New Jersey Nets 2008-2009 Preview

The picture above clearly shows the direction of the New Jersey Nets for the next two seasons until the summer of the mega star free agency class. LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade could all be free agents and the money will just be thrown at them without any hesitation. I am definitely for signing LBJ, who wouldn't? By then, part owner Jay Z, may own a larger share of the team and the move to Brooklyn will definitely be approved by everyone and their uncle if James signs with the Nets.

The Izod Center is a ghost town as of late and it will be so for the next two seasons besides Lakers and Celtics games. Unfortunately, Vince Carter has no shot at a playoff run for the next few years unless he gets traded, which definitely would not surprise me. The concept of James as a Net began when Rod Thorn traded Richard Jefferson and his hefty salary to obtain Yi who will be off the books in two seasons. Coincidence?

If VC gets traded this year or next, then it is a guarantee that the Nets will be in the James sweepstakes. Obviously, time will tell, but I am being very positive about this MONSTER acquisition.

Now onto my season preview: it is going to be a long, long season. There will be growing pains at its finest. This team is very young outside of Carter, who has been said to being very patient and understanding in his role on a rebuilding team. He's had his moments in the past. The question is will he show that side of him when it takes them two or three months to win 10 games? Every major sports site is projecting the Nets to be in last place in the Eastern Conference.

The New Jersey Nets probably will not win more than 28 games. If Carter gets dealt for whomever, then the starting rotation could be Harris, Douglas-Roberts, Yi, Boone, Lopez. That combination is not going to win games.

The development of the frontcourt is very important for the LeBron James sweepstakes, because that is the one aspect in the game Cleveland lacks. Development of the four and five positions for the Nets will be very good for any future acquisition whether it be James or Wade. I am a fan of a team who has a strong frontcourt that can grind out games and win with tough defense. San Antonio has won four championships with this style of play, so why can't the Nets begin developing this now?  And once the King comes to the greatest city on the planet, he can bring them to that level!

We are taking baby steps in hopes the man will come to steer the ship in the right direction in two seasons. There is not much to say about this season. It is going to be tough to watch. The only upside are the rookies developing and seeing how Devin Harris can run an offense.

Timing is imperative because Harris can definitely run an offense and in the beginning part of the season, he will be too fast for the rookies, but in time it will look great and be exciting again to watch Nets games.

As of now, there are 612 days until LeBron James is a free agent. This is a date that will hopefully change New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets history!!