Realistically, I think the Nets are doomed for a few years. Lopez will probably opt-out, b/c big men are in huge demand, and he showed enough while healthy this year that will likely give him a decent (extremely risky) contract from somebody. I also think Young will opt-out, b/c why would a guy want to play for a team that is a fringe playoff contender and that might be losing their best player? If the Nets pony up to keep Lopez (which they may not, if rumors are to be believed and their owner is trying to sell the team), and he stays healthy, yes, they might be a playoff team. Maybe. Lets be clear, though, he's always injured, and the teams that didn't make it this year are almost certainly going to be much-improved next year. I fully expect the Pacers, Bobcats, and Heat, for instance, to be better than the Nets. Depending on Melo's health, I also could see the Knicks improving a ton, esp with their high pick. Yes, the Nets played well down the stretch, but how often is Lopez that healthy? Also, I expect Williams and Johnson to continue their decline next year. Basically, the Nets are a fringe playoff team if they resign Lopez and he stays healthy. If not? They will be a lottery team, and possibly a bad (good for us) one at that.