Wizards Vs. Nets Preview: Meet Deron Williams' Motley Crew Of New Jersey Ballers
by Mike Prada on Dec 26, 2011 2:00 PM EST
in Game previews
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PrintThe Washington Wizards take on the New Jersey Nets tonight in their season opener at the Verizon Center. Read on to find out more about the Wizards' opponent, which is basically Deron Williams, an injured Brook Lopez and a bunch of random dudes the Nets are hoping to somehow turn into Dwight Howard.
Are they good in general?: They finished 24-58 last year and 4-8 with Williams playing. They didn't make any major moves, and they lost their second-best player in Lopez to injury. So no, they are not good.
Are they good against the Wizards? They were 1-2 against the Wizards last year, with the one win coming in December at home. Williams didn't play in any of those games, but I think we can safely say that even with him, they aren't very good against the Wizards either.
Are they fast or slow? Last year's team finished 23rd in the league in pace factor, averaging 92.5 possessions per game. In the 12 games Williams played, though, the Nets averaged 96.8 possessions per game, which would have been good for eighth in the league if they kept it up all season. Worth noting: that number is skewed by the 119-possession triple-overtime game they played against the Raptors in London. Take that away, and the Nets are at 94.8 possessions per game in Williams' other games, which would have been 14th in the league last year. Either way, the presence of Williams means the Nets are a faster-paced team.
Are they especially good at anything? Not really, no. If you had to point to something, they were a pretty decent rebounding team last year thanks to the work of Kris Kardashain Humphries.
Are they especially bad at anything? The Nets were dead last in the NBA in defensive turnover rate last year, which bodes well for a Wizards team that has been prone to turnover issues in the preseason.
Are there any people involved with the organization that Mike really likes? Always been an Anthony Morrow fan, though I really haven't seen him do much to progress from just being an elite shooter.
Are there any people involved with the organization that Mike really doesn't like? Since Lopez is injured, I won't have to go on about how overrated he is.
Are there any players poised for a breakout? Keep an eye on Damion James, a swing forward from Texas who will have the opportunity to nail down good playing time at small forward. His top competition is former Knick Shawne Williams, who was signed late in camp and is more of a stretch four.
Are there any players the Wizards especially need to worry about? Besides Williams, of course, the Wizards need to make sure they close out strong on Morrow and keep Humphries off the offensive glass. Do those things and a win should come easily.
Is their mascot cool? It's just a bear silver fox, which is kind of lame, even next to Alex Ovechkin.
AP Photo/Julio Cortez
Any other random quirks? Welcome back, DeShawn Stevenson!
Game thread + pregame nuggets at 6:30, game time at 7. GO WIZARDS!
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I would expect the Wizards to start the season with a win here
lol I agree on Lopez very very overrated .
Deron/Wall had a good battle when Williams was with the Jazz. Should be fun watching them do battle tonight.
He can only be but so overrated
98% off the folks on this blog would swap McGee for him straight up.
Redskins @RGIII - 2012
by Copious 1 on Dec 26, 2011 2:25 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
2 percenter here too
crush our enimies, see them driven before us, and hear the lamentations of their women!
Le Bullet - where being a fan isn't easy, but at least we have lots of cool scars to show for it.
I dont see why you guys call him overrated
No one is calling him a top 3 center in the league
by BigTuna25 on Dec 26, 2011 5:50 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
McGee is going to have a field day on this team
Dwight or Bust
Nets lose 33+ games this season.
Follow @Meer2Fly16
One of the BEST game a duo ever had
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3v4GS9t8o8&feature=related
by Shameer1016 on Dec 26, 2011 2:31 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
net fans think Lopez is way underrated....hmph
including me
Dwight or bust....
Superbowl or bust...
by D-Will2Nets on Dec 26, 2011 5:26 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Is Ovie only hanging out with the Nets' mascot for the Russian connection?
Also, any word on whether Jan will play tonight?
Is their mascot cool? It’s just a bear, which is kind of lame, even next to Alex Ovechkin.
Do you know what a bear is?
by William_H_HOLLA on Dec 26, 2011 2:48 PM EST reply actions
haha
Who won? Who lost? Who cares?! The NBA is Back! - David Aldridge
What seems to be the officer, problem? - Randy Marsh
by Dutch Hoopfan on Dec 26, 2011 3:25 PM EST up reply actions
Don't feel bad.
I have been trying to figure out the relevance for years.
I think it's fine.
by NetsMets4Life on Dec 26, 2011 3:45 PM EST up reply actions
I think Ovie makes the bear look ESPECIALLY lame, considering he could break that sorry bear with a finger.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
by Doncosmic on Dec 26, 2011 2:59 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
Its funny how you guys are talking about how bad the Nets are
but how about looking in the mirror. Wizards are worse than the Nets for crying out loud!!!
by #1brooklynnetsfan on Dec 26, 2011 3:26 PM EST reply actions
Agreed. A bad team with Williams is better than a bad team with Wall.
But you can find plenty of criticism in other posts on here if you take a look around.
Who won? Who lost? Who cares?! The NBA is Back! - David Aldridge
What seems to be the officer, problem? - Randy Marsh
by Dutch Hoopfan on Dec 26, 2011 3:30 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
LOL
Yeah I know. You’re just making it sound like its gonna be an easy victory for you guys.
I think it’ll be a very tight, great game.
by #1brooklynnetsfan on Dec 26, 2011 3:46 PM EST up reply actions
no easy wins for us
Atleast for this year lol
by no more kwame's in dc on Dec 26, 2011 3:51 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I really think you guys are vastly underrating us this year
by #1brooklynnetsfan on Dec 26, 2011 4:02 PM EST up reply actions
The loss of Lopez is definetly a huge blow to our team
By Billy King’s move of trading for Okur definetly softens the blow. Some even like Okur and D-Will better because of their previous chemistry in Utah.
by #1brooklynnetsfan on Dec 26, 2011 4:13 PM EST up reply actions
VanG made a great point last night that imho applies directly to our team and John Wall
“When your best player defends and passes, the rest of the team follows suit.”
Seriously up to John to lead this team in the right direction, tall task, but someone has to do it and I’m not holding my breathe waiting on Dray or Flip
Heard that too and thought of Wall
Bodes well for the next 10 years. Though hard to see where Crawford/Young fits into that notion
by Max Zamphirescu on Dec 26, 2011 6:35 PM EST up reply actions
Is there anything the Wizards are good at?
No
Did Deron Williams play a healthy game last year for us?
No
Did Nets add anyone?
Mehmet Okur, Shawne Williams, Deshawn Stevenson much better than the role players last year.
Okur might as well be planted to the floor
He was already a terrible defender, as an aging 7footer coming off a major injury I suspect (or hope) we should see more of this from Mcgee:
Another 7-footer that might as well be planted to the floor
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
by Rook6980 on Dec 26, 2011 4:32 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I think the rookies we drafted will have much more impact
Than those FAs you guys signed
by Young Wook Lee on Dec 26, 2011 5:06 PM EST up reply actions
Although the game writeup contains a little too much hate IMO
it isn’t far off.
The Nets are not a good team w/ out Lopez and we’re honestly just trying to tread water until Lopez(hopefully) returns and we can make a run at Dwight at the deadline.
The Wizards stink too, so I expect this game to be close. Good luck.
I'm curious
What assets do you think would entice Orlando to trade with you – vs. trading with the Lakers (Bynum & Gasol)
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
Lakers arent trading Gasol and Bynum according to the Lakers GM, and we have expiring contracts that can bring Orlando under he cap
We can trade a ton of young talent and picks for Hedo, Dwight, Duhon all on long deals…and get them under the cap. Orlando is in cap hell right now..and if they want to rebuild its best to take the Nets package.
Hell...
The Wizards have expiring contracts, and cap space to get NJ under the cap… PLUS high draft picks, and young talent…
And there are half a dozen teams that can do the same -and better….
I just don’t understand why New Jersey is even in the discussion for Dwight…. Really I don’t understand why Dwight has NJ on his short list….
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
Brooklyn, New York.
No team is going to give up ANYTHING to get Dwight if he doesn’t extend there. It’s the same as Melo.
Because he is friends with Deron? and if you havent noticed SUPERSTARS are teaming up, Deron and Dwight are the only two that havent teamed up.
Plus Nets are in a big market, with a rich owner who is commited to winning.
with a rich owner who is committed to winning running for president in Russia
by Max Zamphirescu on Dec 26, 2011 6:37 PM EST up reply actions
Because of the possibilty of playing with Deron
And Wiz have just as good pieces… But I doubt you would want to trade all your assets for him and then see him leave in the offseason
1) World's first billion dollar
2) PG that fits very well with his style of play (who he is also friendly with)
3) Richest owner in sports
4) Biggest market
5) Greatest city on earth
6) Chance to become the NBA’s first global team (Prokhorov’s vision).
So yeah.
I think it's fine.
by NetsMets4Life on Dec 26, 2011 5:06 PM EST up reply actions
Oh and one more thing
Chance to attack Miami Heat where they are weakest: PG and C.
I think it's fine.
by NetsMets4Life on Dec 26, 2011 5:06 PM EST up reply actions
Aside from Lopez
the nets have a boatload of expiring contracts so they would able to take back Turkoglu AND likely Duhon.
They also have multiple 1st rounders in the 2012 draft (including their own) which is likely to be a lottery pick.
They will likely need to get a 3rd or 4th team involved to get another player going to ORL (like they were doing with Portland and Wallace.)
Jerry Buss recently said
that trading Bynum and Gasol for Howard would be “silly” and that don’t expect to make any moves. He was also quoted as saying “Players still control their own destiny and can deny signing an extension if traded.”
The Nets are presumably Dwight’s first choice so if he sticks to his guns and says he will only sign with the Nets, the Magic may not have much of a choice. We’ll see though.
Dwight would be making a mistake demanding a trade to NJ
After any trade – it would be Deron Williams, Dwight and a team full of scrubs….
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
So you mean like
the Knicks, Heat, etc.
It’s a superteam era in the NBA. You get the stars, then you worry about filling out the roster.
The MLE and LLE still exist, teams still have the flexibility to build around the stars.
Thats what the Heat are...
And theyre good as hell
The heat are THREE top players....
NJ would be more like the Knicks – a team with 2 superstars and a 42-40 record.
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
It's not really an argument
Deron and Dwight would automatically make the Nets a contending team in the East.
You know - you're absolutely right......
the Knicks were only 14-14 after the Anthony trade…. with a 4 game sweep out of the first round…
I might be anticipating their record TOO HIGH.
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
I'm just not "feeling" the Knicks....
I just don’t see how they compete with the big boys….
Same with the Nyets if they trade for Dwight Howard….
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
Yeah - those Clippers really got my panties in a bunch....
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
Deron + Dwight
Plus uh…………….nothing else!!!!
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
Miami
had problems their first year – because they had no players besides the big 3…..
NJ will have the same problem….
At least New York has Landry Fields, Baron Davis and they added Chandler…. NJ will have NOTHING….. besides a top PG and the best Center in the League…. literally nothing…
They’ll suck the first year…. and it may take several years for them to add enough pieces to really compete.
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
The Magic went to the finals
With Dwight, Jameer Nelson and scrubs…
Landry Fields and Baron Davis?
Seriously?
I think it's fine.
by NetsMets4Life on Dec 26, 2011 5:10 PM EST up reply actions
They won't have any draft picks....
after trading for Howard
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
The Nets would have 2 of the top 10 players in the league
with the most dominant defensive player.
Not sure how they wouldn’t be able to compete with the big boys. But hey, your opinion is your opinion and you’re entitled to it.
The Knicks were able to add Chandler
and will have the MLE to use next year on another piece.
They will be fine going forward.
Melo is maybe top ten and Amare not far after
Deron is top ten and Howard top three
LeBron and Wade likely both top 3. At most top 5.
I think it's fine.
by NetsMets4Life on Dec 26, 2011 5:09 PM EST up reply actions
Although I guess "Brooklyn" and the Knicks could conceivably
fight for the 7th and 8th playoff spots….for a few years.
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
I remember last year before the season started (or two seasons ago)
The Nets fans thought they had legit chance to make the playoffs… it’s obvious as fans to be optimistic about their team, its a given, so since you guys think Deron and Dwight is what, championship contenders? Let’s be realistic, they won’t be. First Deron isn’t on the level as top flight superstars, he’s good but he’s not going to able to help Dwight beat Miami just by himself, which will be the case after you guys make the trade for Dwight. So best case scenario you guys get bounced in the eastern conference finals. Worst case scenario you guys fight for 7th 8th seed like the Knicks.
by Young Wook Lee on Dec 26, 2011 5:18 PM EST up reply actions
as a nets fan i hate the knicks, but still they are a top 5 team in the east....
Dwight or bust....
Superbowl or bust...
Come on now.
Dwight is by far the best defender in the league and top 3 player, and Deron is top ten. How is pairing that up NOT going to compete for a championship?
Deron Williams was the only 20 and 10 PG last season. Just because Rose and Paul are in the headlines all of the time does NOT mean that Williams is not on their level.
I think it's fine.
by NetsMets4Life on Dec 26, 2011 5:21 PM EST up reply actions
obviously Bynum has those knee issues
but damn that kid has become a MAN. He is an absolute beast now and just 24, there’s a real possibility that the Lakers dont need to trade for Howard
He looked great in that pre-season game
but the dude never stays healthy. Highly doubt LAL trades Bynum AND Gasol for Dwight.
That would leave a declining Kobe and D12 on a capped out team.
Jim Buss.
I believe.
I think it's fine.
by NetsMets4Life on Dec 26, 2011 5:32 PM EST up reply actions
Dwight is the biggest game changer in the league
Any team with him is a 5 seed in the East… Then add Deron
i love the Nets
the one team Wizards regularly beat
Its wierd how the Nets have like the worst attendance in the lague
But our SB Nation site is the most active there is…
We are New Jersey.
We are lazy.
I think it's fine.
by NetsMets4Life on Dec 26, 2011 5:13 PM EST up reply actions
Hey, as long as it does not violate any rules.
Does “taking over” count as trolling?
I think it's fine.
by NetsMets4Life on Dec 26, 2011 5:11 PM EST up reply actions
NETS WILL NOT BE CONTENDERS WITH JUST DWIGHT AND DERON
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD MIAMI HAD GOOD ROLE PLAYERS DONT COMPARE DERON AND DWIGHT TO MIAMI PLEASE
i'm going to have to side with the invaders from newark on this one
even if there was one bad year, which their might not be, it wouldnt take much at all to form a team around dwight and deron (mainly dwight)
by DCrez on Dec 26, 2011 5:11 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
at any rate, for now you're rolling with Okur
and Lopez is injured so Orlando wont consider any trade….so we’ll see how tonight goes, battle of the basement
6-8weeks i read...interesting his brother had the identical injury
stress fracture is a big deal for a plodder like him, hopefully he gets back at 100%
Orlando wasn't considering anything until after the AS break anyway
…which is in ORL this year.
They want to hold onto Dwight as long as possible. (ticket sales rule all.)
you guys trade away all your assets for dwight
You will not be title contenders with just two players capable of playing basketball this season. Probably starting from next season possible depending on which FA decide to sign for cheap, like Miami’s Haslem.
by Young Wook Lee on Dec 26, 2011 5:14 PM EST up reply actions
so theres no truth to dwight and deron being a better fit together than Lebron and Wade???
dwight and deron, then comes the easy part of filling out the rest of the roster
That's a joke right?
I refuse to believe the Bullets will be favored in any game this year. And that includes Boston inevitably sitting everyone at some point and showing up for a game with my neighbor Bob playing the 4.
Blown out?
We can be.. it’s not completely impossible.. like how it’s not impossible Deron Williams can get a season ending injury.
by Young Wook Lee on Dec 26, 2011 5:19 PM EST up reply actions
Philadelphia is better than New Jersey
And we didn’t really get killed the second game
by Young Wook Lee on Dec 26, 2011 5:30 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah
It is a little busch league but i figured as Nets fans you would be used to it by now. Hell, look around at us, we’re practically the walking numb.
I'm not going to think of something extra witty or clever to say, I don't want to convince you to see things my way, I just have 2 words for you: JEREMY LAMB
Why lol
Doesnt seem like a great match up for you guys
I'm not going to think of something extra witty or clever to say, I don't want to convince you to see things my way, I just have 2 words for you: JEREMY LAMB
I know this part
But wh…..nevermind lol
I'm not going to think of something extra witty or clever to say, I don't want to convince you to see things my way, I just have 2 words for you: JEREMY LAMB
So we can cry ourselves to sleep?
I think it's fine.
by NetsMets4Life on Dec 26, 2011 5:31 PM EST up reply actions
Sorta
I was banned about 1 year ago for trolling the knicks SB Nation site… I announced it on NetsDaily and i was cheered but Net Income/NetsDaily obviously wasnt happy about it. I talked to someone on twitter and said all i had to do was kiss ass in an email to him and say im sorry. So i did and im back and very happy about it! Changed my screen name too
You know...it is great to admit you trolled another blog on blog other than NetsDaily...
I think it's fine.
by NetsMets4Life on Dec 26, 2011 5:40 PM EST up reply actions
Let me give you a hint.
It’s definitely sarcasm.
I think it's fine.
by NetsMets4Life on Dec 26, 2011 5:44 PM EST up reply actions
its not a homefield advantage
You guys posting on here doeant bother us (or atleast it doesn’t bother me) and it doesn’t effect the game. You guys averaged 20 fans a game last year!
by no more kwame's in dc on Dec 26, 2011 5:28 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
sorry my bad
But you get the point. This is a blogging spot. Its meant for fans to go on other teams sites and talk trash. It makes the game funner too
by no more kwame's in dc on Dec 26, 2011 5:30 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Still beats the Florida Marlins.
I think it's fine.
by NetsMets4Life on Dec 26, 2011 5:29 PM EST up reply actions
good point haha but we sucked last year and still had good attendance
by no more kwame's in dc on Dec 26, 2011 5:31 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
john wall brought the attendance waay up last year
But even before he was here we had a good crowd at every game.
by no more kwame's in dc on Dec 26, 2011 5:34 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Wait, what are you arguing?
I'm not going to think of something extra witty or clever to say, I don't want to convince you to see things my way, I just have 2 words for you: JEREMY LAMB
People are also not very fond of Newark.
Though I do not mind it. If you have never been there I would not go my first time just for a basketball game.
I think it's fine.
by NetsMets4Life on Dec 26, 2011 5:37 PM EST up reply actions
Sure as hell beats Camden though.
I think it's fine.
by NetsMets4Life on Dec 26, 2011 5:38 PM EST up reply actions
excuses excuses:)
That’s why the team is moving lol.
"I define passion as extreme emotion."
When you have to shoot, shoot don't talk.
cali
Has 4 teams and gs Lac and lal all get packed. Sure winning has to do with a lot but I don’t think having other teams in the same state is a good excuse
by no more kwame's in dc on Dec 26, 2011 5:38 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
"New Jersey"
change that to “brooklyn” and they will come
North and South Cali might as well be different states...
…and Sacramento has worse attendance than the Nets as a similar lame duck team. Both the Warriors and the Clippers had terrible attendance when they had nobody playing for them too.
They regularly have less then 2k
At one point this year a fan took photos and there seemed to be less than 200 at the game.
I think it's fine.
by NetsMets4Life on Dec 26, 2011 5:41 PM EST up reply actions
I can't feel my face?
Enjoy Deshawn. If you guys do happen to make the playoffs, he’ll make the LBJ matchup a hell of a lot more entertaining.
Can all of you nets guys leave our thread please. You say our post is not classy but whats really not classy is using another blogs thread to congratlate you team on having a chance to sight dwight...
by rayallenisaballer on Dec 26, 2011 6:01 PM EST via mobile reply actions
One man's opinion
I welcome other teams fans and hope you all stick around through the night
I'm not going to think of something extra witty or clever to say, I don't want to convince you to see things my way, I just have 2 words for you: JEREMY LAMB
I find it annoying too but what bothers me the most is that they are rebuilding more quickly than we are
Them Nets fans are right that DWill-DHoward is a top 4 team in the East. They are right that DWill is a top 10 player and if they do get Howard they can sign a legitimate 3rd banana with over $40mill in capspace. That’s a great situation!
We here are saying that a Wall-DHoward 1-2 punch is a contender no matter what mess you’d put around them, how can you then say DWill-DHoward is not?
Who won? Who lost? Who cares?! The NBA is Back! - David Aldridge
What seems to be the officer, problem? - Randy Marsh
by Dutch Hoopfan on Dec 26, 2011 6:32 PM EST up reply actions
Nets had their 12 win season in the same yr we had gun-gate.
They really prayed for John Wall but we won that lottery. They struck out in the Lebron sweepstakes and missed out on Melo too. They are not a prime NBA destination (at least not in Newark) just like D.C. but they went out and made a bold trade to get a top 10 player. Because of that they now have a real chance at DHoward and boatloads of capspace to build around those 2.
Who won? Who lost? Who cares?! The NBA is Back! - David Aldridge
What seems to be the officer, problem? - Randy Marsh
by Dutch Hoopfan on Dec 26, 2011 6:43 PM EST up reply actions
If you can bear to look 3 years down the road...
-After we get a top-5 pick in this year’s loaded draft (2nd top-notch player)
-After we wait for the right star free agent to sign, possibly in 2013, possibly in 2014, with our abundant cap space
-After we use our young tradeable assets in a package to add another top-notch starter (Crawford, Vesely, Booker, Seraphin, Singleton (?), Blatche (?), 2013 first rounder, 2014 first rounder, etc)
-After McGee garners a few more years of seasoning, developing all the while, into becoming one of the top-10 (or higher?) difference makers at the center position
-After John Wall develops into a legit elite superstar at what is becoming the most important position in the game
by Max Zamphirescu on Dec 26, 2011 6:48 PM EST up reply actions
Hello there
"This isn’t fantasy or rotisserie basketball. Why would Denver want Outlaw? Would you?" - Al Iannazzone
by strange-brew on Dec 26, 2011 6:44 PM EST up reply actions
OK. Wizards...
It’s a Home Opener. It’s the Nets.
So just win the damn game, give us something to feel good about for a day or two!
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