From Chad Ford's Draft Notes Posted June 3rd

[Preludepunk27]

New Jersey Nets: This is a team at a serious crossroads. Do they try to make a big deal that puts them back into contention in the East? Or do they start cutting payroll with an eye toward free agency in 2010? The popular notion is that the Nets will try to find a way to get far enough under the cap to make a run at LeBron James in 2010.

However, a Nets source told me in Orlando that if they were able to make a big deal now, they'd do it and risk losing LeBron in 2010. The Nets have assets: two first-round picks, Richard Jefferson, Nenad Krstic's restricted free-agent rights and a few interesting young players.

If that could net them a young player like Carmelo Anthony, they'd probably pull the trigger. From what I understand, there's no one at No. 10 or No. 21 that they feel will turn this team around.

I am gonna say right now that I really don't think we'll be picking anyone at the #10 pick. If we do, it's gonna be on someone's behalf. There are a lot of shooters that will be around at 21 if we keep that one too.. Unless someone wows us over the next couple weeks, it's just my growing suspicion we're gonna make a move soon.

Personally I would like to see JO. Thinking about it, it'd make life better if he didn't opt out though in reality...his contract ends summer of 2010. We could stay competitive for the next 2 years, make a run at Lebron (pipe dream but I love when even the national media talks about it) thanks to JO's 23 million coming off the books. Never know, maybe JO would even want to resign on the cheap in 2010 to play with Lebron for a few years.

[Serpo]

I would be very disapointed if theres no major change this offseason. I'm really looking forward to draft night and the free agent period.

I just hope Rod isn't messing up again like in 05 ....

[Rich Rane]

New Jersey Nets: This is a team at a serious crossroads. Do they try to make a big deal that puts them back into contention in the East? Or do they start cutting payroll with an eye toward free agency in 2010? The popular notion is that the Nets will try to find a way to get far enough under the cap to make a run at LeBron James in 2010.

For one of the few times I've agreed with Chad Ford, I've stated this to death. He says this team's at a serious crossroads. I say we have no direction as of now. Same thing.

However, a Nets source told me in Orlando that if they were able to make a big deal now, they'd do it and risk losing LeBron in 2010. The Nets have assets: two first-round picks, Richard Jefferson, Nenad Krstic's restricted free-agent rights and a few interesting young players.

From what I see, nothing to make the big trade or too much in certain cases.

If that could net them a young player like Carmelo Anthony, they'd probably pull the trigger. From what I understand, there's no one at No. 10 or No. 21 that they feel will turn this team around.

Spot on again, Mr. Ford. I've also said before this team will still not have any direction come post-draft.

I am gonna say right now that I really don't think we'll be picking anyone at the #10 pick. If we do, it's gonna be on someone's behalf. There are a lot of shooters that will be around at 21 if we keep that one too.. Unless someone wows us over the next couple weeks, it's just my growing suspicion we're gonna make a move soon.

Well I think that's more of your fan hopes. I have them too (See 2006 Draft), but the more realistic scenario and has a better chance than a trade would be using those picks even if VanderThorn aren't completely impressed. The last time we made a trade during draft time was trading down (Griffin for RJ, Collins, Armstrong).

Personally I would like to see JO. Thinking about it, it'd make life better if he didn't opt out though in reality...his contract ends summer of 2010. We could stay competitive for the next 2 years, make a run at Lebron (pipe dream but I love when even the national media talks about it) thanks to JO's 23 million coming off the books. Never know, maybe JO would even want to resign on the cheap in 2010 to play with Lebron for a few years.

Pipe dream indeed. I agree that it's still always great to think about.

[lurkingobeiscity]

I believe the report for the most part, but some of the wording is misleading imo. The Nets would like to make the big trade but it takes two to tango. Also they probably don't want to count on the draft picks to turn us around but I doubt they don't want the picks. They probably didn't expect Jefferson to be a huge part of the team either.

As I've said before, I'm in favor of rebuilding. I'm not opposed to a trade that would make us contenders but I don't think that trade is real. With the free agency situation in the future, the move to NY, and the lack of a post presence I think it only makes sense to trade our veterans while they still have good value, since they aren't a very good team anyway. I just hope management isn't scared of entering a true rebuilding stage when it makes sense to do so.

[S.I.C. GM]

I am gonna say right now that I really don't think we'll be picking anyone at the #10 pick. If we do, it's gonna be on someone's behalf. There are a lot of shooters that will be around at 21 if we keep that one too.. Unless someone wows us over the next couple weeks, it's just my growing suspicion we're gonna make a move soon.

IMO from the way things are brewing, it could go either way. LIke Rich said, Thorn could pull a Griffin for Jefferson Collins and Armstrong. The more and more I read about Arthur the more I see him fitting.

Personally I would like to see JO. Thinking about it, it'd make life better if he didn't opt out though in reality...his contract ends summer of 2010. We could stay competitive for the next 2 years, make a run at Lebron (pipe dream but I love when even the national media talks about it) thanks to JO's 23 million coming off the books. Never know, maybe JO would even want to resign on the cheap in 2010 to play with Lebron for a few years.

As far as JO, I was against it before. If we are going to get him for scraps, I am for it. If he can turn it around like McDyess did and also take a less money to resign, it is a go for me. I am against sending Harris, VC or RJ for JO. That is a waste.

As for the Wet Dream, regardless of what sources say, they are going to be ready for 2010. They cant come out and say - TANKING ALL NIGHT LONG!!!!!

[S.I.C. GM]

As I've said before, I'm in favor of rebuilding. I'm not opposed to a trade that would make us contenders but I don't think that trade is real. With the free agency situation in the future, the move to NY, and the lack of a post presence I think it only makes sense to trade our veterans while they still have good value, since they aren't a very good team anyway. I just hope management isn't scared of entering a true rebuilding stage when it makes sense to do so.

I was also for rebuilding but then i was convinced that we must stay competitive. For us to get any big FAs in 2010, We have to also convince big FAs that they are coming to a winning situation. So rebuilding will begin after 2010 when we dont get one of the Big FAs. VC contract is gone. RJ huge contract is gone. Hopefullly, we didnt tack on anyother big contract.

[fasca]

i really like darrell arthur at 10 for us

[mack69]

Ratner has to decide whether to compete or to tank. it is as simple as that.

However, if he tanks the next 2 years (09 & 10 seasons) you can forget about Lebron. The only way he will come to NY will be through MSG. Which means we will be terrible for 5 to 10 years. Oh!!!!! as we return to the glory days.

outside of the top 5 players, there are no young players that will dramatically change your team but as long as they are young they can help your team.


like the comments suggest if they were to give up on Lebron that means that they are serious about the Melo deal. Which BTW I would not like this deal.

Really Chad Ford is stating something that all of us know already!!!!!!!!

We are just waiting on their decision!

[superLuigi21]

Im good either way.. Id love a huge trade, but I have no problems w/keeping the 10th pick... theres been some great ones picked there : pierce and amare off the top of my head

[BigWil17]

Speaking of 2010 and the big time free agents, my question is are we better off having good players to use in a S&T with the Cavs (or heat or whomever) or having cap space which does not allow for the extra year or extra pay increases that Lebron would receive if he did a S&T.

[lurkingobeiscity]

However, if he tanks the next 2 years (09 & 10 seasons) you can forget about Lebron. The only way he will come to NY will be through MSG. Which means we will be terrible for 5 to 10 years. Oh!!!!! as we return to the glory days.

outside of the top 5 players, there are no young players that will dramatically change your team but as long as they are young they can help your team.

I don't understand why people think this. We already have a young PG locked in who plays excellent defense and can definitely be a 3rd option. Lebron would be a 1st option. All that would need to be done is find a young 2nd option in the frontcourt.

If the Nets continue to add young talent over the next two years they can easily make a trade for that young big man they need, if he isn't already on the team.

If you look at what the celtics did to get Garnett, they put together two similar aged players that could be the 2nd and 3rd players to Garnett. They were also guys that fit his style. The difference is that if the Nets were put that in place to get a Lebron James, they would have to give up an Al Jefferson. Keep in mind that the Celtics were a 20 win team last year.

The Nets don't need to have great success in 09/10 in order to get Lebron. They need to offer a team that will be a perennial title contender with Lebron at its core.

BTW, don't fall into the trap of thinking that only the top whatever picks will be impact players.

[S.I.C. GM]

Speaking of 2010 and the big time free agents, my question is are we better off having good players to use in a S&T with the Cavs (or heat or whomever) or having cap space which does not allow for the extra year or extra pay increases that Lebron would receive if he did a S&T.

I think we need both.

First we need to make sure we enough to sign him. Then he has to say he wants to come to the Nets. We need the money just in case the Cavs are asses and say they dont want to do the S&T.

Second, We also need assets when the Cavs realize that lebron always wanted to leave. They are going to want something in return so they dont feel like they did when Boozer left.

[S.I.C. GM]

The Nets don't need to have great success in 09/10 in order to get Lebron. They need to offer a team that will be a perennial title contender with Lebron at its core.

Exactly.

[MrDollarBills]

To those of you in favor of tanking, please remember that

A)Lebron James is not promised to come here

B)He won't come to a garbage team.

Tanking is fruitless. The Nets have pieces that need to BE moved and pieces that need to be surrounded with the proper fitting talent(big man that can score and defend, outside shooting, defense on the perimeter) i think Rich has a solid point that right now the team has no direction, i feel with some decent moves to change the make up of the team outside of Harris/Carter and possibly Sean(or Josh), the team will HOPEFULLY have some sense of direction(and identity...do we have the personnel to run? are we a half court grind it out squad? what???!) but right now, the roster is an absolute mess and tanking so we can stockpile a roster full of doo doo won't entice Lebron to come here.

BTW, a coaching change wouldnt hurt either

[S.I.C. GM]

To those of you in favor of tanking, please remember that

A)Lebron James is not promised to come here

B)He won't come to a garbage team.

Tanking is fruitless. The Nets have pieces that need to BE moved and pieces that need to be surrounded with the proper fitting talent(big man that can score and defend, outside shooting, defense on the perimeter) i think Rich has a solid point that right now the team has no direction, i feel with some decent moves to change the make up of the team outside of Harris/Carter and possibly Sean(or Josh), the team will HOPEFULLY have some sense of direction(and identity...do we have the personnel to run? are we a half court grind it out squad? what???!) but right now, the roster is an absolute mess and tanking so we can stockpile a roster full of doo doo won't entice Lebron to come here.

BTW, a coaching change wouldnt hurt either

Please VC is not in this formula, buddy. So be prepared to lose him too, VC lover. Just staying consistent since you said I always find a way to bash VC.

[MrDollarBills]

LMAO hey SIC, I think your VC bashing is top of the line bro, cant wait til the season starts so you can "crank it up"

[S.I.C. GM]

LMAO hey SIC, I think your VC bashing is top of the line bro, cant wait til the season starts so you can "crank it up"

Thanks. I try my best.

[MrDollarBills]

Yeah, i leave the carter bashing to you, i've got the rest of the team covered, especially if marcus and boki end up in net unis next year

[jerseyjac]

To those of you in favor of tanking, please remember that

A)Lebron James is not promised to come here

B)He won't come to a garbage team.

Tanking is fruitless. The Nets have pieces that need to BE moved and pieces that need to be surrounded with the proper fitting talent(big man that can score and defend, outside shooting, defense on the perimeter) i think Rich has a solid point that right now the team has no direction, i feel with some decent moves to change the make up of the team outside of Harris/Carter and possibly Sean(or Josh), the team will HOPEFULLY have some sense of direction(and identity...do we have the personnel to run? are we a half court grind it out squad? what???!) but right now, the roster is an absolute mess and tanking so we can stockpile a roster full of doo doo won't entice Lebron to come here.

BTW, a coaching change wouldnt hurt either

the focus here is spot on...

[HotShots]

This should be the focus!

Miami Heat: We are continuing to hear that if the Bulls draft Derrick Rose with the No. 1 pick (which is looking more and more likely) they'll try to move the No. 2 pick for either a draft prospect like O.J. Mayo or a veteran point guard like T.J. Ford or Kirk Hinrich.


Of course, the Heat will want more than just a straight swap for giving up such a coveted pick. With so many teams in pursuit of a scoring forward like Michael Beasley, the Heat could really net a starter and a high pick or solid prospect. They could change their mind after Beasley comes in for workouts, but right now it's looking less likely that they'll draft at No. 2.

How can we get Beasley? Can we sell Williams off as a future all-star pg?
Would it help to take some of Miami's bad contracts...Blount or Banks?

We really need a guy like Beasley.......with Dev, RJ & Beasley. Lebron will come and replace VC.

They better be working the phones and tossing offers to Miami for that 2nd pick.