Plan B

[SpeedyG]

OK, now that we've had roughly a day to steam and pile on the ridiculousness of the trade that Billy King made, it is time that we move on, and consider plan B. Let us assume, that this trade had the OK of Deron Williams (otherwise we skip Plan B and go all the way to Plan F...as in ucked ). But let's all assume that Deron is sold on Brooklyn. Here's what we'll have when we go to Barclays:

PG - Deron
SG - MarShon
SF - Crash
PF - ?
C - Lopez

Bench - Morrow, Petro

At this point, I think this team is all in to compete next year. Meaning, forget about prospects. It is all about winning now, competing for 2nd round exits and what not. After we resign Deron and Lopez, and Farmar/Crash picks up their option or resigned, we'd have roughly $8M left in cap space. Right now, it looks like Houston will make the playoffs, so we'll have another 16-20 pick in the 1st round. This of course, leaves us with a gaping hole at PF.

There's few options at PF next year: Hump is one, if not the best available one, unless we think we can entice a veteran like Garnett to leave the Celtics and join us. Another name is Ryan Anderson, if he's not resigned.

Looking at this team, you're looking at a team that can compete with the Phillys and the Atlantas and the Indianas of the East, but not the Heat and the Bulls and the Magic (at least not on a 7 game series). If MarShon continues to improve, and Lopez continues to improve, and Crash...doesn't crash and burn to injuries...

It's actually a good team. Not great, but good. Competitive. But not championship caliber. It is exactly what we hope we wouldn't be. But it is what it is. We can only hope that MarShon and Brook takes massive leaps and realize their potential. Because without those two doing so, there's no way we can be a championship caliber team.

[Revolutionistt]

As always, I am the minority on this website and like the trade. Im not very impressed with the talent in this years draft. I would have liked to see the pick protected a little higher but I dont think it kills the team. In all likelihood the nets pick will be somewhere between 8-10 and I dont see any franchise players at that spot in this years draft. My question though is, do the Nets have any other first round picks? And if you think about it, a healthy lineup of Williams, Brooks, Wallace, Hump, and Lopez is a pretty damn good team. Not elite, but pretty damn good. If the Nets can make a run and finish the season strong I think it plays well in our efforts to keep Deron.

[The Hypnotoad]

I'll say this, i love Gerald Wallace as a player and think he's a great addition. Its just losing our draft pick really hurts us. Why couldn't he make it at least top 10 protected? Makes no sense.

Anyways, i can see us resigning Humphries and starting him and Lopez together. I doubt we'll sign anyone else big or long term cause King is still under the illussion Dwight wants to play for us.

I don't think that team can get out of the first round through.

[SelbyCobra]

As a Knicks fan I think King is still on Plan A quite significantly (although I'm sure he's dealing with other options, too).

I look at the Wallace trade as the equivalent of losing a sports bet, and then instead of dealing with the debt, they place another bet that, if it hits, will pay off both debts and make a hefty profit on top of that.

If the Nets hit the lottery this summer they now have BOTH Wallace and Davis/MKG/TRob to work with.

At that point they can either work to package Lopez/Wallace/mega-youngster/future 1st for Dwight (or any other star that comes even remotely on the market).

They key (obvoiusly) is them hitting the lottery. If they do they've got a better chance than they have ever had previously of getting a 2nd star via trade and keeping Deron. If they hit the lottery now they're pretty much a lock to build the type of team that you guys have been hoping for.

[SpeedyG]

As always, I am the minority on this website and like the trade. Im not very impressed with the talent in this years draft. I would have liked to see the pick protected a little higher but I dont think it kills the team. In all likelihood the nets pick will be somewhere between 8-10 and I dont see any franchise players at that spot in this years draft. My question though is, do the Nets have any other first round picks? And if you think about it, a healthy lineup of Williams, Brooks, Wallace, Hump, and Lopez is a pretty damn good team. Not elite, but pretty damn good. If the Nets can make a run and finish the season strong I think it plays well in our efforts to keep Deron.

Maybe, but neither is Gerald Wallace.

And like I said, that lineup is good. But not a contender. If you're fine with being a 2nd round exit team year in and year out, be our guest. But we aim higher. MUCH much higher.

[SpeedyG]

As a Knicks fan I think King is still on Plan A quite significantly (although I'm sure he's dealing with other options, too).

I look at the Wallace trade as the equivalent of losing a sports bet, and then instead of dealing with the debt, they place another bet that, if it hits, will pay off both debts and make a hefty profit on top of that.

If the Nets hit the lottery this summer they now have BOTH Wallace and Davis/MKG/TRob to work with.

At that point they can either work to package Lopez/Wallace/mega-youngster/future 1st for Dwight (or any other star that comes even remotely on the market).

They key (obvoiusly) is them hitting the lottery. If they do they've got a better chance than they have ever had previously of getting a 2nd star via trade and keeping Deron. If they hit the lottery now they're pretty much a lock to build the type of team that you guys have been hoping for.

How are you going to hit the lottery when you just improved the team? You use the gambling example.

This is like having a 16 on blackjack, and instead of getting the card you want, you end up with an A, so now you have 17. You lost on your previous "gamble", so you hit another card, even though you know the odds of you actually winning is less by hitting at 17, than staying at 17.

[Revolutionistt]

As always, I am the minority on this website and like the trade. Im not very impressed with the talent in this years draft. I would have liked to see the pick protected a little higher but I dont think it kills the team. In all likelihood the nets pick will be somewhere between 8-10 and I dont see any franchise players at that spot in this years draft. My question though is, do the Nets have any other first round picks? And if you think about it, a healthy lineup of Williams, Brooks, Wallace, Hump, and Lopez is a pretty damn good team. Not elite, but pretty damn good. If the Nets can make a run and finish the season strong I think it plays well in our efforts to keep Deron.

Maybe, but neither is Gerald Wallace.

And like I said, that lineup is good. But not a contender. If you're fine with being a 2nd round exit team year in and year out, be our guest. But we aim higher. MUCH much higher.

Well heres the thing, now that Dwight is staying with Orlando the Nets new priority is keeping Deron long term. The addition of Gerlad Wallace is more valuable (I think) than this years lottery pick. Hes not a franchise changing player by any means, but he is a very solid player and significantly upgrades our 3 spot. I think this move pleases Deron more than keeping that draft pick.

[Revolutionistt]

Maybe, but neither is Gerald Wallace.

And like I said, that lineup is good. But not a contender. If you're fine with being a 2nd round exit team year in and year out, be our guest. But we aim higher. MUCH much higher.

That really hasnt worked out well for the Nets in recent years has it?

[SelbyCobra]

As a Knicks fan I think King is still on Plan A quite significantly (although I'm sure he's dealing with other options, too).

I look at the Wallace trade as the equivalent of losing a sports bet, and then instead of dealing with the debt, they place another bet that, if it hits, will pay off both debts and make a hefty profit on top of that.

If the Nets hit the lottery this summer they now have BOTH Wallace and Davis/MKG/TRob to work with.

At that point they can either work to package Lopez/Wallace/mega-youngster/future 1st for Dwight (or any other star that comes even remotely on the market).

They key (obvoiusly) is them hitting the lottery. If they do they've got a better chance than they have ever had previously of getting a 2nd star via trade and keeping Deron. If they hit the lottery now they're pretty much a lock to build the type of team that you guys have been hoping for.

How are you going to hit the lottery when you just improved the team? You use the gambling example.

This is like having a 16 on blackjack, and instead of getting the card you want, you end up with an A, so now you have 17. You lost on your previous "gamble", so you hit another card, even though you know the odds of you actually winning is less by hitting at 17, than staying at 17.

I agree completely with you - I don't think the Nets increased the actual odds of executing Plan A, just that they kept it alive - with an increased payout level - with the Wallace move.

From my perspective you answered your first question in the example you gave. You're now on 17 and hitting - that's exactly it in my opinion. If you stick you're done and that's that, but by hitting you've still got the chance (even though the odds are significantly decreased) of an A-4.

(For clarification, I believe the Nets management is playing this like the dealer is holding 20 or 21, even though I don't think that's necessarily the case.)

[N Ireland Nets]

People can laugh at what im going to say but I honestly believe if we had our best line up as is now of Williams, Brooks, Wallace, Hump and Lopez, we'd be a match for anyone outside the Heat.

I actually believe that team would cause the Bulls a heap of problems and if we somehow sneak into the playoffs as 8ths seeds (unlikely) and faced the Bulls, id fancy our chances.

Our 2nd unit isnt that bad either, theyve been starting all season when they are bench players. When they assume their real roles as bench players they will perform much better. Im talking about Farmar, Morrow, Green, Sheldon and our back up big Petro. Petro is a complete idiot but he has done surprisingly well defensively and he has a better PER than someone people didnt mind bringing back in a Howard trade in Big Baby. Petro has a nice passing game and does alright on defense and on the boards, its his stupid jumpers he always settles for that piss people off but he isnt the worst 4 big off the bench behind Lopez, Hump and the Landlord.

The key is when everyone is going to be fit because without Williams, were crap. Without Lopez for a another week at least, were undersized. But when they are back our team changes.

Im not a fan of the trade but I can understand it, like I keep saying I think Wallace was traded for to appease Williams and to be used as trade bait in the summer for any Howard deal and to remain flexable with basically every contract finishing at the end of next season.

Go ahead rip me apart, im an optimistic Nets fan, one of a dieing breed!! lol

[SpeedyG]

Well therein lies the problem Ireland...we're NOT healthy. So even if we somehow sneak in, we'll just get streamrolled. What's the point?

Why not just wait in the offseason, get Deron and Brook healthy, and THEN bring in Gerald? I mean, you can't talk to him or his agent, but if we are to believe that Deron is behind this (and I hope to god he is, otherwise, it is time to Plan F), then get Deron to talk to Gerald and say "hey, don't opt in. We'll pick you up in the off-season for sure"

[SpeedyG]

Maybe, but neither is Gerald Wallace.

And like I said, that lineup is good. But not a contender. If you're fine with being a 2nd round exit team year in and year out, be our guest. But we aim higher. MUCH much higher.

That really hasnt worked out well for the Nets in recent years has it?

And how long has your approach failed with the Knicks?

[isekii]

I will pray to the man above for us to get a top 3 pick this year.

That's the only way this trade was even remotely worth it for me.

[Revolutionistt]

Maybe, but neither is Gerald Wallace.

And like I said, that lineup is good. But not a contender. If you're fine with being a 2nd round exit team year in and year out, be our guest. But we aim higher. MUCH much higher.

That really hasnt worked out well for the Nets in recent years has it?

And how long has your approach failed with the Knicks?

Uh, Im a Nets fan.....

[N Ireland Nets]

Uh, Im a Nets fan.....

[Revolutionistt]

Uh, Im a Nets fan.....

Dont forget to award me no points and mention that everyone in the audience is now dumber for listening to what I said

[N Ireland Nets]

Uh, Im a Nets fan.....

Dont forget to award me no points and mention that everyone in the audience is now dumber for listening to what I said

Im only playing btw hope you didnt take offence

[SpeedyG]

That really hasnt worked out well for the Nets in recent years has it?

And how long has your approach failed with the Knicks?

Uh, Im a Nets fan.....

Point is your approach is what the Knicks have been doing, and look at all the success they've had. Oh wait, they haven't had success, much less win a playoff series in oh, I don't know...since the last lockout season or something?

[Keith Van Horn]

I think it's time to ax the Howard idea entirely. He's an idiot and can't make up his mind one way or another. He's too worried about being liked by people and not being hated.

I think with the right, explosive power forward, this team can be good in Brooklyn. If the Nets were able to land Anthony Davis/Thomas Robinson in this draft, that would be ideal IMO. If not, maybe we can look elsewhere for that dynamic forward.... I don't know if I want to say Josh Smith b/c I think everyone's tired of hearing that name, but a guy like him who can be a consistent threat, stay healthy, and occasionally carry the team on his back. Paul Milsap is a guy I really would like to see in Brooklyn, but that's just pulling a name out of a hat and have no idea how that could possibly happen. I appreciate Humphries but I think he'll be better suited coming off the bench, especially if you're talking about being a contender.

I'm not sold on Marshon either for the long term and think he'll either need to come off the bench in the future or we ship him out for the kind of inside presence I'm talking about.

[SpeedyG]

Honestly, if Brook can learn to defend, I wouldn't mind Ryan Anderson.