Is Favors a Day-One Starter for the Nets?

ecuhus1981 · Post #1 » by **ecuhus1981** » Fri Jun 25, 2010 3:54 pm

Let me first say that as a Nets fan, I celebrate Draft Day 2010, because we have given ourselves the chance to improve immensely with the 3rd pick, Derrick Favors. Let's pretend that the national sports writers that feel we will move Favors in an S&T for a max PF are smoking crack, and focus on Derrick's immediate contributions to our Nets.

Rod Thorn hasn't minced words about his affection for Derrick Favors. He and others have said that DF is a prototypical PF with Dwight/Amare upside, good character, an encouraging learning curve and a tireless work ethic. A couple of weeks ago, Rod mentioned that Derrick's readiness for the NBA was the biggest question mark. I read somewhere that he think Favors might not be ready to be a full-time starter until midway through his 2nd year. Can this be true? Is the "Muscle Devil" (Yi Jianlian) going to keep his starting spot, or does our front office still plan to pursue top-tier PFs in free agency this summer?

I can understand that, being 18 years old, Derrick has a long ways to go. His offensive instincts are promising, but his current skill set at that end is woefully underdeveloped. If you'll recall, Thorn made similar comments about Brook, saying that he would not start at all in his rookie season. 25 games later, Lopez has a stranglehold on the position. So, is this simply another play-it-safe quote from Rod, or are we going to have to wet nurse this youngster? I would have been all for a project like Hassan Whiteside with pick #27, but with the 3rd pick, I always hope to have someone that can at least give you 25mpg from day one. Will this be the case with Favors? I'd love to hear thoughtful feedback, and be sure to explain why you voted the way you did.

SOUP · Post #2 » by **SOUP** » Fri Jun 25, 2010 3:55 pm

It all depends what happens in Free Agency.

ecuhus1981 · Post #3 » by **ecuhus1981** » Fri Jun 25, 2010 3:59 pm

I'm going to say no for now. Yi may or may not make strides in his game this summer, but it looks more and more like we are going to need his 3-point shooting and floor spacing in our starting lineup far more than the athleticism, defense and fast breaking that Derrick offers. I say that in part because I don't see us adding a premier shooter this offseason. IF we land, say, LeBron James AND a sniper like Joe Johnson, then I could definitely see Favors being the better complement in our starting lineup. But outside of JJ and the 35yo Ray Allen, there really aren't any dead-eye marksmen on the FA market. Devin will probably work on his 3-ball this summer, but without another legit weapon, teams will pack the paint, making Brook's and Derrick's jobs alot more difficult. Just my opinion.

SpeedyG · Post #4 » by **SpeedyG** » Fri Jun 25, 2010 4:05 pm

Barring us signing an Amare/Lee/Boozer (which I don't foresee happening regardless of what happens with Lebron), I see Favors as a starter sooner than later. Who's the alternative? Yi?

If Avery is serious about his desire to improve our team defense, then Favors should get the burn over Yi...

SOUP · Post #5 » by **SOUP** » Fri Jun 25, 2010 4:05 pm

I've been thinking of a trade centered around if we sign and trade Amare for Yi/C.Lee/future picks.

Trade Amare, humpz, and Dooling to Memphis for Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph (huge expiring), and Xavier.

Favors comes off the bench his first year behind Randolph. With Avery there he can keep Zach in check. After making the playoff and making some noise, let Randolph expire, we're left with this.

Devin/FA/T.Will
Xavier/T.Will
Gay/James/T.Will
Favors/FA/James
Lopez/FA/FA

As well as a but load of cash from Randolph's expiring.

Thoughts?

Preludepunk27 · Post #6 » by **Preludepunk27** » Fri Jun 25, 2010 4:16 pm

^^^^

I am a Nets fan through and through. There are rarely scenarios that run through my mind that would make me say "I'm done with the Nets. I'll just wait and become a Sonics fan when a team moves back to Seattle." Expiring or no expiring, the Nets trading for Zach Randolph, even for 1 season, would make me say that. There is a reason why he's a 20/10 player yet no team really ever wants him. Even Memphis has been rumored to be trying to move him. The same issues I see in him are the same issues I see in Cousins which is why I started to hate Cousins. It's the me first attitude, offensive black hole, defensive ineptness and the inability to make anyone better on the floor.

I hate him lol.

ecuhus1981 · Post #7 » by **ecuhus1981** » Fri Jun 25, 2010 4:17 pm

Well, we couldn't trade an S&T'ed Amare until December 15th, and Dooling (possibly Humphries too, via opt-out or buyout) would be long gone by then. Also, I don't think MEM would pay that much for Stoudemire. If they would, Phoenix would probably S&T him to Memphis instead.

SOUP · Post #8 » by **SOUP** » Fri Jun 25, 2010 4:24 pm

ecuhus1981 wrote:Well, we couldn't trade an S&T'ed Amare until December 15th, and Dooling (possibly Humphries too, via opt-out or buyout) would be long gone by then. Also, I don't think MEM would pay that much for Stoudemire. If they would, Phoenix would probably S&T him to Memphis instead.

Thanks for the clean-up Ecuhus.

:cry:

Bastard....

ecuhus1981 · Post #9 » by **ecuhus1981** » Fri Jun 25, 2010 4:30 pm

Preludepunk27 wrote:^^^^

I am a Nets fan through and through. There are rarely scenarios that run through my mind that would make me say "I'm done with the Nets. I'll just wait and become a Sonics fan when a team moves back to Seattle." Expiring or no expiring, the Nets trading for Zach Randolph, even for 1 season, would make me say that. There is a reason why he's a 20/10 player yet no team really ever wants him. Even Memphis has been rumored to be trying to move him. The same issues I see in him are the same issues I see in Cousins which is why I started to hate Cousins. It's the me first attitude, offensive black hole, defensive ineptness and the inability to make anyone better on the floor.

I hate him lol.

Now, to be fair, DeMarcus has been a far superior defender, a far more selfless player (can you picture Zach willing to be the 4th option in Kentucky?), and his contributions clearly made the Wildcats a more difficult team to beat. He and Zach are nothing alike in those respects. DC's wingspan, lateral quickness and focus on the defensive end should make him at least an above-average versatile defender. They are similar in terms of offensive rebounding ability and conditioning, but that's about as far as the comparison goes.

Now, in terms of "attitude" or a general demeanor, then yes, they are both surly and egocentric. But isn't that also why we traded for Damion James? I've been a Big XII fan as long as I can remember, and although I love Damion's work ethic, he's an @ssclown as far as sportsmanship and camaraderie go, worse than everyone's opinion of Cousins.

I have to agree with you that I would be loathe to even watch our Nets with the wanna-be thug, no-defense, offensive black hole better known as Zach Randolph on our squad. But anyway, I don't think Avery would OK that deal.

Jase · Post #10 » by **Jase** » Fri Jun 25, 2010 5:21 pm

Lakers fan here. Just wanted to say that I think Favors is an awesome potential and I think New Jersey is the best place he could have gone. Here's hoping he develops into an All-Star and makes Cousins look foolish for running his mouth so much.

S.I.C. GM · Post #11 » by **S.I.C. GM** » Fri Jun 25, 2010 5:29 pm

I voted NO!

I think like lopez he will eventually be put into the starting lineup. I say after 20 games. whether because he is improving or with some type of injury.

I really hope Thorn doesnt go after any of the BIG FAs. I would rather thorn go after Haslem, Kurt Thomas, and any other PF along those lines. Cheap with a 1-2 year contract.

One thing is for sure. If thorn doesnt get any PF FAs, Yi isnt starting unless Avery puts the Fear of Whoever his high being is and he goes out there like he did in the beginning of last year. By the time he settles down or gets injuried, Favors will be ready. So 20 games it is.

Rockice_8 · Post #12 » by **Rockice_8** » Fri Jun 25, 2010 6:56 pm

"DAY 1" DO YOU HEAR ME "DAY 1"

If Yi is in our starting lineup next season we will have failed. I can't stand by and watch Yi miss inside layups and constantly get burned on D. He is a bench player and has no business starting on any team. Yes he would be a perfect player to come off the bench because he has the ability to get hot but I don't care if we can't shoot any three's Favors rebounding and defense from day 1 will be a much welcomed sight. Go after a D.Lee if you don't want to start him (hell I'll bang down low) anyone but Yi.

ecuhus1981 · Post #13 » by **ecuhus1981** » Fri Jun 25, 2010 6:58 pm

Jase wrote:Lakers fan here. Just wanted to say that I think Favors is an awesome potential and I think New Jersey is the best place he could have gone. Here's hoping he develops into an All-Star and makes Cousins look foolish for running his mouth so much.

Thanks, Jase. I do agree that he is a great fit for us, and likewise we are a great fit for him. Our new head coach, Avery Johnson, is going to enjoy the challenge of molding this young man into HoF-caliber shape as an all-around basketball player. The lil' General always wanted a livewire, tough, athletic bigman to serve as the Mr. Fixit weakside defender for his system. If anyone can make the most of that, I honestly believe it's Avery.

My one concern is that Devin isn't anywhere close to the pure point like a Chris Paul or a Steve Nash, that would be able to get the most out of a guy with limited skill and all-world athleticism like Derrick. Terrence's court vision makes up for that to a degree (I think their chemistry will be off-the-meter!), and if we get another play-making FA (Wade, Johnson or James) to make the most of Favors, he could be acclimate himself to the league this season. It's going to take some time, but with alot of hard work, he could be ready for 30mpg by the All-Star break. By April, with a bit of luck, we could be well on our way to fulfilling Prokhy's promise.

halfHAVOC · Post #14 » by **halfHAVOC** » Fri Jun 25, 2010 7:45 pm

ecuhus1981 · Post #15 » by **ecuhus1981** » Sat Jun 26, 2010 1:41 am

I actually think that Damion could emerge as the best starting PF for us early on, as he will bring enough 3-point shooting to keeping spacing, and can defend tenaciously. Apparently, we're grooming him as a SF, but I'm sure he wouldn't turn down starting in order to play solely SF. Of course, if we can nab a cheap veteran bigman (I'm thinking Drew Gooden) to start for a while on a vet's min contract, that might be best for everyone.

ecuhus1981 · Post #16 » by **ecuhus1981** » Sat Jun 26, 2010 11:21 pm

I will be very interested to see how our newest young bigman will handle summer league. If he can dominate there, he will probably be able to make an impact against less athletic NBA defenses in his rookie year. If not, we might need to be patient with him.

I will also be interested to see how Avery's evaluation of him progresses. Can he make this fairly raw athletic specimen a day-one starter? If so, it definitely helps our chances of making noise in the postseason.

CoolKids · Post #17 » by **CoolKids** » Sun Jun 27, 2010 5:01 am

SOUP wrote:I've been thinking of a trade centered around if we sign and trade Amare for Yi/C.Lee/future picks.

Trade Amare, humpz, and Dooling to Memphis for Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph (huge expiring), and Xavier.

Favors comes off the bench his first year behind Randolph. With Avery there he can keep Zach in check. After making the playoff and making some noise, let Randolph expire, we're left with this.

Devin/FA/T.Will
Xavier/T.Will
Gay/James/T.Will
Favors/FA/James
Lopez/FA/FA

As well as a but load of cash from Randolph's expiring.

Thoughts?

Wait you seriously think Memphis would consider that proposal..
:lol:

enetric · Post #18 » by **enetric** » Sun Jun 27, 2010 7:23 am

SpeedyG wrote:Barring us signing an Amare/Lee/Boozer (which I don't foresee happening regardless of what happens with Lebron), I see Favors as a starter sooner than later. Who's the alternative? Yi?

If Avery is serious about his desire to improve our team defense, then Favors should get the burn over Yi...

We get Lebron...we will absolutely land one more guy. That you should count on.

enetric · Post #19 » by **enetric** » Sun Jun 27, 2010 7:26 am

Preludepunk27 wrote:^^^^

I am a Nets fan through and through. There are rarely scenarios that run through my mind that would make me say "I'm done with the Nets. I'll just wait and become a Sonics fan when a team moves back to Seattle." Expiring or no expiring, the Nets trading for Zach Randolph, even for 1 season, would make me say that. There is a reason why he's a 20/10 player yet no team really ever wants him. Even Memphis has been rumored to be trying to move him. The same issues I see in him are the same issues I see in Cousins which is why I started to hate Cousins. It's the me first attitude, offensive black hole, defensive ineptness and the inability to make anyone better on the floor.

I hate him lol.

Hey Prelude... How many times did I post that rant years ago? That was awesome! Remember all my ZACHis an offensive black hole rants years ago? All the times I would get into it with someone?

Ironcially..I think he had his best season ever this year....but the flaws are still there.

enetric · Post #20 » by **enetric** » Sun Jun 27, 2010 7:28 am

ecuhus1981 wrote:
Preludepunk27 wrote:^^^^

I am a Nets fan through and through. There are rarely scenarios that run through my mind that would make me say "I'm done with the Nets. I'll just wait and become a Sonics fan when a team moves back to Seattle." Expiring or no expiring, the Nets trading for Zach Randolph, even for 1 season, would make me say that. There is a reason why he's a 20/10 player yet no team really ever wants him. Even Memphis has been rumored to be trying to move him. The same issues I see in him are the same issues I see in Cousins which is why I started to hate Cousins. It's the me first attitude, offensive black hole, defensive ineptness and the inability to make anyone better on the floor.

I hate him lol.

Now, to be fair, DeMarcus has been a far superior defender, a far more selfless player (can you picture Zach willing to be the 4th option in Kentucky?), and his contributions clearly made the Wildcats a more difficult team to beat. He and Zach are nothing alike in those respects. DC's wingspan, lateral quickness and focus on the defensive end should make him at least an above-average versatile defender. They are similar in terms of offensive rebounding ability and conditioning, but that's about as far as the comparison goes.

Now, in terms of "attitude" or a general demeanor, then yes, they are both surly and egocentric. But isn't that also why we traded for Damion James? I've been a Big XII fan as long as I can remember, and although I love Damion's work ethic, he's an @ssclown as far as sportsmanship and camaraderie go, worse than everyone's opinion of Cousins.

I have to agree with you that I would be loathe to even watch our Nets with the wanna-be thug, no-defense, offensive black hole better known as Zach Randolph on our squad. But anyway, I don't think Avery would OK that deal.

It will depend on what kind of shape he is in. You cant take plays off like he did in college. Yu cant come up with a block or rebound and then not get back down court on half your plays. You have to bring it or he wont be a quality defender.

Will DF Be a Day-One Starter?