Don’t sleep on the New Jersey Nets this season.
The Nets will make the playoffs.
General Manager Rod Thorn is nobody's fool. Last season, he knew the Nets time with Jason Kidd had run its course. The fact that Kidd wanted to leave made his job just a little bit easier.
Once Kidd and his $20 million salary was off the books, Thorn begun rebuilding the Nets fresh—his way.
Thorn found a taker quicker than he might have thought. Jason Kidd wanted to go to the Dallas Mavericks and they wanted him. Thorn was in luck!
Two seasons of gut-wrenching playoff losses had turned Dallas Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban into a desperate man. He was now like a sucker in a casino, and Thorn was like a loan shark. Sick of waiting, Cuban wanted to win now. Just as a bad gambler does, Cuban upped his stake on his next hand, risked everything and hoped that the return would be instant and large.
It wasn't and he lost—again.
The proof was when the New Orleans Hornets dumped the Mavericks from last season’s playoffs without breaking a sweat.
I’m glad that Kidd and Cuban are together—they deserve each other. Kidd has been a brilliant player throughout his career, which is without question, yet as often happens when he departs a team, there was someone left with a sour taste in their mouth.
What impressed me about Devin Harris was the way he handled the trade. Prior to last season, he signed a five-year contract worth just over $40million and was made co-captain of the Mavericks with Dirk Nowitzki.
He had every reason to believe that he was a big part of Dallas’ future.
Harris didn’t pout, though. He was sent to a team seemingly going nowhere, but he responded professionally and maturely and averaged a very solid 15 points and six assists in 25 games.
4 comments Last one added 9 months ago — Leave a Comment
Steven Goldman 9 months ago
I don't think the Nets will do well... yet.
This team has too many young players to be a serious contender and those players need time to develop. In the future the Nets will be a very good team. By summer 2010 they will be doing well but will need a superstar so they will go after LeBron. If that doesn't work I'm sure they will find another top free agent who wants to play in Brooklyn.
If I was Devin Harris, I'd be happy to be in NJ. Rather than be Jason Kidd's backup, Harris gets the starting job which probably comes with around 35 minutes a game, maybe more. He is on a team with a lot of other young promising players and is running the show. Its a good situation for him.
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The Daily Hurt 9 months ago
Hey Steven,
You some up my article well. The Nets aren't serious contenders yet, but they have a very good foundation to build on.
And it's a great situation for Devin Harris, he's my tip for Most Improved Player this season.
Thanks,
The Daily Hurt
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Shan 9 months ago
yes a def contender for MIP..
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Shan 9 months ago
I absolutey love Devin's game...mad game, Dallas really lost a lot.....he could be like D Williams if he bulked up, which it looks like he has but I dont think he has the leadership qualities yet...
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