Had Lunch With Carlos Boozer Today...

[Netted]

To go off on a tangent, it is pretty unlikely that the Nets could pick up a PF that has an impact both offensively and defensively without parting with the Scowl (Brooksie). If the nets do decide to upgrade the PF spot through a trade, it's more likely that that player will have some skills, but also some warts. To step back a few miles, on the team the Nets have now--that is, with Devin, Vince, and Brook, is it better to have a PF that rates a 10 on offense and a 0 on defense; a PF that rates a 5 on offense and a 5 on defense, or a PF that rates a 0 on offense and a 10 on defense? Or some other combination? I think it's easy to criticize Boozer for his deficiencies, but the $1,000,000 question is whether the team can live with it, and flourish despite it.

Totally depends on other moves made. Boozer alone will not turn this team into a championship contender. It should be enough to get them in the playoffs, but at that stage why stop there. Perimeter defense would be the biggest need after Boozer. Other need would be a tough defender/rebounder at back-up center.

I guess no matter what they need a perimeter defender to make up for Harris and VC issues. So the question is does Boozer as a 10 on offense and 0 on defense benefit the team? I think so. The hope is that his presence would enable Harris and Carter to expend less energy scoring and have something left for defense. Najera as back-up PF comes in handy with Boozer. Yi is a waste to keep around at that point. Rather send him in trade and hang on to Anderson. Less issues with him if he doesn't get playing time.

[GrandKenyon6]

Getting Boozer will only be worthwhile if they can get a legitimate stopper at the 3. Tayshaun Prince may be available.

Netted, you are right. Yi should be the one going in a trade. Anderson is much more productive in the backup role.

[PsychoNetsFan34]

I bet Boozer said he was going to pay for lunch and left when Psycho went to the bathroom.

Lmao. Nah, actually me and Boozer were in cahoots to leave my girlfriend and his agent with the bill. Unfortunately, on the way to the bathroom Boozers knee blew out and caused a scene.

[pegs]

My thoughts on adding Boozer...

Defensively, like people said, we should have to add a defensive-minded SF. Also, a better defensive PF to come off of the bench would be nice. Not only that, but another PF to have around (Anderson/Yi would do) to increase our depth, in case of injury.

Offensively, it'd be a good idea to have that defensive SF also be a good 3 point shooter to open up the paint for Boozer (similarly to the way shooters like Hayes, Dooling, and Simmons opened up the paint for Devin.

[Netted]

Are people dead set against moving VC to SF and bringing in a defensive SG? On the defensive end I don't see how it hurts and I think the odds of finding a smaller defensive SG are better than finding a bigger defender at SF.

I'm not adverse to moving Dooling into the starting lineup at SG if we can get a quality back-up PG. Team has much flexibility if your #1 defender has the ability to guard three positions from PGs to SFs and I think you get that with a defensive SG.

[NOMAM]

Are people dead set against moving VC to SF and bringing in a defensive SG? On the defensive end I don't see how it hurts and I think the odds of finding a smaller defensive SG are better than finding a bigger defender at SF.

I'm not adverse to moving Dooling into the starting lineup at SG if we can get a quality back-up PG. Team has much flexibility if your #1 defender has the ability to guard three positions from PGs to SFs and I think you get that with a defensive SG.

I don't think it really matters labeling VC into the SF spot. On offense he'll be a shooting guard and on defense the Nets defensive specialist will guard the best opposing SG/SF offensive player.

For a defensive swing-man wouldn't mind the Nets going after guys like James Posey, Raja Bell, Tayshaun Prince (if they're looking to shake things up), Shane Battier (if the Rockets resign Artest), Shawn Marion (MLE or sign and trade.)

[Netted]

I don't think it really matters labeling VC into the SF spot. On offense he'll be a shooting guard and on defense the Nets defensive specialist will guard the best opposing SG/SF offensive player.

For a defensive swing-man wouldn't mind the Nets going after guys like James Posey, Raja Bell, Tayshaun Prince (if they're looking to shake things up), Shane Battier (if the Rockets resign Artest), Shawn Marion (MLE or sign and trade.)

That's my point. I think the Nets are better off with a defensive SG that can defend down to PGs or up to SFs. Posey, Prince, Battier and Marion are not going to defend PGs like Rondo, Nelson, Rose or Parker. Players like Bell, West, Stevenson, Courtney Lee, or Marquis Daniels would work.

I don't see teams trading, or the Nets adding, anyone like Battier, Posey, Bell, Prince or Marion. Nets are going to need to look on the scrap pile... especially in this Boozer scenario.

[NOMAM]

That's my point. I think the Nets are better off with a defensive SG that can defend down to PGs or up to SFs. Posey, Prince, Battier and Marion are not going to defend PGs like Rondo, Nelson, Rose or Parker. Players like Bell, West, Stevenson, Courtney Lee, or Marquis Daniels would work.

I don't see teams trading, or the Nets adding, anyone like Battier, Posey, Bell, Prince or Marion. Nets are going to need to look on the scrap pile... especially in this Boozer scenario.

I think getting a guy who can defend SG's/SF's is sufficient enough for the Nets. If the Nets could get an offensive upgrade at the 4 then the scoring load will be less for Harris and Carter and they could focus more of their energies on defense. If Harris buys into defending like he did in Dallas then he and Dooling can do a good job on defending PG's. Also, Brook will have a bigger role in the offense next season as well.

[Netted]

I just think there are times when the better player is at PG and Devin won't want to chase them around all game. A good example is the Hornets. Devin won't want to chase around Paul all game and Vince can guard Posey or Stojokovic. Rather have a quality defender at SG trade off with Devin on switches and such than to have Devin and VC do it.

Its also insurance in case Devin doesn't turn his defense around.

[Dumpy]

I don't think it really matters labeling VC into the SF spot. On offense he'll be a shooting guard and on defense the Nets defensive specialist will guard the best opposing SG/SF offensive player.

For a defensive swing-man wouldn't mind the Nets going after guys like James Posey, Raja Bell, Tayshaun Prince (if they're looking to shake things up), Shane Battier (if the Rockets resign Artest), Shawn Marion (MLE or sign and trade.)

I'll tell you what, though--I'm tired of Devin running a one-man fast break. Whoever the Nets add as that other starting wing, I'd love to have two primary skills: man-to-man defense, and be able to run the floor and finish on the break like . . .like . . . oh, GO NETS!!!, I'll just say it. Kerry Kittles.

[NetIncome]

The team's offense is determined by what the roster looks like and the roster is determined by the team's overall philosophy...and other factors, like economics.

The Nets decided to rebuild after two disappointing seasons with one of the highest payrolls in the NBA (top 5). They went with a rebuilding plan that emphasized young big men, a backcourt that could penetrate, pass and score, and a couple of specialists who could hit from deep. Thus, the dribble drive offense. As the young players, particularly Lopez, matured faster than anticipated...let's all recall that last summer Lopez said his goal was to be as good a backup to Boone as he could be...the offense was adjusted. Similarly, nagging injuries to three of the team's top four players--Harris, Carter and Dooling--resulted in other adjustments.

You don't change an offense in midseason. You can't. You don't have the time with so few practices. So next season, expect to see an offense centered more around Lopez...who hopefully will remain durable. (Quick, when was the last time a Nets starting center played in all 82 games? How about NEVER unless you want to count Buck Williams in 1981-82 when he played some center along with power forward. A couple of Net centers played in 81 games...like Daryl Dawkins and Jason Collins, but the point is that it's very rare and so you should be prepared for time lost next season. My priorities this off-season, fyi, would be to find a back up center with some offensive capabilities.)

The suggestion that Harris is selfish is silly. The offense was designed around him doing that he does...and does well. Carter deliberately deferred to him for the sake of the offense and Harris did average 7 assists a game. This now conventional wisdom that he is selfish is not borne out by the facts. Did Lopez develop with no help from Harris? or Carter?

[MrDollarBills]

I don't see a need for an offensive minded back up center. Defense is our biggest flaw and we need an influx of guys that want to defend, primary at the SG/SF spot and the PF-C spot.

We need a starting PF that can rebound and defend, period. Yi and Anderson are bench players at best, Yi looks like he won't even crack the rotation next season.

I don't think its necessary to have someone that can defend opposing PGs, guarding SF-SG is more important. Harris needs to man up and play defense and stop letting people embarrass him.

We have an advantage where we can move Carter to either the 2 or 3, so if we land a defensive SG that can knock down open shots, we would be fine.

[Netted]

I wonder if the Warriors would be interested in Yi? I know they have a big asian community and during the draft there was talk of him landing there. Yi for Turiaf would be huge for the Nets. He'd be a perfect back-up for Lopez and can play some PF as well.

He would qualify as the "moose" Thorn is looking for.

[SIC]

I wonder if the Warriors would be interested in Yi? I know they have a big asian community and during the draft there was talk of him landing there. Yi for Turiaf would be huge for the Nets. He'd be a perfect back-up for Lopez and can play some PF as well.

He would qualify as the "moose" Thorn is looking for.

Netted I dont mind this at all. I doubt GS trades with us any time soon.

[NOMAM]

Wow, the Warriors are loaded with 2 and 3's.

Ellis, Crawford, Jackson, Maggette, Azubuike, Belinelli, Morrow, Randolph,

[nets1]

Yi and anderson are bench players at best????

And you know this how? They both played as much or more than RJ did his rookie season. Do you know for a fact that both players will never improve? Yi has shown slow improvement from his first year but what about Ryan Anderson? Most good Rookies will improve like 25% between the first and second year as they gained valuable experience from the first to second year. Some players like Yi or Wright don't improve that much. But what makes you so sure that Ryan Anderson won't? What makes you think Brook, or CDR won't?

I love how some posters can predict the future based on zero fact. Is it just a feeling you get? Do you have some sort of crystal ball? Why don't you wait till summer league or preseason till you make such bold predictions...

I also wonder why other teams around the allstar break and trading deadline wanted Anderson and CDR?

I just wonder....

[Netted]

Yi and anderson are bench players at best????

And you know this how? They both played as much or more than RJ did his rookie season. Do you know for a fact that both players will never improve? Yi has shown slow improvement from his first year but what about Ryan Anderson? Most good Rookies will improve like 25% between the first and second year as they gained valuable experience from the first to second year. Some players like Yi or Wright don't improve that much. But what makes you so sure that Ryan Anderson won't? What makes you think Brook, or CDR won't?

I love how some posters can predict the future based on zero fact. Is it just a feeling you get? Do you have some sort of crystal ball? Why don't you wait till summer league or preseason till you make such bold predictions...

I also wonder why other teams around the allstar break and trading deadline wanted Anderson and CDR?

I just wonder....

I don't understand what this post is in response to. I don't think anyone has said Brook, CDR or Anderson won't improve. There has been doubts put forth regarding Yi because he made little progress in his second season, but I didn't see any comments damning the rookies.

[NetIncome]

Back to Boozer

Stories in the SLC papers laying out how the Jazz have to decide soon re Boozer...Okur wants more money, Millsap wants money. Korver can become a free agent. Kirilenko has been told to bulk up.

I think Boozer goes for a pittance...not necessarily to the Nets, but to someone.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/7053 ... t-out.html

[NetIncome]

Yi and anderson are bench players at best????

And you know this how? They both played as much or more than RJ did his rookie season. Do you know for a fact that both players will never improve? Yi has shown slow improvement from his first year but what about Ryan Anderson? Most good Rookies will improve like 25% between the first and second year as they gained valuable experience from the first to second year. Some players like Yi or Wright don't improve that much. But what makes you so sure that Ryan Anderson won't? What makes you think Brook, or CDR won't?

I love how some posters can predict the future based on zero fact. Is it just a feeling you get? Do you have some sort of crystal ball? Why don't you wait till summer league or preseason till you make such bold predictions...

I also wonder why other teams around the allstar break and trading deadline wanted Anderson and CDR?

I just wonder....

Teams wanted Anderson at last year's trading deadline! I agree with you...and I cannot imagine a real fan suggesting otherwise. If either or both of those guys develop, it will be a big deal for the Nets, particularly if they draft smart. One key to long term success in the NBA is stability, particularly if you get young players to develop quickly and produce on either rookie contracts (Lopez, Yi, Anderson, CDR, this year's pick) or reasonable long term second contracts (Harris).

[dex]

I'm getting more and more excited about the idea of landing Boozer, as long as we add a couple of defensive minded players.

Harris, Boozer, Carter and Lopez would be way too much talent to guard, and they'd make guys like Dooling, Douglas-Roberts and Hayes better, as they could take advantage those guys drawing the attention.

IMO, adding Boozer and a couple of defensive pieces could put us at a level close to the Magic. Boozer would give us tremendous offensive firepower, he's a guy who plays with hustle, and he would make us a better rebounding team (I think we were the 6th or 7th worst rebounding team this season).

And, while being a very tough team, we would have a bright future, as we would be keeping our main youngsters, even if we had to give up Anderson or Yi in a S&T.

I don't think we could get a better player in 2010, so I'm all for speeding up the process.