So, the big Russian did get a big trade done after all snatching up Deron Williams, who many people feel is the best point guard in the league (personally I think Derrick Rose is a notch above). In order to make this work, the Nets had to give up prized rookie Derrick Favors and 2 draft picks, along with disgruntled point guard Devin Harris. Overall, this is a good move, but by not getting Williams to sign an extension, hope is alive that he could cross the Hudson River in two years.
Speaking of the Knicks, make no mistake the timing of this move is no coincidence. Prokhorov has this kind of Cold War arms race going on with James Dolan and you know he wanted to take some of the shine off of the big Melo debut tonight at the Garden. I'm not really sure how this move was made so stealthily. I've been home from work all day after eating some bad chicken and broccoli watching ESPN and there wasn't a mention from Broussard and the rest of those clowns about this until it happened. Sneaky sneaky.
Prokhorov really wants to better the Knicks in everything he does. This was a great trade for the Nets, although there will be a lot of pressure on them to re-sign Williams and possibly add another player in 2012.
ReplyDeleteHow is this trade less expensive than the Melo trade? I would argue a lottery pick from last year, two more probable lottery picks in the near future, and a point guard who was disgruntled but had trade value, for a guy who is almost certain to leave in a year and a half is pretty expensive.
ReplyDeleteThey had to take a risk because no great player was willing to sign an extension in New Jersey. They added a great point guard while holding on to their best player (Lopez) and two remaining picks. The Nets won about 12 games last year. They were becoming the laughing stock of the NBA, comparable to the Clippers (pre-Griffin). Now they are a relevant organization and have lots of potential for the next few years. It's refreshing to see an owner make power moves, unlike the Knicks who fight amongst themselves and then bring Isaiah in (who then adds 12 unnecessary pieces to the trade offer).
ReplyDeleteLopez is terrible, they're still a laughing stock and what moves exactly to you see them making?
ReplyDeleteDerron was sent away from Utah on the count of a a beef with Sloan (an idol in Utah) and fear they can't re-sign him. So Utah took advantage of a desperate Nets team.
D-Will was not happy with a winning team and a revered coach. How does a coach that a lot of players have had problems with, playing in front of a crowd that pretty much resembles the Boys and Girls Club of America(thank you Bagels), a team that will barely crack 25 wins and can't spell playoffs, equate to some other free agent AND Williams signing?
I think they were better off with the picks and making sure they pick well. Build from the draft and then throw money at guys you've raised in the organization and are happy to be a part of it.
Prok will bring out Jay-Z again to help convince D-Will to stay. It's hilarious how important Jay-Z seems to be in these negotiations. He barely owns a percentage of the team. What the hell can Jay-Z offer? Dreams of playing in Brooklyn plus a shout out in one of future albums? Please. Prok to Williams, "Not only do you get to play in Brooklyn, but Jay-Z will be your best friend."
ReplyDeleteAnyway, this was a move that needed to be made by the Nets. They now have someone that Dwight Howard could potentially want to play with because Brook "I forgot how to rebound" Lopez isn't going to cut it. Big hurdle will be to convincing him to stay. But that's what Jay-Z is for huh?
Jay-z has had barely any impact on these negotiations. His best friend LeBron said no, so did Carmelo, a guy who's close to Jay. you're wrong, anonymous.
ReplyDeleteCan you tell me where you got the chicken and broccoli so I can avoid that spot?
ReplyDeleteSigh...
ReplyDeleteJohnny Bagels, I was being sarcastic and taking a shot at NJ's management/ownership. I wasn't actually implying that he had an impact on any of these previous meetings.
I like what Bill Simmons said on his espn.com column about Jay-Z owning such a small share of the Nets. His quote was something like: "Jay owns 1% more of the Nets than my dog does". It's true.
ReplyDeletePanda on 71st and 3rd Ave. stay away!..Sorry Anon, didn't recognize the sarcasm there, man.
ReplyDeleteWHAT? I get Panda all the time, your stomach must be weak.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about you getting sick, but do you realize there are other dishes at chinese food places besides chicken & broccoli, sweet & sour chicken and beef tips?
ReplyDeleteSingapore Mei Fun is the bomb.
Snooty orders the wings and french fries.
ReplyDelete