New Jersey Nets Prove They Can't Hang with the Elite: Time for Carmelo Anthony

The New Jersey Nets got off to a great start this season, defeating the Detroit Pistons and Sacramento Kings.  They then managed to lose four consecutive games to the Miami Heat (twice), Charlotte Bobcats and Orlando Magic.

Against the Charlotte Bobcats the Nets suffered a heartbreaking last-second loss.  They were leading for the majority of the game and just let it slip away at the end.  In Both games against the Miami Heat, New Jersey was just simply outmatched.  Same problems arose against Dwight Howard and the Magic, being blown-out 105-90.

If the Nets want to be contenders this season, players like Terrence Williams and Derrick Favors need to step up in big ways quickly or else some major acquisitions need to occur.  

With Carmelo Anthony still not having a permanent future in Denver, New Jersey should make a move sooner rather than later, before this season slips away and becomes a repeat of last year.  Nets Owner and Russian Billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov promised that the Nets would be better, but so far they have proved nothing of the sort.  

It's pretty evident that Carmelo Anthony is hesitant in re-signing with Denver and is going to want a move to somewhere different, most likely New York as of now.  Prokhorov should make a move as soon as possible and give Denver a trade offer they are willing to consider, along with giving Anthony an extension offer that he can't refuse.  

If not Carmelo, something must be done.  The Nets need a player that they can rely on to score at will when a clutch basket is needed.  With two games against the Cavaliers, the Nets should get a win or two.  If they lose both games, expect change in the near future.