NBA: Why the Brooklyn-Bound New Jersey Nets Are Moving in the Right Direction

This year did not start out great for the New Jersey Nets. 

With the backing of a new ambitious owner, a superstar face of the franchise, an accomplished young coach and the promise of moving to an untapped market, the borough-bound franchise looked in line for a major influx of talent. 

Alas, the charisma of Mikhail Prokhorov, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and Avery Johnson were not enough to reel in the big fish last summer and left them holding their bag of money.

Now what?  

Unfortunately, they decided to "just sign somebody" to not make the offseason a total loss.

In most instances, that only compounds the problem. 

The knee-jerk reaction that followed included long-term contracts for Johan Petro and Jordan Farmar, and a ridiculous deal for Travis Outlaw amounting to $28 million over four years. 

All in all, a horrendous offseason in the books. 

The fun continued into the regular season.

The Nets struggled through the year, winning only 24 games and missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.

So why should New Jersey fans be smiling?

Through the struggles of the 2010-2011 season, there were small glimmers of hope and one huge ray of sunshine that should have Nets fans eagerly awaiting the beginning of next season.

Moving and Shaking

Despite overpaying for middling talent, the Nets made some savvy moves during the season. 

In one of the more under-the-radar mid-season deals, the Nets acquired guard Sasha Vujacic, a 2011 first-round pick and a first-rounder from Houston for under-performing swing man Terrence Williams and veteran forward Joe Smith.

While in no way a blockbuster, the deal netted them a serviceable player in Vujacic, who averaged 11.8 PPG in 56 games in New Jersey. Sasha also had a contract that expired in 2011, which shaved off $5.4 million off the cap. Additionally, the Nets gained two first-round picks and valuable assets in any rebuilding effort.

They were also able to move C-F Troy Murphy to Golden State at the trade deadline for Dan Gadzuric and Brandon Wright. The move was subtle, but gave them additional two assets. 

One, they received Gadzuric who in essence was a $7 million expiring contract. 

They also received Wright, a former lottery pick who has yet to find his way in the league. The 6'10" power forward has been hit hard by the injury bug, playing only 114 games in his four professional seasons. Wright is not without talent though, and his length and athleticism will be welcome additions to the New Jersey frontcourt this upcoming season.  

Expect Wright to receive every opportunity for significant minutes in 2012.  

Bait and Switch

The most impressive development came right before the deadline and could have stirred up a true crosstown rivalry for years to come. 

The Nets and their ambitious owner, Mikhail Prokhorov, decided that after losing out in the 2010 market, the Nets would target disgruntled superstar Carmelo Anthony, who indicated he wanted out of Denver. 

Although Anthony indicated through back channels that he would only sign with the New York Knicks, the Nets' presence drove up the price that the Knicks eventually conceded.

New Jersey then upstaged the Knicks by swooping in and acquiring top-flight point guard Deron Williams from the Utah Jazz for Derrick Favors, Devin Harris and accumulated draft picks. 

Williams' talent is unquestioned and is arguably the best point guard the NBA has to offer. Although hampered by a wrist injury that ultimately required season-ending surgery, he averaged 15 PPG and 13 APG in his time in Jersey. 

Although reluctant at first, Williams seems to have warmed up to idea of staying in the area. The Nets' front office is confident D-Will will re-sign and be the face of the franchise for years to come.

The Williams move was important in two ways. 

One, it gave the team a face they could market and build around. 

More importantly though, it should give the Nets' leadership moxie. The Nets, who had failed so miserably just months before, just outfoxed their big brother and were making major moves to put their mark on the NBA. 

Nene in the Nets' Plans?

With the CBA up in the air, the free agency market is a mystery, to say the least. 

There is one thing that is certain though: When all is straightened out, the Nets will have plenty of money to spend.

As of right now, even after signing incoming rookies Marshon Brooks and Jordan Williams, New Jersey would only have about $42-45 million dedicated to salary.

All eyes point to making a major run at Dwight Howard in the summer of 2012, but that's a year away. 

Rumors say New Jersey has serious interest in All-Star forward David West. West suffered a major knee injury this season, but still decided to opt out of his contract and test the market. There is serious risk signing a player coming off a major injury, and the Nets will not take that gamble. 

Instead, they will go for broke again to target another top free agent, Nene.

Nene is widely regarded as this summer's top free agent big man who will be looking for a raise and a long-term deal. The powerful 6'11" bruiser is a dominant finisher, averaging 14.5 PPG and 7.6 RPG while hitting on more than 62 percent of his shot attempts. He has a variety of post moves and range that extends to 15 feet. 

Defense is his strong suit, though. 

Blessed with long arms, quick hands and feet, and a muscular frame, Nene is one of the league's top defensive "bigs" and can defend centers, as well as power forwards. Nene is an Avery Johnson-type player and would form a formidable frontcourt with talented center Brook Lopez.     

Looking Forward

The New Jersey Nets are in no way a finished product. 

In fact, the road has just begun, and there is a lot of work to be done. 

Deron Williams is priority No. 1; he must be retained by all means, and that will require major steps forward by Brook Lopez, as well as others on the current roster. 

The Nets have been able to gather a a number of talented, yet unproven players. A solid season from Brandon Wright and rookie Marshon Brooks will go a long way in the development process of this young team. The Nets will have to resist the lure of re-signing fan favorite Kris Humphries, who will be looking to cash in on a break-out season and is a prime candidate to be overpaid by someone next year.

Signing Nene will provide a cornerstone in the frontcourt and can supply the consistency and defensive intensity that coach Johnson is looking for. He can be a major key in keeping Williams next summer and will be a wise investment if a deal is struck.

Most of all, the Nets need to maintain their aggressiveness as a franchise. These are formative years for a new era, and while the beginning was rough, the process seems to finally have a clear direction.  

The clouds are clearing, and the future looks bright in Brooklyn.