2007 NBA Season Preview - New Jersey Nets

A Look at the Upcoming 07-08 Season

New Jersey Nets
'06-'07 Record/Standing: 41-41 (.500); 2^nd in Atlantic Division
'06-'07 Postseason (if applicable): Lost in Eastern Conference Semifinals (4-2 to Cleveland)
Coach (Record): Lawrence Frank, 5^th season (157-129)
Key Additions: C Sean Williams (draft; 1^st round, 17th

overall); F Malik Allen (FA; Chicago); C Jamaal Magloire (FA; Portland)
Key Losses: C Mikki Moore (FA; Sacramento); SG Eddie House (Boston)

The New Jersey Nets flew under the radar for most of the season; they struggled getting out of the gate (6-9 in November, including a six-game losing streak). A good push and some inspired play watched them get into the postseason and even get a series victory against Toronto. When you have Vince Carter and Jason Kidd, they can carry you to the playoffs. Had Richard Jefferson been healthy for the entire season, they could have won 50 games and been a higher seed in the postseason. But the nucleus is still there in New Jersey. Jefferson looks to be healthy for the entire season, as does injured center Nenad Krstic. With Carter, Kidd, and Jefferson, they are still one of the more talented teams in the East. We know that Kidd can still get out and run and that Carter and Jefferson are more than willing to put the finishing touches on those transition plays. They ran into a tough Cleveland team that won the Eastern Conference, but they played with the Cavs for the majority of that series. A little more work and some breaks, and they could have easily been in the Eastern Conference finals.

Can the Nets build on that near success? They have been one of the top teams in the East for the past few seasons and they still have that talent. With Carter and Jefferson, you have two proven wings that can score from all over the court. Jason Kidd is right there with Steve Nash and a couple other point guards as the best in the league. Kidd can give you a triple-double on any given night. The concern is whether or not the rest of the team can provide enough support to these guys to get them past those deeper teams in the East. There will be a lot of competition for the top spots; if the Nets can keep up, they could be a contender.