Official 2015-16 Brooklyn Nets Season Watch Thread (21-59, 3rd slot as of 4/12)

[PhoSita]

Phosita, I ma be off on this, but isn't winning 3 games out of 10 a .300 winning percentage? Wouldn't that actually be a little under a 25 game pace? My apologies if I am wrong on this. Also, not to nitpick but it seems like you are getting into Larbrd territory with this sample size and selection. They actually have beaten those teams in a 6 game stretch not 5, and this follows a pretty ugly home loss to minnesota and includes getting blown out by a pretty bad wizards team at home.

You're totally right on the win pace thing.  I divided 3 by 7 instead of 10.  Simple math error.  Stupid.   


As for the small sample size thing, yeah, sure.  The last 5 games is definitely a small sample size.

My point all along on this has been that the Nets aren't the Sixers.  They have had these close, competitive games against playoff caliber opponents pretty much all season.  They opened the season very badly going 0-7, but they've been merely a poor team, not a horrible team, since then.

The concern for me has been that they'd win just a game or two more than some of the other teams I mentioned close to them in the standings and that'd be enough to push them into the back half of the top 10.  Talking about the difference between, say, 23 wins and 28 wins.  Every win matters when you're looking for a top pick.

Now that Jack is out, I'm feeling a bit better.  It's hard to keep competing with good teams and eking out wins when you don't have a competent starting point guard.

[fairweatherfan]

I think it's important to step back and recognize that even a pick from 6-10 is still a pretty awesome haul considering most thought the picks would be 20+ when the trade was made. 

Expectations have definitely been raised though; anything that doesn't hit the top 3 will probably be considered a disappointment on lottery day.

[celticsclay]

Phosita, I ma be off on this, but isn't winning 3 games out of 10 a .300 winning percentage? Wouldn't that actually be a little under a 25 game pace? My apologies if I am wrong on this. Also, not to nitpick but it seems like you are getting into Larbrd territory with this sample size and selection. They actually have beaten those teams in a 6 game stretch not 5, and this follows a pretty ugly home loss to minnesota and includes getting blown out by a pretty bad wizards team at home.

You're totally right on the win pace thing.  I divided 3 by 7 instead of 10.  Simple math error.  Stupid.   


As for the small sample size thing, yeah, sure.  The last 5 games is definitely a small sample size.

My point all along on this has been that the Nets aren't the Sixers.  They have had these close, competitive games against playoff caliber opponents pretty much all season.  They opened the season very badly going 0-7, but they've been merely a poor team, not a horrible team, since then.

The concern for me has been that they'd win just a game or two more than some of the other teams I mentioned close to them in the standings and that'd be enough to push them into the back half of the top 10.  Talking about the difference between, say, 23 wins and 28 wins.  Every win matters when you're looking for a top pick.

Now that Jack is out, I'm feeling a bit better.  It's hard to keep competing with good teams and eking out wins when you don't have a competent starting point guard.

I feel like are pretty much on same page now on this. I definitely share your concern that a few of the teams are so close to them. The suns seem like a complete dumpster fire with Bledsoe out. I worry a little bit less about the Nuggets and Portland. The nuggets do usually win some games just by virtue of their unique homecourt advantage and both of those teams are winning enough that they can stay within a stones throw of the sub .500 playoff teams for the forseeable future (which is something I don't think anyone could have anticipated coming into the season).

On the more optimistic side of things the Pelicans look like they have finally figured things out, and I have been genuinely shocked by the Lakers winning so much lately. Even the bucks are starting to look competant.

You mention the point guard thing and it really is mindblowing how bad their point guard rotation is now. Even terrible to bad teams like the 76ers (Smith), Nuggets (Nelson), Blazers (Lillard), Pelicans (Holiday, Cole) etc all have significantly better pg rotation than Larkin/Sloan.

[PhoSita]

I think it's important to step back and recognize that even a pick from 6-10 is still a pretty awesome haul considering most thought the picks would be 20+ when the trade was made. 

Expectations have definitely been raised though; anything that doesn't hit the top 3 will probably be considered a disappointment on lottery day.

Yeah, that's always an important perspective.  We're most likely gonna get a top 10 pick without having to watch a team that's in the dumps all season long.  You can't complain about that.

(but pardon me while I make a game attempt at exactly that)

At the same time, at least for me, I'm especially focused on the Brooklyn pick because I just don't see another plausible way for the team to secure a really high-value asset.  The Celts don't look like they're gonna have another tanking season anytime soon, and the one player they got out of their last tanking season appears so far to simply be a nice piece, but not a star.

Getting yet another decent-but-not-great prospect that may or may not be starting caliber but definitely can play in the NBA just won't cut it.  Unfortunately, when you pick outside the top 3 you can't really expect to necessarily do better than that.

It's never a good thing to feel like the team's future hinges on one particular piece, especially a draft pick, but that is kind of how it feels right now.  I think the Nets will spend a fair amount of money next summer to replenish their roster a bit and ensure that they can be in the hunt for a playoff spot for at least another couple of seasons until they have control of their own draft picks again.  This year seems like the best opportunity to get a top 5 pick.

If that 2016 Nets pick doesn't work out, the Celts will be in a tough spot.  Would really put a lot of pressure on Ainge to make a star trade happen without any obvious top shelf assets, just a lot of decent ones.

[Quetzalcoatl]

New topic: Shane Larkin got a concussion in practice a couple days ago.  There is no timetable for his return.

Jarrett Jack played 35:39 minutes against the Heat last night, because they have no other backup PG to spell him.

Shane Larkin will definitely miss the game tomorrow vs the Pacers: http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/brooklyn-nets-shane-larkin-out-indiana-pacers-game-concussion-121715

Jarrett Jack will therefore have to put in major minutes again with one day's rest against a really good defensive team.

They get one day's rest again, then they immediately have a back to back against the Wolves and Bulls, then one day's rest and then they play the Mavs.  So 5 games in 8 days for Jack while potentially playing 35+ minutes a game if Larkin can't return soon.

Jarrett Jack is 32 years old.

Just throwing all of that out there...

I would just like to point out that I first predicted Jarrett Jack's injury and pretty much to the day, at that

 

[apc]

The cool thing is we can keep this thread going until 2018! 

[crownontherocks]

http://nesn.com/2016/01/celtics-draft-pick-watch-nets-reportedly-trying-to-improve-via-trade/

According to the Boston Herald’s Steve Bulpett, the Nets are actively looking to make an in-season trade that could “make them better in the short term as well as in the distance.” An NBA source even told Bulpett the expectation is the Nets will be “one of the more active teams” leading up to the February trade deadline.

[LarBrd33]

http://nesn.com/2016/01/celtics-draft-pick-watch-nets-reportedly-trying-to-improve-via-trade/

According to the Boston Herald’s Steve Bulpett, the Nets are actively looking to make an in-season trade that could “make them better in the short term as well as in the distance.” An NBA source even told Bulpett the expectation is the Nets will be “one of the more active teams” leading up to the February trade deadline.

Joe Johnson's 24 mil expiring contract could come in handy if someone is looking to dump some overpaid role players.   I wouldn't rule out the possibility that Brooklyn makes a move to make them a bit better this year.

Bill Simmons also had the idea that Brooklyn should just trade Joe Johnson for Derrick Rose... just take the gamble on Rose since they had nothing to lose. 

I wonder what Johnson's expiring + Hollis-Jefferson could get them.

[BleedGreen1989]

http://nesn.com/2016/01/celtics-draft-pick-watch-nets-reportedly-trying-to-improve-via-trade/

According to the Boston Herald’s Steve Bulpett, the Nets are actively looking to make an in-season trade that could “make them better in the short term as well as in the distance.” An NBA source even told Bulpett the expectation is the Nets will be “one of the more active teams” leading up to the February trade deadline.

Joe Johnson's 24 mil expiring contract could come in handy if someone is looking to dump some overpaid role players.   I wouldn't rule out the possibility that Brooklyn makes a move to make them a bit better this year.

Bill Simmons also had the idea that Brooklyn should just trade Joe Johnson for Derrick Rose... just take the gamble on Rose since they had nothing to lose. 

I wonder what Johnson's expiring + Hollis-Jefferson could get them.

Well there's the catch.

They'd have to include RHJ. JJ has been absolutely BRUTAL this season and has one of the largest contracts in the league. I don't care if it's expiring, that $25mill is tough to match.

[BudweiserCeltic]

http://nesn.com/2016/01/celtics-draft-pick-watch-nets-reportedly-trying-to-improve-via-trade/

According to the Boston Herald’s Steve Bulpett, the Nets are actively looking to make an in-season trade that could “make them better in the short term as well as in the distance.” An NBA source even told Bulpett the expectation is the Nets will be “one of the more active teams” leading up to the February trade deadline.

Joe Johnson's 24 mil expiring contract could come in handy if someone is looking to dump some overpaid role players.   I wouldn't rule out the possibility that Brooklyn makes a move to make them a bit better this year.

Bill Simmons also had the idea that Brooklyn should just trade Joe Johnson for Derrick Rose... just take the gamble on Rose since they had nothing to lose. 

I wonder what Johnson's expiring + Hollis-Jefferson could get them.

Good luck with that. I really don't see what the Nets have to offer to anyone out there really. They just don't have anything.

[LarBrd33]

http://nesn.com/2016/01/celtics-draft-pick-watch-nets-reportedly-trying-to-improve-via-trade/

According to the Boston Herald’s Steve Bulpett, the Nets are actively looking to make an in-season trade that could “make them better in the short term as well as in the distance.” An NBA source even told Bulpett the expectation is the Nets will be “one of the more active teams” leading up to the February trade deadline.

Joe Johnson's 24 mil expiring contract could come in handy if someone is looking to dump some overpaid role players.   I wouldn't rule out the possibility that Brooklyn makes a move to make them a bit better this year.

Bill Simmons also had the idea that Brooklyn should just trade Joe Johnson for Derrick Rose... just take the gamble on Rose since they had nothing to lose. 

I wonder what Johnson's expiring + Hollis-Jefferson could get them.

Well there's the catch.

They'd have to include RHJ. JJ has been absolutely BRUTAL this season and has one of the largest contracts in the league. I don't care if it's expiring, that $25mill is tough to match.

Let's start looking at struggling teams with overpaid vets to see if we can figure out what kind of move might make sense. 

So far, all I'm seeing is overpaid bigs... like Tyson Chandler making 14 mil a year on the Suns.  Makes no sense there, but the Nets are pretty set on their bigs right now.     Pelicans have Asik making 10 mil a year for the next 5 years... bet they'd want from under that contract.  But again, Asik doesn't really make sense on Brooklyn.   

[LarBrd33]

http://nesn.com/2016/01/celtics-draft-pick-watch-nets-reportedly-trying-to-improve-via-trade/

According to the Boston Herald’s Steve Bulpett, the Nets are actively looking to make an in-season trade that could “make them better in the short term as well as in the distance.” An NBA source even told Bulpett the expectation is the Nets will be “one of the more active teams” leading up to the February trade deadline.

Joe Johnson's 24 mil expiring contract could come in handy if someone is looking to dump some overpaid role players.   I wouldn't rule out the possibility that Brooklyn makes a move to make them a bit better this year.

Bill Simmons also had the idea that Brooklyn should just trade Joe Johnson for Derrick Rose... just take the gamble on Rose since they had nothing to lose. 

I wonder what Johnson's expiring + Hollis-Jefferson could get them.

Well there's the catch.

They'd have to include RHJ. JJ has been absolutely BRUTAL this season and has one of the largest contracts in the league. I don't care if it's expiring, that $25mill is tough to match.

Let's start looking at struggling teams with overpaid vets to see if we can figure out what kind of move might make sense. 

So far, all I'm seeing is overpaid bigs... like Tyson Chandler making 14 mil a year on the Suns.  Makes no sense there, but the Nets are pretty set on their bigs right now.     Pelicans have Asik making 10 mil a year for the next 5 years... bet they'd want from under that contract.  But again, Asik doesn't really make sense on Brooklyn.   

Maybe look towards the Rockets.  You think they want to keep paying Ty Lawson 12 mil a year for the next 2 years?  Would they benefit by giving up Ty Lawson and Trevor Ariza (8 mil for next 3 years) for Joe Johnson and Hollis-Jefferson?

Timberwolves badly want to trade away Kevin Martin (7 mil next two years)... wonder if they'd package him with Pekovic (12 mi - 3 years) in a salary dump.  They don't need either. 

[KeepRondo]

http://nesn.com/2016/01/celtics-draft-pick-watch-nets-reportedly-trying-to-improve-via-trade/

According to the Boston Herald’s Steve Bulpett, the Nets are actively looking to make an in-season trade that could “make them better in the short term as well as in the distance.” An NBA source even told Bulpett the expectation is the Nets will be “one of the more active teams” leading up to the February trade deadline.

Thad Young probably has more value this year. Not sure who else they could trade, unless they want to move López for draft picks.

Joe Johnson could maybe get them a second rounder at best. What else do they have to offer?

[Quetzalcoatl]

http://nesn.com/2016/01/celtics-draft-pick-watch-nets-reportedly-trying-to-improve-via-trade/

According to the Boston Herald’s Steve Bulpett, the Nets are actively looking to make an in-season trade that could “make them better in the short term as well as in the distance.” An NBA source even told Bulpett the expectation is the Nets will be “one of the more active teams” leading up to the February trade deadline.

Thad Young probably has more value this year. Not sure who else they could trade, unless they want to move López for draft picks.

Joe Johnson could maybe get them a second rounder at best. What else do they have to offer?

Yeah I have no idea how they could get better in the present and the future without any draft picks to throw in.  I want Billy King to try to make some moves though, him trading doesn't scare me at all.  In fact, I encourage it.  Try to have your cake and eat it too, Billy!  I'm sure you won't make things worse in the process.  I'm more scared of them trying to get better for the next two seasons as I'd like all 3 of our picks to be good, not just this year's.

[chambers]

http://nesn.com/2016/01/celtics-draft-pick-watch-nets-reportedly-trying-to-improve-via-trade/

According to the Boston Herald’s Steve Bulpett, the Nets are actively looking to make an in-season trade that could “make them better in the short term as well as in the distance.” An NBA source even told Bulpett the expectation is the Nets will be “one of the more active teams” leading up to the February trade deadline.

Joe Johnson's 24 mil expiring contract could come in handy if someone is looking to dump some overpaid role players.   I wouldn't rule out the possibility that Brooklyn makes a move to make them a bit better this year.

Bill Simmons also had the idea that Brooklyn should just trade Joe Johnson for Derrick Rose... just take the gamble on Rose since they had nothing to lose. 

I wonder what Johnson's expiring + Hollis-Jefferson could get them.

Well there's the catch.

They'd have to include RHJ. JJ has been absolutely BRUTAL this season and has one of the largest contracts in the league. I don't care if it's expiring, that $25mill is tough to match.

Let's start looking at struggling teams with overpaid vets to see if we can figure out what kind of move might make sense. 

So far, all I'm seeing is overpaid bigs... like Tyson Chandler making 14 mil a year on the Suns.  Makes no sense there, but the Nets are pretty set on their bigs right now.     Pelicans have Asik making 10 mil a year for the next 5 years... bet they'd want from under that contract.  But again, Asik doesn't really make sense on Brooklyn.   

Maybe look towards the Rockets.  You think they want to keep paying Ty Lawson 12 mil a year for the next 2 years?  Would they benefit by giving up Ty Lawson and Trevor Ariza (8 mil for next 3 years) for Joe Johnson and Hollis-Jefferson?

Timberwolves badly want to trade away Kevin Martin (7 mil next two years)... wonder if they'd package him with Pekovic (12 mi - 3 years) in a salary dump.  They don't need either.

The Rockets lose Lawson but they also lose Ariza (who's easily the best player in the deal) and his insanely cheap /value contract. Realistically about 10% chance they'd ever do that just to move Lawson.

Martin and Pek are both cooked and I can't see the Nets wanting to give up anything of value to unload Johnson for two cooked bums from Minnesota- not like they have anything of value anyway.