokhorov, in which America got a look at the type of lifestyle Prokhorov lives.

Prokhorov’s lifestyle appear to be that of which NBA players would want to live.

Prokhorov seems like the owner, players would want to be around.

The Russian billionaire will establish himself as a Mark Cuban type owner, interactive and never afraid to spend money.

Don’t forget Jay-Z is a minority owner who brings endorsement, credibility, swagger, and the character NBA players can relate too.

With around 23 million dollars to spend in what has been hyped to be the biggest free agent market, the Nets will have the chance to significantly improve their roster by adding a max level free agent.

Even if the players like LeBron and Wade decide to stay with their organizations, the Nets can lure Chris Bosh, or Amare Stoudemire, or Carlos Boozer, who are all looking for the money.

The final part of the Nets' plan is move to Brooklyn, which seems to be certain at this point, as the Barclays arena is already under construction.

Temporarily, until the Barclays arena is complete, the Nets will move to the Prudential Center, where the New Jersey Devils play.

The tough aspect to realize right now is that the Nets do have some attractive pieces.

They have Devin Harris, an All-Star guard a year ago.

Brook Lopez, a potential franchise center.

Courtney Lee and Terrence Williams, who should develop into solid wings and willing defenders in this league.

As we’ve seen with teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, who won 23 games and are at 44 wins this year, a turnaround is possible.

With the new ownership, the draft, free agency, and Brooklyn, this 10 win Nets team may be headed for a very bright future.