NBA Preview: Nets
NBA Preview: Nets
By WagerWeb.com and Ecobika Sportsbetting Picks
The Nets believe the weakening of Detroit through the loss of Ben Wallace leaves them as the prime candidate to unseat Miami as the Eastern Conference champion.
Don't bet against it. But they better hurry.
Jason Kidd is getting old.
The man who keeps the machine running is nearing the end of his career. And it's going to be a while before talented rookie point guard Marcus Williams is ready to take his place.
The emergence of Nenad Krstic as one of the better centers in the NBA last year gave the Nets a Big Four rather than Big Three. Krstic, Kidd, brilliant off-guard Vince Carter and forward Richard Jefferson comprise arguably the premier quartet in the league.
Key additions: G Eddie House, Williams, C Mikki Moore
Key subtractions: G Jacque Vaughn
Player to watch: Carter is magnificently talented. His athleticism alone is in the league with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Kobe Bryant. But while those players have carried their teams on their backs, Carter has never proven the ability to do the same or to raise his teammates' level of play. Carter was unable to take the Raptors to the ranks of consistent playoff contender, nor has he drastically improved the Nets. Though he has more talent surrounding him than does James, the Cavaliers might be a better bet. Carter should take note of what Wade was able to accomplish without tremendous depth of talent on the NBA champion Heat. Carter averaged 24 points a game last year and contributed in other areas, but this remains Kidd's team. When the playoffs roll around, however, the Nets must feel Carter can will them to victory.
Outlook: The window of opportunity is slowly closing on the Nets. If they are going to contend for a title with this group, it's going to have to be this season. Kidd doesn't break down defenses as well as he once did. The addition of the explosive House, who averaged nearly 10 points in just 17.5 minutes a game last year with Suns, will give New Jersey another strong offensive option. Krstic should continue to improve, and Jefferson is one of the most under-appreciated players in the NBA. The Nets could use one more productive year out of Clifford Robinson, who turns 40 in December. Don't bet on the Nets winning the Eastern Conference, but they might be worthy of a few bucks on long odds. Click here to bet the games and the props
About the Author: Don't bet on the Nets winning the Eastern Conference, but they might be worthy of a few bucks on long odds. Click here to bet the games and the props
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