New York, New York! Bringing a championship home

[zike_42]

Well, we have a majority.

[zike_42]

I pick up the phone and call Mr Hewitt Wilkins, the owner of the Brooklyn Nets and say that I’ll take the job. He replied that he is busy and we will have a proper sit down meeting in a few days. He has owned the team for only three years and even though he would love a championship he is more interested in turning a profit. Don’t get me wrong, he’s no Grinch, it’s just that he is neither greedy nor stingy.

The team on the other hand has been terrible ever since I came into the league in 2012. In 19 years they have only made it to the second round twice and just scraped into the playoffs five other times. They’ve also only have two 50 win seasons with the last one being ten years ago. The disappointing thing about the team is that they aren’t bad enough to really bottom and get high draft picks with only two top five picks in the 19 years. I’ve got my work cut out for me.

As I wait for Mr Wilkins’ meeting I go over the roster as it is and there is good news and bad news.

PG Leroy Nolan, 6’4”, 155lbs, 4 years pro, 1 year $4,226,499 contract
Nolan is young, quick and has a fantastic floor game. He averaged 11.5 assists a game last season and the crowd loves him. He will be a free agent this off season and I’ll do as much as I can to get him back here.

SG Chris Canal, 6’3”, 207lbs, 6 years pro, 4 year $55,575,000 contract
A bonafide star in the league, Canal can do nearly anything. His contract is probably too much but he can score, defend and has had a 19 assist game in the pros so can pass it as well. I’ll put my feelers out at the draft to see if I can find anything for him but I won’t be disappointed if he is still on the team next season.

SG Paul Cunningham, 6’7”, 202lbs, 1 year pro, 4 year $6,373,713 contract
He’s only young but Cunningham looks to be a great addition to this squad. He can score but his main positive is that he is a tenacious defender so couple that with his big frame he is a keeper.

SG Phillip Rude, 6’6”, 189lbs, 5 years pro, 3 year $19,737,000 contract
A quality shooting guard in the league but he makes too much money for his output and with the combination of Canal and Cunningham he is the odd man out. I’ll try and trade him as soon as possible, hopefully coupling him with a toxic contract.

SF Lars Ray, 6’6”, 206lbs, 7 years pro, 3 year $47,407,500 contract
Our superstar of the team he can score with the best of them. His highest scoring output in a game is 69 points which just shows how good he can score. His defence is terrible and I’m going to see if I can trade him for someone who can. Expect a blockbuster deal at draft time.

SF Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, 6’7”, 233lbs, 19 years pro, 1 year $1,352,181 contract
He may have been a superstar in the league but right now he is just a training body. At 38 years old MKG is trade fodder and probably won’t make the team.

SF Shawn Latimer, 6’7”, 226lbs, 10 years pro, 1 year $3,000,000 contract
A real glue guy who doesn’t need minutes or plays run for him, he just does his thing and does it well. At $3 million he is earning too much so I’ll try and get some salary cap relief for him in a trade.

PF Pat Sola, 6’11”, 248lbs, 2 years pro, 1 year $727,455 contract
A young buck who can score and rebound but like most young bigs he can’t defend. A free agent this off season, he is a 50/50 chance of being back on the team next season.

PF Aleksandras Gelezinkelio, 6’9”, 231lbs, 7 years pro, 1 year $6,881, 197 contract
Another free agent in the off season, he is extremely average. He gives us some nice cap relief but the real reason why I he won’t be back is so I don’t have to spell his name all the time.

PF Donte Rock, 6’8”, 221lbs, 15 years pro, 3 year $19,737,000 contract
I can see why the last general manager was canned because this contract is horrible. One of the two really toxic contracts on the team, Rock is old, slow and useless on a team like this so to be owed nearly $20 million is preposterous.

PF Willis Owens, 6’9”, 247lbs, 10 years pro, 5 year $41,917,500 contract
This is the real toxic contract. When a seventh man is owed that much money I just shake my head in disbelief. I really don’t think I’ll be able to trade him so expect five years of Owens cruising. Sigh.

C Jason Harriman, 6’11”, 272lbs, 3 years pro, 2 year $6,871,370
Our rock in the middle. He can score (but hasn’t need to yet), rebound and more importantly he can defend and block shots. He is known to be a bit of a pain when the team isn’t winning but not as bad as everyone has written. I was coming into this team expecting a massive diva who doesn’t get along with anyone. Definitely a keeper.

C Akin Feaster, 6’9”, 292lbs, 2 years pro, 3 year $5,641,668 contract
A nice young big man and when I say big I mean BIG. 292lbs is massive and is currently our starting PF. I don’t like that as I see him as the first big off the bench as his defence is great but he can be streaky. Another keeper.

C Isiah Ryan, 6’9”, 263lbs, 2 years pro, 1 year $727,455 contract
Now this guy can defend. He can’t do much else but no-one can get around him. I think he is a free agent this off season so he might be back, depends on how I feel.

Head Coach Scott Skiles, 67 years old, 2 year $7,672,922 contract
He’s alright. The first thing I’m going to do as general manager of the Brooklyn Nets is to fire Skiles and hire someone better for less money. We also need a first assistant so the coaching will need a look over as well.

So all in all, it’s decent. The team has underperformed and needs someone to refine this talent into something that can beat the Dallas Mavericks which is no easy task. If we can get a championship I’ll go down as a legend here as the first general manager to do that, ever for Brooklyn. This is my chance to really get my name in the history books. It’s also weird to be back in New York after all these years. Hopefully I can last longer than the three years I did with the Knicks, even if I won them a championship...

[zike_42]

I have my meeting with Mr Wilkins and he’s over the moon that I picked the Nets. Not to toot my own horn, but I would be too after bringing five championships to Dallas.

He asks how next season will go and I tell him, right now we should make the playoffs. This team has talent but it’s all over the place. It could easily go south if the chemistry isn’t there. Hopefully I can add to that during the off season but right now playoffs are the goal because I don’t think we’ll go any further. The big question was next, the one that all owners want to know the answer to and that was how much it will all cost. At the moment we are $14 million over the cap and even though we have a decent expiring in Aleks we won’t be near the cap. No more than $10-15 million over is my guess with some free agent additions. He wasn’t that happy with that much (how many owners are?) but he’ll let it slide if we win. Fair enough in my books.

My next act as GM is to work out the coaching situation and as quick as I can I fire Scott Skiles. He has been a good coach but there are way too many better coaches out there that command much less money. I extend an offer for Head Coach to Jeff Lane, an unknown in the pros but a dynamic coach at the college level. I also offer Lebron James the position of first assistant as he really knows the game and knows the ins and outs of what it takes for an 82 game season. Jeff Lane, or should I say Coach Lane, signs a five year deal worth $700,000 a year which is a great price for a head coach. To put that into perspective, Scott Skiles signs with Golden State as their head coach for four years, $4 million a year which is just a waste of money. Lebron James signs here as well. I also add Zamiro Lewis as our third assistant after ours retired but I can’t remember his name. Whoops.

The official mock draft is announced a couple of days before the draft as usual and it seems to a pretty good one. Not a knock out, but definitely a girl you would take home. Our first pick is #18 and I’m really interested in nabbing a couple of guys if I can, even if I have to trade our big names to get them.

1 – Utah – PF Mark Lyday
2 – Nevada – SF Padorin Ivelitsch
3 – Los Angeles – PF Keith Chapman
4 – Orlando – SF Torian Roma
5 – Charlotte – SG Cliff Havens
6 – Toronto – SG Adonis Molnar
7 – Chicago – PG DJ Forbes
8 – Indiana – SF Jeremy Ondera
9 – Detroit – C David Stetson
10 – Seattle – PF Nick Finley
11 – Boston – PG Tony Solverson
12 – Milwaukee – C Neil Prato
13 – Phoenix – C Benjamin Capel
14 – Houston – PG Lou Beck
15 – Sacramento – C Courtney Boykin
16 – Atlanta – PF Dave Jackson

I’m starting to get a man-crush on Cliff Havens and would love to come away with him. He’s crazy raw but give him a few years and look out. Don’t expect Boykin to be anywhere near #15 and I can see him nearly in the top five when all is said and done. One guy not on the list is SG Nathan McNeill who could be a massive steal after the lottery and I think the only reason why he’s not on here is that he’s 22 years old.

[zike_42]

2031 NBA Draft

1 – Utah – C Benjamin Capel
Wow, did not expect this I was sure Mark Lyday was going to go number one. Capel is decent and I guess that the Jazz already had Nathaniel Jackson at PF so they went for someone to compliment him. Not the best pick and definitely not the worst pick in the world.

I hit the phones hard and was so close to Kenneth Long and Mike Bickerstaf but both teams backed out of the deal right at the last second so that wasn’t fun. I did get a deal done, one that is pretty much a steal on our end.

Brooklyn trade:
SG Phillip Rude
2031 1st round pick (#18)

Nevada trade:
PG Michael Byrd
2031 1st round pick (#2)

Winner – Brooklyn. New GM Yaxley MacMillan’s first deal is a home run as they snare the second overall pick. With Rude going into a starting position in the desert he might finally be able to show what he is made of but this is a blunder by the Neon. Byrd is dead weight to make the salaries match.

I spend no time taking who I want.

2 – Brooklyn – PF Mark Lyday
I’m over the moon that I got this guy as he nicely fills in our starting five. He won’t have to score too much which will help out his progress and as I have said before, he should have gone number one.

I’m not finished though...

Brooklyn trade:
SF Lars Ray
2031 2nd round pick (#50)
2031 2nd round pick (#64)
2033 1st round pick

Los Angeles trade:
SF Chris Jackson
2031 1st round pick (#3)

Winner – Both. With the addition of Jackson the Nets get a hard nose defender who can also score quite well as well as the number three pick in the draft. It seems the Nets are going all out on a youth kick. The Lakers aren’t out in the cold though as Ray is a dynamic scorer and will fit in perfectly next to Michael Taylor. Good deal all around.

3 – Brooklyn – SG Cliff Havens
He is rawer than unboiled rice but his potential is drool worthy. The experts applaud this pick so I’m pretty chuffed with myself. I’ll probably send him down to the D-League for this year and when he gets going I can see him playing alongside Chris Canal.

4 – Orlando – SF Torian Roma
Great rebounder and slasher at the three and with some coaching could turn into something special. The experts are trashing it but I wouldn’t be too worried if I was the Magic. It’s a reach but it’s not a shocker.

I try and try and try to deal either Willis Owens or Donte Rock but no-one is stupid enough to trade for them. It looks like we’re stuck with them.

5 – Charlotte – SF Padorin Ivelitsch
He has a bit of a lazy streak in him but his potential is there. If someone can light a fire in Pad then he could be an MVP calibre player, that’s how good his future could be. “Could be” are the main words.

6 – Toronto – C Courtney Boykin
Now this is a steal. Boykin will be a fantastic player in this league, too bad it will be for 10 teams. His attitude is downright bad, no sugar coating it but the talent is there. If all goes well he will lead the league in rebounding for more than one season.

7 – Chicago – PG DJ Forbes
The first point guard is finally off the board and honestly, he isn’t much of a point. He is in the Ledaryl McMillian category of scoring first and second and then passing third. He is a good selection and the Bulls need a PG so it’s a tick from me.

8 – Indiana – SF JoVann Orvis
This pick is bad and the Pacers should feel bad.

9 – Detroit – C David Stetson
Now this is a better pick. Not the best rebounder but can do everything else that a big man needs to do. Definitely a steal.

10 – Seattle – PF Keith Chapman
Can’t score for himself, mostly dining on putbacks but Chapman is a freak of nature. His looooooong arms have come in handy for steals, blocks and rebounds and he is a decent passer so the Sonics have picked up a nice body here.

11 – Boston – C Neil Prato
Great, great pick here by the Celtics as Prato has dropped like a stone for no good reason. Rumours were he had a bung knee but they were just rumours. Steal of the draft right here.

12 – Milwaukee – PG Lou Beck
This draft is woefully thin on point guards but Beck is the real deal. He is the polar opposite of Forbes as Beck loves to get the assist. Led the country in assists with 13.3 a game so will fit right in with the Bucks.

13 – Phoenix – PG Tony Solverson
The Suns were hoping for Beck to drop but pick up a nice alternative. Solverson averaged 21.2 points, 9.9 assists and 9.9 rebounds a game in college so you know he is going to be good. A tad too slow to be really elite but will always find a spot on a team.

14 – Houston – SG Cameron Brown
Who? Quick release on his shot will get a roster spot but should not have been picked in the lottery. Especially when Adonis Molnar is still on the board.

15 – Sacramento – PG Djordje Mihajlovic
Please don’t make me spell that name again. A great passing point who can also get into the key. He is very lazy and probably won’t get much better than he is now but he will be a nice bench guard for the Kings.

16 – Atlanta – SG Adonis Molnar
Yay! He should have been a top ten player at least so getting him at #16 is a downright steal. An amazing scorer who can get the basket with ease, the Hawks have found their replacement for James McDaniel (if he leaves).

17 – Golden State – SG Nathan McNeill
18 – Nevada – SG Reggie Vershaw
19 – Memphis – C Sterling Adams
20 – Orlando – SF Jeremy Ondera
21 – Boston – PG Michael Benson
22 – Cleveland – SG Frank Slaughter
23 – New York – SG Chip Hickerson
If that’s not a redneck name I don’t know what is.

24 – Oklahoma City – SF Aaron Thorne
25 – Minnesota – SF Nuh Shushud
26 – Los Angeles – PF Dave Jackson
27 – Charlotte – SG Williams Shine
28 – Portland – SG Jeff Caspers
29 – Denver – PG Betsalel Franckevidius
30 – Miami – SF John Coffee
31 – Detroit – PG Ales Mason
32 – New York – SF Germaine Jefferson

Trades a plenty even if you exclude our two deals, with some really big deals done compared to most years.

Toronto trade:
C Ryan Wadley

Chicago trade:
SF Dereck Crumble
2031 2nd round pick

Winner – Chicago. This is by a landslide as Wadley is a fantastic centre in this league. He can’t score but his rebounding and defence are top notch. The Raptors are thinking of giving Courtney Boykin the keys to the starting position straight away but they could have got someone much better than mediocre Crumble. He isn’t even an expiring!

Seattle trade:
SF Marlo Graham

Sacramento trade:
SG Josh Jackson

Winner – Sacramento. They are both stars in the league but Graham is a better player. He just does most things better, is a good size for his position and has a better contract. Also, Jackson is notoriously bad on defence.

Cleveland trade:
SF Ryan Obrien

Detroit trade:
PG Russell Haymon

Winner – Detroit. I don’t know why Cleveland gave up on Obrien so quickly after only two seasons but the Pistons got themselves a steal. He reminds a lot of people of Ryan Garris, who is an outstanding defender and can do most things well. Look for the Cavs to regret this deal.

Dallas trade:
C Tyson Joyner

New Orleans trade:
PG Nate Nixon
2031 2nd round pick

Winner – Dallas, if there is a winner. Joyner played well in the post season for Dallas and his reward is being dealt to a team with three better centres on the roster. At least Nixon is an expiring but this doesn’t help either team.

Seattle trade:
C Kebu Clark
PG Donnell Toney

Milwaukee trade:
SF Lisandro Perez
2031 2nd round pick

Winner – Seattle. Clark is a decent player and will probably start for the Bucks but Perez is a former all star who still has some gas in the tank. With the departure of Marlo Graham, Perez slides right into the team and should flourish.

Milwaukee trade:
SG Lamont Nelson

Boston trade:
C Gabriel Estevez

Winner – Boston. This is a pretty huge deal as both players are genuine starters. Nelson might have a terrible attitude and can’t defend to save himself but damn can he score the basketball. It’s a little of a double up with Varlam Chavchavadze on the team but they can work it out if needed. Estevez was flipped in the next deal.

Nevada trade:
SF Mike Joseph

Milwaukee trade:
C Gabriel Estevez

Winner – Nevada. Estevez is a good centre, even great centre but he is 31 years old now and he has a massive four year contract that will turn toxic in just over a year. It’s just not worth trading Joseph who is still a good player but more importantly an expiring for such a large chunk of cap.

Phoenix trade:
SF Michael Graham

Memphis trade:
PF Daniel Roma

Winner – Memphis. Both the Graham brothers were dealt tonight and in both instances, the teams that were receiving them won the trade. Graham is just flat out better than Roma and will help out the Grizzlies immensely.

[zike_42]

The least favourite part of my job is renouncing guys who could probably stick around with the team but they are eating up too much cap. So say goodbye to Pat Sola, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Shawn Latimer and Aleks which still only brings up down to $7.5 million over the cap. I’m not at Dallas anymore so I’m going to have to be careful about spending too much. Leroy Nolan and Isiah Ryan get qualifying offers to become restricted free agents.

Summer league rolls around and Paul Cunningham, Cliff Havens, Mark Lyday and Akin Feaster all get the nod. I’m actually going to pay attention to this summer league because all four of those guys will be in our long term plans.

First game of the circuit was a come from behind 99-95 win over Miami as discarded Pat Sola still wants to be a part of the team with 27 points and 7 rebounds. Mark Lyday had a nice game with 17 points and 8 rebounds but still turned the ball over six times. Our guards had a shocking time as Paul Cunningham and Cliff Havens combined to shoot 3/20, but Paul was redeemed a little with 11 assists. Tony Collins was the best for the Heat with 18 points and 11 rebounds.

Another come from behind victory, this time we eked out a 110-107 win over Memphis as Mark Lyday really showed what he is made of, with 25 points and 12 rebounds. Pat Sola and Akin Feaster also nabbed double doubles while Cliff added 16 points of his own but still didn’t shoot well. Rashon Tart has 21 points to lead the Grizz.

Our first loss of the summer league as the Magic really took us to the sword with a 108-94 beating. Mark Lyday turned his good performance last game into a bad one tonight, going 5/20 for 13 points as our guards combined for only 15 points together. Torian Roma, the #4 pick had 16 points and 7 rebounds in a excellent displat of his talent.

Paul Cunningham had a 0/8 night, but Cliff had his best game in a Nets uniform with 23 points but we still lost, this time going down by a single bucket to New Orleans 104-102. Akin Feaster was great with 18 points and 10 rebounds as Mark and Pat combined for 24 points and 14 rebounds. Brian Rude and Kareem Moran both had 22 points to lead the way for the Hornets.

We finish off on a winning note by taking care of Boston 121-111 as Cliff has found his groove, going 8/13 for 23 points as we have seven Nets in double figures. Great all around team play. The Celtics didn’t have a big standout but Neil Prato did well with 14 points and 7 rebounds.

Right now I only have one objective going into free agency – re-sign Leroy Nolan. He is a restricted free agent so I’ll low ball him knowing that I can match anything any other team throws at him but hopefully it won’t be too much. And if Isiah Ryan goes cheap I’ll bring him back.

Here are the top ten free agents –

PF Michael McQuay*
SF Enrique Mendez
SG Tobe Slaughter
C Rowan Taylor
PG Ledaryl McMillian
SF Alfons Dietz*
PG Kevin Epps
PF Julius Hobbs*
SG Travis Grigsby
SG James McDaniel

And that’s not including guys like Jason Collins, Jason London and Kelly Pryor who are fantastic players as well. This could be a great free agency for some teams.

I offer Leroy Nolan a 5 year, $35 million contract which is probably too low but it’s a start.

A couple of days later Earl Oliver re-signs with the Mavericks for a one year, $7 million deal which is way too much for a guy who is on the way out. Enrique Mendez, Tobe Slaughter and Alfons Dietz also re-sign with their respective teams.

The next day Ledaryl re-signs with Dallas for a massive maximum five year deal which is rightfully deserves while Rowan Taylor and James McDaniel go back to their teams as well. So far, nothing exciting. I bump up our offer to Leroy to a $37.5 million contract.

And just like that, Michael McQuay goes back to Atlanta. Yawn, wake me up when something happens.

Woo! Leroy comes back to Brooklyn after I upped the deal a little higher to just a shade under $40 million over five years. Win/win by both sides it seems. Kevin Epps goes back to Portland and this is becoming one of the least active free agencies I’ve ever seen. Ish Ryan heads back here as well after taking a one year tender offer contract.

We’re at 12 players contracted and $13 million over the salary cap so I’m just going to try and add some minimum contract guys and stash my MLE.

Finally, some movement! Jason London has had enough of Denver and moved onto San Diego for $12 million a year while Marlon Haymon jumps ship to Golden State. They all pale to the biggest move of the free agency as Matias Perez signs a four year deal with Chicago.

Kelly Pryor goes to Indiana for their MLE contract making the Pacers more potent as I offer a minimum deal to Ryan Garris who I really don’t think will take even if he is 33 years old.

How about that. On the day that the old guard move onto new teams, like Nashon Smith going to back to Golden State, Art Haynes signing with Detroit and Greg Lavin teaming up in San Antonio, Ryan Garris signs here for the two year minimum. He told me that he really wants to win a championship and hopefully we can give him one before he retires. Not this year he won’t be but maybe in a couple of years. I don’t really like not having 15 players to start a season with, especially when I’ll be putting Cliff Havens down in the D-League so I sign Pat Sola and Darius Nolan which puts us over the $15 million cap level that Mr Wilkins limited me to so I’ll need to do a trade after free agency.

Training camp comes and goes and it looks good. Paul Cunningham is ready to be a proper contributor to the team, Cliff Havens has improved again (but will still be in the D-League this year), Ryan Garris hasn’t regressed much while Mark Lyday and especially Jason Harriman are looking the real deals. Leroy Nolan has finished growing but that’s fine with me as he’s a pretty damn good point guard now.

The pres-season rankings and All NBA teams have been announced and I’ll floored, they have us as second in the East! I know it’s the East which isn’t as good as the West but second!

Eastern Conference Pre-Season Rankings
1 – Memphis Grizzlies
2 – Brooklyn Nets
3 – Miami Heat
4 – Atlanta Hawks
5 – New York Knicks
Last – Orlando Magic

I would probably have the Hornets, Pacers and Cavs a little higher than what they are (6th, 7th and 8th) but right now this conference is up for grabs. Except for Orlando, as they suck again. Will they ever get out of the cellar?

Western Conference Pre-Season Rankings
1 – Portland Trailblazers
2 – Minnesota Timberwolves
3 – Seattle Supersonics
4 – Dallas Mavericks
5 – Golden State Warriors
Last – Milwaukee Bucks

How are the defending champions who didn’t lose anyone significant only fourth? Strange. I’m not feeling the Sonics either. The Bucks on the other hand don’t have anyone who averaged more than 13 points a game last season so expect some low scoring outputs from them.

Pre-Season All NBA First Team:
Ledaryl McMillian, Dallas Mavericks
Kenneth Long, Miami Heat
Enrique Mendez, Minnesota Timberwolves
Michael McQuay, Atlanta Hawks
Eryk Charnowski, Miami Heat

Pre-Season All NBA Second Team:
Cort Majishun, Memphis Grizzlies
Mike Bickerstaf, Oklahoma City Thunder
Jack Dawkins, Dallas Mavericks
Marcus Randle, Portland Trailblazers
Schuyler Vanderwerken, Denver Nuggets

Pre-Season All NBA Third Team:
Camah Williams, Minnesota Timberwolves
Tobe Slaughter, Portland Trailblazers
Tiburcio Tommasini, Portland Trailblazers
Reggie Smith, Golden State Warriors
Jimmy Forrest, Memphis Grizzlies

After a long and gruelling off season where I left a very comfortable job in Dallas to try and rectify a sinking ship, we have your 2031-2032 Brooklyn “We Go Hard” Nets –

PG – Leroy Nolan
SG – Chris Canal
SF – Chris Jackson
PF – Mark Lyday
C – Jason Harriman
6th – Ryan Garris
7th – Willis Owens
8th – Akin Feaster
9th – Isiah Ryan
10th – Pat Sola
11th – Michael Byrd
12th – Paul Cunningham
13th – Darius Nolan
14th – Donte Rock
D-League – Cliff Havens

[zike_42]

[OOC – I’ve just upgraded to a new computer but it only has a 1366x768 screen as apposed to my old laptop that was 1600x900 so league trades will be shown at the start of the next month.]

Alright, let’s get this party started! And wouldn’t you know it, we play Lars Ray and the Los Angeles Lakers so see if he can get some revenge. He shoots 9/20 for 25 points which isn’t too bad but his new running mate in Michael Taylor only had a 8/21 night as we romp home 122-98 for my first Nets win. Chris Jackson showed up Ray with 23 points and 8 rebounds as we had five other scorers in double figures with Paul Cunnngham taking over with 10 points in 9 minutes. Mark Lyday had 16 points and 6 rebounds in his first ever game.

Brooklyn Nets 1-0

As quick as that I have my first loss with the Nets as we go down to the very good Blazers 105-92 In Portland. Tiburcio Tommasini showed why he is an MVP calibre player with 34 points, 6 rebounds and 6 steals with Marcus Randle actually doing something with 21 points and 11 rebounds. We shot a better field goal percentage than the Blazers but couldn’t match them from beyond the arc. Chris Canal was our best with 18 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists (and 7 turnovers) but Isiah Ryan has taken over the starting duties at PF with 8 points and 10 rebounds.

Brooklyn Nets 1-1

Mark Lyday has talent, there’s no doubt but he just can’t bring it every night so I send him down to the D-League to get as much court time as possible. With Jason Harriman, Akin Feaster, Isiah Ryan and Willis Owens it’s a crowded front court and he needs minutes. This must be the first time the second and third overall picks were sent to the D-League.

I’m really digging Chris Canal, he can score but he can also pass the ball and defend, exactly what you want in a SG. He had 28 points and 8 assists as we walk all over the Grizzlies 121-95. Chris Jackson also had a great game with 19 points and 8 rebounds as we took care of Memphis in the third term, outscoring them 41-18. Ronnie Howard was the best for the losers with 20 points and 8 rebounds as Cort Majishun was held to only 7 points.

Brooklyn Nets 2-1

Great, it was bound to happen with such a thrown together team. Paul Cunningham and Ryan Garris started having a go at each other at training and I’ll have none of it. I tell them this is their one warning and if it happens again I’ll look to move them. Ryan took it well but Paul didn’t want a bar of it which may make him the one to go.

This team has loads of talent and it was Leroy Nolan’s turn to take charge as we beat the Spurs 124-112 in Texas. Leroy had 22 points and 8 assists but Chris and Isiah combined for 49 points and 15 rebounds in a great all around team effort. Antonio Henderson had 35 points and 7 blocks while fouling Jason out in 16 minutes but Willis Owens came to the rescue with 9 rebounds off the bench.

Brooklyn Nets 3-1

That truce didn’t last long. Paul and Ryan were at each other again so say goodbye to the guy who didn’t want to change. I go shopping, looking to offload either Willis Owens or Donte Rock (nothing happened which was to be expected) but I look to downsize our talent.

Brooklyn trade:
SG Paul Cunningham
PG Leroy Nolan

Chicago trade:
PG Matias Perez

Winner – Chicago. This was brought about by Cunningham’s run ins with his teammates but the Nets got fleeced. Nolan isn’t that far away from Perez and is a year younger while Cunningham could average 20 points a game. The Nets were forced to take the low ball with damaged goods.

I bring back Cliff Havens from the D-League to play some spot minutes because we are lacking in SG talent.

Our new recruit had 13 points, 14 assists, 8 rebounds and 7 turnovers but we still lost, going down to San Antonio 118-106 as we all have to get used to the new team. Jason Harriman and Antonio Henderson had a great battle with our big had 22 points and 7 rebounds but wa outplayed with 18 points, 10 rebounds and 5 steals by Henderson.

Brooklyn Nets 3-2

The Hawks are 4-0 behind the crazy good play of Michael McQuay. Yes, he’s so, so good but the start of this season he has been amazing. Case in point, his 16/25 FG, 21/23 FT, 53 point, 14 rebound blasting against us. The Hawks won 128-122 even with a fightback from us as Akin Feaster, Isiah Ryan and even Pat Sola were in foul trouble. Chris Canal and Matias Perez combined for 53 points which just goes to show how good McQuay was tonight.

Brooklyn Nets 3-3

Hurray! We get our first win with Matias Perez on the squad as we take care of the average Cavs 106-97. Chris Jackson was simply everywhere, agonizingly close to a 5x5 with 19 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 blocks and 4 steals. Chris Canal was also good (apart from his shooting) with 8 points, 15 assists and 8 rebounds. Alan Milford, who is quietly making a nice name for himself, had 24 points and 11 rebounds to lead Cleveland.

Brooklyn Nets 4-3

I think this is the first time I have ever seen three players on the same team get double digit assists in the same game but that’s what happened in our 130-90 walloping of the very disappointing Wolves. Matias Perez had 19 points and 10 assists, Chris Canal added 9 points and 12 assists while Michael Byrd finally did something with 2 points and 10 assists in 17 minutes. And none of them won player of the game with Jason Harriman beating them all with 25 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks on the night. I don’t know why the Wolves are so bad this year at 2-5 as Camah Williams is having a tough time, only going 2/10 before fouling out.

Brooklyn Nets 5-3

The Knicks are 7-1. Read that again. Not a typo. Julius Hobbs is finally playing like everyone thought he could play and the team is just clicking. We’re also clicking as we rattle off a 66-46 first half to cruise to a 110-97 home win behind Chris Jackson’s 20 points and 13 rebounds. Chris Canal is shooting poorly this year but everything else has been spectacular and tonight had 3 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists. Dav Coulter was the best for the Knicks with 23 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals but Hobbs was held to 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Brooklyn Nets 6-3

Another team which is exceeding expectations is Utah at 8-2 but there wasn’t a Nets win as Nathaniel Jackson has proved everyone wrong with 26 points and 8 rebounds and has become a perennial All Star candidate as we lost 112-104. To make matters worse, Matias hurt his back and will be down for probably three days. CC (Chris Canal, as apposed to CJ, Chris Jackson) had 8 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds in the loss.

Brooklyn Nets 6-4

The Knicks get their revenge in The Big Apple after coming back from 16 points down to steal the 105-102 win. Dave Coulter was so close to a triple double with 20 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists while Julius Hobbs had another tough night, going 3/15 for 10 points and 13 rebounds. Jason Harriman was our best with 21 points and 13 rebounds but I’m just not happy with Akin Feaster starting at PF especially when Isiah Ryan had 21 points and 6 rebounds off the bench.

Brooklyn Nets 6-5

Well that’s a kick in the pants. Not the game as we beat Miami 103-91 but I finally get Isiah Ryan into the starting PF position and he lays a goose egg, going 0/4 for 0 points and 4 fouls. Akin Feaster on the other hand had 10 points and 6 rebounds so it must be the bench guy’s job to play well. Maybe I should bring back Mark Lyday. Chris Canal was our best with 23 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds as we held the Heat to only 33% shooting.

Brooklyn Nets 7-5

So after a lot of shake-up we are sitting sixth in the East at 7-5, quite a few games back of Washington at 13-3 and New York at 11-5. It’s been a while since the Knicks were that high. We’ll get better as the guys gel more. When I was shopping Paul Cunningham I wanted to get Orlando’s first round pick because they SUCK this year and at 1-14 it was a good idea for them not to deal their pick.

In the West none other than the Dallas Mavericks are on top at 14-3, having already opened up a little buffer over the 13-6 Golden State Warriors. The bottom of the west is pretty crowded with Seattle, OKC and the Lakers all looking for next season.

Brooklyn Top Points
Matias Perez – 20.4
Chris Jackson – 17.0
Jason Harriman – 16.8

Brooklyn Top Assists
Chris Canal – 8.4
Matias Perez – 5.5
Michael Byrd – 3.4

Brooklyn Top Rebounds
Jason Harriman – 8.2
Chris Jackson – 7.8
Isiah Ryan – 5.8

League Leaders
Points – Magnus Carlsson (GSW) – 35.8
Assists – Reggie Dobbins (POR) – 15.1
Rebounds – Shannon Barker (SAC) – 10.7
Blocks – Brian Caldwell (HOU) – 3.4
Steals – Dave Coulter (NYK) – 3.4
Efficiency – Michael McQuay (ATL) – 30.4

Rookie Leaders
Points – Benjamin Capel (UTA) – 10.1
Assists – Reggie Vershaw (NEV) – 3.5
Rebounds – Keith Chapman (SEA) – 4.5
Blocks – Keith Chapman (SEA) – 0.8
Steals – Benjamin Capel (UTA) – 0.9
Efficiency – Keith Chapman (SEA) – 10.8

[zike_42]

November Player of the Month – Michael McQuay, Atlanta Hawks – 35.1 points, 1.0 assist, 8.2 rebounds, 1.0 steal and 0.9 blocks per game.

November Rookie of the Month – Benjamin Capel, Utah Jazz – 10.1 points, 0.8 assists, 4.3 rebounds, 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocks per game.

Did I say that Orlando was going to keep their pick, wrong again Yaxley.

Orlando trade:
2032 1st round pick

Houston trade:
PF Traves Parker

Winner – Houston, then Houston and then Houston. Are you serious, Orlando? This has to be one of the most one sided deals I’ve seen in a long time. The Magic are 1-14 so they trade away their top four guaranteed pick for a guy that isn’t even starting? For a guy that won’t get any better than a borderline starter? What a freaking waste.

What’s that? The pick is going from Dallas to Orlando to Houston now? Aaaah, that’s a little better. OK, make that a draw for the winner.

Chicago trade:
2032 1st round pick

Detroit trade:
SF Patrick Blizzard

Winner – Chicago. The Bulls aren’t going too well now but with their additions they should sneak into the playoffs, making Blizzard better than anything they could have got for their first round pick.

Washington trade:
PG Dan Wilson
PF Stanley Carter

Chicago trade:
SG JD Lawson
2032 2nd round pick

Winner – Washington. Even though JD Lawson is only 29 years old he seems to be aging quite rapidly and is only a super-sub now. He gives the already elite Wizards even more fire power which might put them over the edge.

I brought in Matias Perez to take the ball handling duties away from CC but it seems to have backfired, in our 110-93 win over Detroit Matias had 35 points and 8 rebounds as CC added 17 points and 16 assists. Oh well, if we keep winning I’ll let it slide. Detric Jones nearly had a triple double with 8 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists but couldn’t put the ball in the basket, going 2/15.

Brooklyn Nets 8-5

I probably shouldn’t have done this trade but I don’t like the limbo between Akin Feaster and Isiah Ryan so I trade one of them.

Brooklyn trade:
C Akin Feaster
2032 1st round pick
2032 2nd round pick
2033 2nd round pick

Boston trade:
2032 1st round pick
PF Jaron Robinson

Winner – Draw. Feaster should start for the Celtics while the Boston pick should be in the top five. Win/win for both teams.

I bring back Mark Lyday to see if he can get some nice minutes.

We beat up the Kings 112-97 behind all five of our starters in double figures, including 13 points and 7 rebounds from Mark Lyday, but the main story is that after the game Lyday and Chris Canal had to be separated after an altercation. Great, two of my prize players having a go at each other and if it doesn’t stop then I’m going to have to deal one of them. Sigh.

Brooklyn Nets 9-5

It’s back on the winning train with a 103-92 win over Matias’ old team but he didn’t have such a great game. Going 6/25 from the field for 20 points he only had one assist as well. On the other hand Leroy Nolan and Paul Cunningham combined for 32 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Our best was CJ with 23 points, 9 rebounds and 7 blocks.

Brooklyn Nets 10-5

The Magic have won two more games since I last checked on them but they just aren’t very good as we slaughter them 127-87. Mark Lyday is back on the bench but he didn’t sulk about it tonight, going 13/18 for 32 points in only 23 minutes. Isiah Ryan didn’t let us down either with 23 points and 10 rebounds on 11/11 shooting. Orlando’s top scorer was new comer Traves Parker with 15 points.

Brooklyn Nets 11-5

Well, there goes our CC/Lyday problem as Mark broken his wrist in our 106-88 loss to the Sixers while CC hurt his hand and will be out for around a week. Great. Matias tried his best with 14 points and 14 assists but we just couldn’t stay with them. John Kelly was great with 26 points while holding CC to 6/19 shooting.

Brooklyn Nets 11-6

It was brave of CC to play with his injury but he was just hurting his team, going 1/13 for 3 points while letting Vlado Prazina put up 24 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds. We didn’t give up though, coming back from an 18 point deficit to steal a 118-111 away win over the Hornets. Matias had 21 points and 19 assists while Isiah Ryan enjoyed being the main PF on the team with 24 points and 9 rebounds. Chad Carney helped out Prazina with 23 points and 7 assists.

Brooklyn Nets 12-6

This is the kind of play I wanted to see from Matias, with 14 points and 17 assists to really put the team where it should be as we take care of the Celtics 124-104. CJ led the way for us with 26 points and 8 rebounds while CC had another tough night, going 6/22 for 18 points. He should be better next game. Akin Feaster didn’t play for the Celtics as he badly twisted his ankle last time but he is starting for them usually.

Brooklyn Nets 13-6

Four of our five starter were in double figures while three other Nets were over 10 points as we smash the Cavs 119-87. The other starter? CC, who only had 5 points but dished out 17 assists so he gets a pass. Oskar Carlsson had heaps of points (for him) with 6 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists. Art Stevenson was held to only 22 minutes and 9 points.

Brooklyn Nets 14-6

I feel really happy with myself at the moment nabbing Chris Jackson as he has done it all. 17.7 points, 1.7 assists, 7.9 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 3.0 blocks per game so far are All NBA team worthy.

We turn the ball over a bit too much but when we shoot 59% from the field it’s hard to care as we run the Neon off the court 132-122. CC had another blinder with 29 points, 10 assists and 6 rebounds on 10/12 shooting while Jason Harriman didn’t go quietly with 29 points and 13 rebounds. Nevada weren’t bad, shooting 56% from the field as Clifton Colllier, a third year player, led the way with 24 points. Phillip Rude had 16 points and 6 fouls in his first game back in Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Nets 15-6

It’s a Christmas Day riot as we score 133 points against Milwaukee to their 118 as Chris Jackson was again our best with 33 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks. Jason Harriman is getting his feet back with 24 points and 10 rebounds and Matias Perez dished out 17 assists. All in all, a great team effort. Jarron Campbell was the leader for the Bucks with 24 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks which would be good as a centre but he is a 6’4” SG which makes it even more impressive.

Brooklyn Nets 16-6

The team is really clicking at the moment (hopefully Mark Lyday isn’t the reason) as we top 120 points again to beat the Riders 120-112. Matias Perez was simply the best player out there by far with 27 points, 13 assists and 5 rebounds while CC aided him nicely with 24 points and 8 rebounds. Those two are really playing well off each other as they can both score and both pass, making oppositions doubt themselves. Luke Owens went 6/6 for 15 points and 15 assists but fouled out before he could bring his team home.

Brooklyn Nets 17-6

It seems that we play Cleveland every second game and again the outcome is the same as we rattle off a 46-36 last quarter to take our 18th win 128-121. Our superstar backcourt were again on target, combining for 51 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds while CJ added 23 points, 14 rebounds and 5 steals. Art Stevenson finally had a good game with 26 points but still fouled out while Oskar Carlsson went 0/3 for 0 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 steals and 4 blocks.

Brooklyn Nets 18-6

Phoenix’s Chris Jones is finally playing at SG and playing really well, with season averages of 17.4 points, 7.6 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game but tonight ran into Mr Canal who tore him to pieces. Not scoring wise but everywhere else with 12 point, 11 assists and 7 rebounds while fouling out Jones as we bat the Suns in our last game of 2031 110-97. Maitas had a strange game with 22 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 blocks, 3 steals and 9 turnovers. Danny Perez was the best for Phoenix with 28 points.

Brooklyn Nets 19-6

A month of 12-1 is pretty damn good and we are now in first place in the East. Who would have thought that would happen so quickly. Washington are right behind us at 21-7 with Miami a half game behind them. Orlando are terrible as usual at 7-25 but Boston, Charlotte and Toronto aren’t too far away from the bottom.

It’s business as usual in the West with Dallas (25-7) having a five game lead over Portland and Denver while Seattle have broken away at the bottom at 7-17.

Brooklyn Top Points
Matias Perez – 19.8
Chris Jackson – 18.6
Jason Harriman – 16.8

Brooklyn Top Assists
Chris Canal – 8.6
Matias Perez – 7.6
Michael Byrd – 3.9

Brooklyn Top Rebounds
Jason Harriman – 8.2
Chris Jackson – 8.0
Isiah Ryan – 6.0

League Leaders
Points – Magnus Carlsson (GSW) – 35.3
Assists – Reggie Dobbins (POR) – 15.1
Rebounds – Shannon Barker (SAC) – 10.5
Blocks – Chris Jackson (BKL) – 2.7
Steals – Dave Coulter (NYK) – 2.9
Efficiency – Ledaryl McMillian (DAL) – 29.6

Rookie Leaders
Points – Mark Lyday (BKL) – 13.2
Assists – Reggie Vershaw (DET) – 3.4
Rebounds – Mark Lyday (BKL) – 4.7
Blocks – Keith Chapman (SEA) – 0.9
Steals – Benjamin Capel (UTA) – 0.9
Efficiency – Mark Lyday (BKL) – 14.2

*Lyday has only played six games on the season after spending time in the D-League and then breaking his ankle.*

First Round of NBA Draft Prospects
1. C Derrick Culuko (Kentucky), Junior, 6’9”, 282lbs
2. SG Joe West (North Carolina), Sophomore, 6’5”, 208lbs
3. SG Shaun Tebbs (Mississippi State), Freshman, 6’2”, 185lbs
4. C Charles Dubbs (Syracuse), Sophomore, 6’10”, 280lbs
5. SF Maurice Marlow (Stanford), Sophomore, 6’7”, 216lbs

Thoughts – Not the best crop at the moment with most of the top ten being older guys. Culuko is definitely the best player right now but West could take his spot as he is averaging 29 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 1.5 steals and blocks a game early on.

[zike_42]

December Player of the Month – Lars Ray, Los Angeles Lakers – 37.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 1.0 steal and 0.0 blocks per game.

December Rookie of the Month – Mark Lyday, Brooklyn Nets – 13.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.5 steals and 0.5 blocks per game.

Those two players played a total of seven games between them as Ray broke his wrist and Lyday broke his ankle. I guess the NBA has given up on minimum games for awards.

December’s Trades:

Detroit trade:
SG Jeremy Masic
C David Bartow

Atlanta trade:
SG James McDaniel
2032 2nd round pick

Winner – Detroit. Yes, McDaniel is known for throwing hissy fits when his team loses and yes he has a massive contract which will pay him over $16 million when he is 37 years old but the facts are that he is a four time All NBA player and a six time All Star. The players Atlanta are bringing in are cap relief only, Bartow broke his foot and will be out for a month.

Detroit trade:
SG Adarrial Faye
2032 2nd round pick

Memphis trade:
PG Brandon Oliver

Winner – Detroit. With McDaniel coming in the Pistons couldn’t have two divas on the team so they shipped out Faye, who has one of the worst attitudes in the league today. The Grizz are going well this year so it will be a shame to see him sabotage the team.

I guess Faye isn’t going to poison the team after all as the Grizzlies withstand a spirited fightback from us to take the 118-111 win. Jimmy Forrest was amazing, going 14/17 for 33 points and 13 rebounds while Cort Majishun was he silky self with 28 points and 8 assists. We outshot Memphis 52% to 47% but when they shoot 35 free throws to our 17 you know it will be tough. I’m not going to say anything about the refs *cough* cheats *cough* because I got fined last time. CJ was our best with 28 points and 4 blocks.

Brooklyn Nets 19-7

Damn, there goes $10,000. I didn’t cough loud enough.

It’s the exact same score and the exact same outcome as we go down early and then fightback only to lose the game 118-111, this time to Minnesota. Camah Williams finally played well against a team of mine with 23 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds as the free throw count was even worse. The foul count was 39-22 in their favour (RIGGED) as they shot 40/55 free throws compared to our 23/31. I don’t care if I get fined again, this is not a fair fight. Boo umpires, booooooooo.

Brooklyn Nets 19-8

I have been suspended from attending two games so I can only give vague recaps.

Jason Harriman strains his hamstring in our 110-86 win over Atlanta which is a shame because he seemed to have played well, having 25 points and 13 rebounds. Another player who did well (going off the box score) was CC with 26 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds. I didn’t need to be at the game to see that Michael McQuay torched us again with 40 points and 14 rebounds in a losing effort.

Brooklyn Nets 20-8

My last game of suspension was a 103-83 win over our cross town rivals, the Knicks. Maybe I shouldn’t come to any of the games if we are going to blow teams out. CC was great with 27 points and 8 rebounds while Isiah Ryan added 15 points and 12 rebounds in a real team effort. Julius Hobbs had a better game with 16 points and 10 rebounds but they were missing Reggie Blake which means they lacked a lot of scoring punch.

Brooklyn Nets 21-8

I’m back in the building and right on cue we get smashed 116-92 against Chicago. Damon Ashburn had the best of Jason Harriman with 27 points and 16 rebounds but it was Paul Cunningham who stole the spotlight going 6/7 from three for 24 points in a real “screw you” to me for trading him. Matias had a better game than last time when we played the Bulls with 25 points and 11 assists.

Brooklyn Nets 21-9

This must the most one sided game I’ve seen in a while as we keep the Sonics to 25% shooting (not a typo) as we stomp them in Seattle 106-69. Their highest scorer was only 11 points as Alfons Dietz and Lisandro Perez combined to shoot 8/33. CJ was our best with 13 points, 15 rebounds and 7 blocks as Isiah Ryan paced us with 21 points and 9 rebounds.

Brooklyn Nets 22-9

If it wasn’t for Andy Kante the Rockets would be at the bottom of the conference. Even with Kante we still smash them 111-91 as seven Brooklyn players were in double figures led by CC and CJ with 20 points apiece. Kante had 26 points but no other Rocket was over 15 points.

Brooklyn Nets 23-9

The 10-28 Raptors gave us a mighty heart attack, coming back from 18 points down in the final term (with a 44-30 last quarter) to come so close to winning, but we ran out of time the right side of 135-131. Matias was everywhere with 26 points and 22 assists but it was Jarron Robinson who took over for Jason Harriman’s foul trouble with 23 points on 9/11 shooting in 33 minutes. The reason Harriman was fouled out was Chris Barber who went 15/22 for 36 point as Eddie Harris, Eric McIntyre and Marcus Sanders all doubled up.

Brooklyn Nets 24-9

In a massive scoring game where we had eight players in double figures and three of those with twenty or more we forced overtime against Washington. After that Rowan Taylor took over, scoring 12 of his 47 points in the extra period as the Wizards blew us out of the water with a 140-128 win. They outscored us 20-8 in the overtime. Brian Benton was also great with 22 points and 16 rebounds as those two are really doing a number on opposition big men.

Brooklyn Nets 24-10

Chris Canal had 30 points as him and Matias combined to shoot 23/29 free throws as we take care o the Pacers 114-104. For Indiana, Ish Faye has become a real superstar in only his second season and had 22 points and 7 rebounds tonight.

Brooklyn Nets 25-10

After getting down 30-14 in the first quarter where Isiah Ryan and Matias Perez nearly fouled out we were down and out. I’m not going to complain about the umpiring because we flat out got scared by the Sixers, shown by our 29-16 foul count in the game. It wasn’t over though as Pat Sola rose from the bench for 18 points and 7 rebounds to bring the game back to within two points, before we ran out of puff and lost 106-102. Steve Mapp had a night to remember with 19 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for his first ever triple double as the Sixers shot 37% from the field and still won due to their massive advantage in the foul shooting area.

Brooklyn Nets 25-11

The Wizards are just plain better than us at the moment due to their fantastic size as again we lost the foul shooting battle as Washington went 35/54 to our 22/34 as we got smashed in the nation’s capital 117-89. Rowan Taylor was again a beast with 31 points on 9/12 shooting while Brian Benton helped him out with 24 points and 11 rebounds. CJ was our best with 22 points and 5 blocks but we just weren’t good enough to fly with the eagles.

Brooklyn Nets 25-12

Mark Lyday is back in the squad fully fit and he slots right into the starting line-up with 10 points and 6 rebounds but we lose again, this time in Boston 117-108. Rookie centre Neil Prato was fantastic with 28 points on 11/15 shooting as Varlam Chavchavadze chipped in with 22 points and 17 assists. Akin Feaster is starting at PF and had 8 points and 9 rebounds. Chris Canal was our best with 20 points but we are starting to struggle after our great start.

Brooklyn Nets 25-13

The Sonics are a good team but we’re better as we blast out of the gates with a 39-26 first quarter to win 125-110. Isiah Ryan had a night to remember with 31 points in 35 minutes off the bench as we shot 51% from the field. CC is having a hard time lately and went 8/22 for 21 points. Lisandro Perez was the best for the Sonics with 25 points and 8 rebounds.

Brooklyn Nets 26-13

As much as I love Chris Canal he is fighting again with Mark Lyday so something has to go. And as hard as it is to say, that something is Chris. He is earning over $13 million this year and still has three years left on his deal and I need to get some control on the salary cap.

Brooklyn trade:
SG Chris Canal

Philadelphia trade:
SG John Kelly
2033 1st round pick
2034 1st round pick

Winner – Both. Both players are excellent scorers (with the nod going to Canal) while Kelly is an elite defender, maybe on of the best in the league. The picks should be low so they are just throw ins but can be used for future trades. The Nets also save over $4 million this year.

This trade puts us $74,000 under the $15 million threshold that Mr Wilkins and myself agreed upon so I’m pretty happy all around. It also gives the ball handling duties back squarely in Matias Perez’s hands.

Our first game with the new addition was a tough one. We got down by as many as 21 points to Denver in the second quarter before clawing our way back to finally take the game 97-95. Matias Perez had a great game minus one statistic with 14 points, 12 assists, 5 rebounds, 5 steals and 12 turnovers. That’s right, a dozen turnovers. John Kelly finished with 10 points but is still learning our ways. Brad Largent was the best for the Nuggets with 24 points, all early before fouling out.

Brooklyn Nets 27-13

Matias Perez bruised his sternum and will be out for a game. Guess who we’re playing? That’s right, Dallas. Michael Byrd will get the start.

Byrd had six fouls and 18 minutes to his name by the end of the game but Ledaryl McMillian didn’t punish us with only 17 points but it was Jack who did the damage, scoring 30 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. We did fantastic on everyone else as Mark Lyday fouled Terry McKenzie out in 18 minutes while having 13 points and 9 rebounds for himself as John Kelly was our top scorer with 21 points. In the end, we beat my old side 113-105 at home, so they should be nice and fired up when we go to Texas.

Brooklyn Nets 28-13

Well that was a letdown. After getting past my old team we get smashed by Phoenix 11-96 as Earl Harris went on a tear with 30 points and 10 rebounds as Matias still isn’t back. Jason Harriman had a nice game, going 9/15 from the field and 9/15 from the line for 27 points and 8 rebounds but we only had three players in double figures to the Suns’ six. Chris Jones shot badly for 13 pioints, 10 assists and 4 steals.

Brooklyn Nets 28-14

Matias is back and as good as ever with 29 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists as for some reason Ryan Garris started at SG and had a stinker, going 1/13 for 5 points. We still won though, beating the hopeless Raptors 115-93 but that still shouldn’t have happened. John Kelly didn’t sulk with 21 points in 23 minutes off the bench. I’ll talk to Coach Lane about this problem. Marcus Sanders was the best for Toronto with 25 points.

Brooklyn Nets 29-14

A bit of a slump at the start of the month sees us drop to fourth in the East, two games behind Miami and Washington. Orlando is again at the bottom with a 8-35 record, four games behind (ahead?) Toronto.

Of course Dallas is on top of the West at 35-9 but it’s crazy to see that they have an eight game lead over second placed Portland and ten over San Antonio. It seems that they are going to win the West by the All Star break. Seattle have dropped to last place with a 13-27 record.

Brooklyn Top Points
John Kelly – 20.2
Matias Perez – 18.6
Chris Jackson – 17.5

Brooklyn Top Assists
Matias Perez – 8.3
Michael Byrd – 3.4
Darius Nolan – 3.2

Brooklyn Top Rebounds
Jason Harriman – 7.6
Chris Jackson -7.0
Isiah Ryan – 6.0

League Leaders
Points – Magnus Carlsson (GSW) – 32.4
Assists – Reggie Dobbins (POR) – 14.1
Rebounds – Shannon Barker (SAC) – 10.3
Blocks – Brian Caldwell (HOU) – 2.9
Steals – Dave Coulter (NYK) – 3.0
Efficiency – Ledaryl McMillian (DAL) – 29.5

Rookie Leaders
Points – Cameron Brown (HOU) – 13.2
Assists – Cameron Brown (HOU) – 6.2
Rebounds – Neil Prato (BOS) – 5.2
Blocks – Keith Chapman (SEA) – 1.0
Steals – Bejamin Capel (UTA) – 0.7
Efficiency – Cameron Brown (HOU) – 15.3

Second Round of NBA Draft Prospects
1. SG Joe West (North Carolina), Sophomore, 6’5”, 208lbs
2. C Derrick Culuko (Kentucky), Junior, 6’9”, 282lbs
3. SG Shaun Tebbs (Mississippi State), Freshman, 6’2”, 185lbs
4. PF Chris Waters (Northern Iowa), Junior, 6’10”, 253lbs
5. C Charles Dubbs (Syracuse), Sophomore, 6’10”, 280lbs

Thoughts – West has cracked this top five open, upping his scoring levels to over 30 a game. His other stats have gone up as well to 10 rebounds and 7 assists while nearly 2 steals and blocks a game this kid is well a truly the best player in college basketball at the moment. Will he be number one? That’s the question as he hasn’t outright locked in that spot this early on.

[zike_42]

January Player of the Month – Ledaryl McMillian, Dallas Mavericks – 29.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 1.9 steals and 0.5 blocks.

January Rookie of the Month – Neil Prato, Boston Celtics – 14.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.2 blocks per game.

January’s trades:

Nevada trade:
PG Russell Haymon

Orlando trade:
SG Ahmad Kamara

Winner – Orlando. The Magic finally get one right with Haymon being the better of the two players. He’s only 22 years old and could very easily start on most teams but he is going to be brought along slowly to maximise his potential. Expect him to start next season if the Magic know what’s right.

Our first game of Feb was a nicely built 125-114 win over the Warriors as everyone played their part to get the win. Matias was the leader with 25 points and 15 assists while Jason Harriman and John Kelly helped out with 25 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 blocks and 23 points respectively. Chris Horvath is doing well at PG for Golden State with 17 points and 11 assists while Magnus Carlsson, who is looking REALLY old, had 33 points in the loss.

Brooklyn Nets 30-14

Well that was weird. We got down by as many as 23 points in a home game against the lowly Bobcats with James Blakemore going bananas for 28 points before rattling off a 26-17 third term and a phenomenal 23-7 last quarter to stroll home to a 99-86 win. Strange. Jason Harriman and Mark Lyday teamed up for 34 points and 22 rebounds while Ryan Garris added 12 points and 11 rebounds of his own off the bench. I can't fathom how much this game turned on its head after we got down by so much before turning the switch on and leaving them for dead. I hope this doesn’t become a frequent occurrence.

Brooklyn Nets 31-14

In a game where 14 players were in double figures we let the Celtics clobber us in the last quarter, as they outscored us 36-20 to steal the win from our grasp 121-110. Raul Lopez might be getting older but he can still bring it with 22 points and 11 rebounds while Peter Willis added 19 points off the bench. In another crazy one sided free throw contest, the Celtics went 37/53 compared to our 13/20. Ahem. Moving right along, John Kelly was great for us with 26 points after Matias fouled out in only 22 minutes after already having 10 points and 9 assists. If only he could have kept that going.

Brooklyn Nets 31-15

Ah much better. We start hot and we finish hot to blast the Hornets 123-106 to make sure we don’t have a losing streak. Jason Harriman (or Harry as I like to call him) had 30 points and 12 rebounds to destroy Jerry Benton who is pretty damn good, fouling Benton out in 13 minutes. Mark Lyday was also fantastic with 19 points and 13 rebounds as those two seem to really be clicking. Vlado Prazina had 23 points and it seems that Mark Lewis is finally getting brought down by father time, coming off the bench for the Hornets now for 6 points and 4 rebounds.

Brooklyn Nets 32-15

This has been a strange month as our first five games were all home games but the last seven of February will be in an away swing. Luckily we went 4-1 in our home games with a 119-93 win over OKC as Harry was our high man with 30 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks. CJ and Matias were the helpers with 26 points and 10 rebounds for CJ and 13 points and 21 assists for the Argentinean. Victor Brinker was the man for the Thunder with 18 points and 15 rebounds but Mike Bickerstaf was held to only 18 points, the main reason I brought John Kelly into the side.

Brooklyn Nets 33-15

Our first game of the seven game away holiday was crazy. First, we got out to a huge first quarter lead before the Neon blasted back to level things at the half and three quarter time. We hit the first 10 points in the last and it seemed that all was good until Nevada, mostly Andrew Graham, stormed back with a 45-35 last term to level it for overtime Mark Lyday for us and Gabriel Estevez and Phillip Rude for them were fouled out and that was enough as we outlast our opponents to win 140-133. Phew. Matias was the best on the court with 27 points, 16 assists and 9 rebounds while Harry added 23 points, 10 rebounds and 6 blocks in a crazy, crazy game where John Kelly hit seven three pointers on his way to 34 points. For the Neon, Mike Joseph led the way with 27 points and 10 rebounds while the could have been hero Andrew Graham had 20 points and 9 rebounds off the bench.

Brooklyn Nets 34-15

Our last game before the All Star break was another close one, this time getting down by 15 points in Charlotte. Again we stomp out a killer last quarter to steal the 115-110 over the terrible Bobcats. Their record says that they’re terrible but the way they play against us says that they are pretty good, better than their 14-40 record. CJ was our best this time with 25 points as Harry added 18 points and 8 rebounds with four other players in double figures. Shawn Wynn was the leader for the Bobcats with 23 points and 13 rebounds but they just couldn’t stop our charge.

Brooklyn Nets 35-15

We get a nice break to watch everyone else have a crack at winning various events as my tradition of not having anyone in the dunk contest or the shootout continues. LA’s Ben Herrion turned the tables to OKC’s Aaron Thorne to take out the dunk competition by only two points after Thorne smashed the others in the first round. It was a bit closer in the shootout with Toronto’s Dereck Crumble winning the first round before self imploding to lose to San Diego’s Jason London. Crumble went from 20 points in the opening round to only 12, losing by nine.

When the Sophomores are fielding a team that includes the Carlsson brothers, Ish Faye and Reggie Smith the game is already over as the second year guys casually took care of the Rookies 151-123. Magnus was outstanding with 41 points and no other statistic while Reggie Smith upstaged Ish Faye, his rival, for 22 points and 14 rebounds off the bench. Mark Lyday started for the Rookies with 16 point and 4 rebounds while Lou Beck (18 points, 12 assists) and Neil Prato (20 points, 8 rebounds) were the best for the first year guys.

Another blowout in the All Star game proper, the West shot a blistering 68% from the field to take the game in a cakewalk 158-139. Ledaryl McMillian is back to his best with 27 points, 16 assists and 7 rebounds and was named All Star MVP while Nathaniel Jackson went 12/14 from the field for 28 points and 6 rebounds. In fact, all 12 West players had at least five points with nine players in double figures. Terry McKenzie also got a invitation with 12 points and 8 rebounds while our old friend Lars Ray started for 10 points. We had two Nets added to the East squad with Chris Jackson playing 23 minutes for 21 points while Matias Perez only got off the pine for 8 minutes for 5 points. Cort Majishun was the best for the losers with 21 points and 10 assists. Ish Faye doubled up his Rookie game with an All Star nod.

Western Conference All Star Starters
Ledaryl McMillian, Dallas Mavericks
Jason London, San Diego Riders
Lars Ray, Los Angeles Lakers
Nathaniel Jackson, Utah Jazz
Schuyler Vanderwerken, Denver Nuggets

Teams with most participants – Dallas (Ledaryl McMillian, Terry McKenzie) with two.
Teams represented – Eleven – Dallas, Los Angeles, Utah, Dener, San Diego, Phoenix, Portland, Oklahoma City, Milwaukee, Golden State and Minnesota.

Eastern Conference All Star Starters
Cort Majishun, Memphis Grizzlies
Kenneth Long, Miami Heat
Raul Lopez, Boston Celtics
Marcus Sanders, Toronto Raptors
Rowan Taylor, Washington Wizards

Teams with most participants – Boston (Raul Lopez, Varlam Chavchavadze), Washington (Rowan Taylor, DeShaun Worley), Memphis (Cort Majishun, Jimmy Forrest) and Brooklyn (Chris Jackson, Matias Perez) with two.
Teams represented – Eight (Boston, Washington, Memphis, Brooklyn, Toronto, Miami, New Orleans and Indiana.

It’s back to the grind as we travel to Detroit as John Kelly and Matias combine for 44 points and 20 assists but it was CJ who is still on cloud nine after his All Star appearance who stole the show with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 blocks as we beat the Pistons in a nailbiter 127-124. We still didn’t shoot anywhere near as many free throws as our opponents but we did play just well enough to win. Art Haynes might be old but he can still bring it for 27 points and 16 rebounds as James McDaniel had 25 points and 8 assists.

Brooklyn Nets 36-15

Mike Bickerstaf only had 15 points but we still lose to the Thunder 115-109 after storming back from 28 points down in the third term. We outscored OKC 39-21 in the last before running out of legs at the end. Harry was our best with 26 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks while Matias added 16 points, 14 assists and 8 turnovers. I haven’t really noticed but Matias turns the ball over a lot, good for third in the league with four a game, equal with Philadelphia’s Chris Canal. Phoenix’s Earl Harris leads the way with 4.6 turnovers a game. Victor Brinker and Robert Jackson killed us in this game, combining for 43 points, 22 rebounds and 6 blocks.

Brooklyn Nets 36-16

Next up on our world tour is LA to battle Lars Ray and the Lakers. We lose the first term 38-29 but after that it was a Net explosion, running out to a whopping 102-81 win, making it a 30 point swing. Harry dominated with 23 points and 10 rebounds while Matias added 1 point and 13 assists which is a pretty good PG performance. Mark Lyday chipped in 18 points and 6 rebounds as well. Lars Ray had a shocker, going 3/15 for only 13 points as it fell to Michael Taylor to do the bulk of the scoring with 24 points.

Brooklyn Nets 37-16

The train moves on to Indiana where we just couldn’t peg back a 14 point first quarter deficit to go down 110-100. We pretty much only had two good players tonight, with Harry putting up 27 points and 10 rebounds and Matias added 17 points and 15 assists but the rest were way down. Maybe they are getting home sick. The Pacers on the other hand were very happy, with six in double figures led by Ish Faye’s 20 points and Emmett Emerson (remember him?) with 20 points off the bench.

Brooklyn Nets 37-17

Our last game was a fairly low scoring game for the NBA in 2032 as we take care of the Hawks 93-78. We take care of them so easily because Michael McQuay broke his finger at the end of last month and has been out ever since. Harry took full advantage of the situation with 20 points and 14 rebounds while Ryan Garris added 13 points off the bench. Without their superstar, the Hawks shot 31% from the field with Anthony Allison the only player to have any resemblance of a good game with 16 points and 13 rebounds on 7/20 shooting.

Brooklyn Nets 38-17

After February we are now in third place, only just holding off the Wizards in fourth. The Sixers have taken the lead in the East at 44-17 as they have gone 17-2 in their last 19 games. Maybe I shouldn’t have traded Chris Canal to them. The Heat are in second place at 38-16, only a half game in front of us. Charlotte have taken over last place in the conference with a 14-47 record which is amazing as I didn’t think anyone would have overtaken Orlando.

The Mavericks have opened up a ten game gap over second placed San Diego with San Antonio and Portland a couple of games behind them. If Dallas don’t win this year even I’ll be disappointed, and if they do win I should get a bonus because I made that team. The Lakers and Sonics are still battling for last place in the conference at 22-37 and 21-33 respectively.

Brooklyn Top Points
John Kelly – 19.6
Matias Perez – 17.7
Chris Jackson – 16.9

Brooklyn Top Assists
Matias Perez – 9.5
Michael Byrd – 3.3
Darius Nolan – 2.9

Brooklyn Top Rebounds
Jason Harriman – 8.2
Chris Jackson – 6.9
Mark Lyday – 5.8

League Leaders
Points – Magnus Carlsson (GSW) – 33.2
Assists – Luke Owens (SDR) – 12.8
Rebounds – Shannon Barker (SAC) – 10.0
Blocks – Brian Caldwell (GSW) – 28
Steals – Dave Coulter (NYK) – 2.9
Efficiency – Ledaryl McMillian (DAL) – 27.8

Rookie Leaders
Points – Cameron Brown (HOU) – 12.7
Assists – Cameron Brown (HOU – 5.1
Rebounds – Mark Lyday (BKL) – 5.8
Blocks –Keith Chapman (SEA) – 1.2
Steals – Lou Beck (MIL) – 0.7
Efficiency – Cameron Brown (HOU) – 12.8

Third Round of NBA Draft Prospects
1. C Derrick Culuko (Kentucky), Junior, 6’9”, 282lbs
2. SG Joe West (North Carolina), Sophomore, 6’5”, 208lbs
3. C Charles Dubbs (Syracuse), Sophomore, 6’10”, 280lbs
4. SG Shaun Tebbs (Mississippi State), Freshman, 6’2”, 185lbs
5. SF Maurice Marlow (Stanford), Sophomore, 6’7”, 216lbs

Thoughts – Not the best draft for point guards as there is only two in the top 15 rankings. It’s strange to see West’s numbers go up again but he dropped to number two, but maybe it means that Culuko is going to be a special kind of player.

[zike_42]

February Player of the Month – Magnus Carlsson, Golden State Warriors – 36.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.3 steals and 0.0 blocks.

February Rookie of the Month – Mark Lyday, Brooklyn Nets – 13.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.0 blocks per game.

As February had the trade deadline there were some nice deals done this month. There were also quite a few trades done where a team deals their first round pick for a player but I’m not going report on them as it’s too early to work out who won.

Houston trade:
C Brian Caldwell
2032 2nd round pick

Golden State trade:
PG Marcus Barnes

Winner – Draw. Talent wise it’s a definite win for the Warriors but Caldwell has a terrible attitude and is now on his fifth team in eight years. If the Warriors can tame him (fat chance) this is a landslide win as Caldwell is leading the league in blocks so far.

Portland trade:
SG Tom Bryant
PF Andy Jordan

Indiana trade:
C Matt Piatowski
2032 2nd round pick

Winner – Portland. With Josiah Williams playing well and Emmett Emerson showing a veteran leadership, Piatowski was the odd man out. Bryant is a good player and is now the Pacers’ sixth man but the big man from Missouri is starting for Portland and will make them much, much more dangerous.

New Orleans trade:
C Andre Walker
C Tyson Joyner
SF Wesley Lenzly

Seattle trade:
PF Billy Manley
2032 2nd round pick

Winner – New Orleans. Manley is worth so much more than what he was traded for but the only problem now is that the Hornets have Manley, Jerry Benton, Mark Lewis and John Nemitz at the PF and C positions, making it awfully crowded. Sure, Nemitz can play a little SF but he is better suited to PF.

Coming into the home stretch with only a month a half to go we host the Cavs in a really disappointing game. Coach Lane decided to give Isiah Ryan and Ryan Garris the start over Mark Lyday and John Kelly for some unknown reason and it back fired as we went down 96-89. Jamil Fleming led the way with 27 points while Oskar Carlsson did his part with 2 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists. Harry was our only shining light with 22 points and 13 rebounds as I never want to see John come off the bench ever again.

Brooklyn Nets 38-18

Much, much better. JK goes for 39 points and 8 rebounds starting at SG as we torch the Raptors 128-101. Lyday didn’t do as well, laying a goose egg in 13 minutes as Matias dished out 18 assists. All in all we totally dominated Toronto from start to finish. The Raptors are in a rebuild year with Chris Barber the only decent player with 17 points and 8 rebounds.

Brooklyn Nets 39-18

Ryan Garris sprains his wrist badly in our 118-108 loss to the Knicks across town. Their bigs did the damage with Marquis Bowen, Julius Hobbs and John Brown combined for 61 points and 25 rebounds as our guys couldn’t keep up. Matias was our best with 16 points and 17 assists with Ish Ryan adding 22 points off the bench.

Brooklyn Nets 39-19

Grr, we shouldn’t be losing to a team like Chicago, even when they have a coupe of our old guys. Leroy Nolan was player of the game with 20 points and 9 rebounds as Paul Cunningham added 19 points of his own. The Bulls beat us 109-103 in Brooklyn as we are in a little bit of a slump to be honest. It’s only two games but we are out of sorts with the rotation changes. CJ led us with 23 points.

Brooklyn Nets 39-20

Willis Owens broke his nose and will be out for quite a while (no big loss) but we did beat the very good Sixers 96-90. They are leading the conference so it’s always good to get win like that. John Kelly (or Rowling as some have taken to calling him) and Chris Canal had a great battle with both of them scoring 24 points with Canal adding 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Harry shot badly but did everything else well with 16 rebounds and kept Justin Robinson to only 2/12 shooting.

Brooklyn Nets 40-20

Geez, our bench players are dropping like flies as Darius Nolan is added to Ryan Garris and Willis Owens as guys who are battling injury. It wouldn’t have helped if we had all of them healthy as the Heat were on fire, shooting 59% from the field to torch us 131-108. Tim Greenberg was the star with 32 points as every Miami player scored at least once. Our best was Matias with 14 points and 14 assists but we just weren’t in it when a team shoots that well.

Brooklyn Nets 40-21

Even Cliff Havens is injured in the D-League. He’s playing well so far, averaging 18.3 points, 7.4 assists and 4.0 rebounds a game for the Colorado Timberjacks.

It’s hard beating the Mavericks on any given day but when it’s in Dallas and we are in a form slump it’s downright impossible. And it was just that, going down to the defending champions 106-93 with Big T leading the way with 26 points and 18 rebounds. Jack added 23 points to make up for Ledaryl’s 3/10 shooting night. Kresimir Balas is playing really well this season off the bench, averaging 12 points and 5 rebounds a game to make me look like a star drafting him at #19. Our best was Matias with 16 points and 13 assists but he had his usual big turnover night, this time with seven.

Brooklyn Nets 40-22

We are in the midst of an eleven game streak in the space of 16 days which is really going to test us. We’ve failed so far, going 1-4 in the first five.

Urgh, Jason Harriman and Michael Byrd also contract some kind of illness/injury, putting us down to eight healthy players as we go to Sacramento. The other guys can play, it’s just that are well below 100% and it’s showing. And wouldn’t you know it, we beat the Kings in a massive scoring game 146-135. We had seven players in double figures while they also had seven with CJ and Mark Lyday leading the way with 24 points, closely followed by Isiah Ryan’s 23 points. Matias was gladly handing out dimes with 14 points and 15 assists as everyone on our team scored. Shannon Barker was the leader for the Kings with 26 points and 9 rebounds but their best player, Jaymes Kincaid, was held to only 14 points and 10 assists.

Brooklyn Nets 41-22

We just can’t beat the best teams, shown by our 113-101 downing to Philly. It wasn’t a good idea to trade Chris Canal to them in retrospect as our old star had 17 points and 11 assists to smash us. Steve Mapp was also good with 20 points but it was a team effort for the Sixers. Matias was our best with 24 points, 14 assists and 9 rebounds but we shot only 40% from the field.

Brooklyn Nets 41-23

We can’t beat the best teams but if we keep beating the average ones we will get into the playoffs with a good seed, and beat the average Rockets was a good start. The score was 122-98 as Matias had a massive game with 18 points, 20 assists and 6 rebounds and only 3 turnovers as Rowling led the way with 27 points and 9 rebounds. Andy Kante was again the best for Houston with 16 points and 12 rebounds and they would be stuck without him.

Brooklyn Nets 42-23

Aww come on! Now Matias hurts his foot and Isiah Ryan bruises his thigh to add to the mountain of injuries. And guess what? We lose. Oh. Yeah, we run out of puff trying to stay with Miami as Tim Greenberg does the damage again with 31 points as Lance Ellis and Kenneth Long both score 22 points. Rowling was decent with 25 points as Pat Sola nearly takes the team over the line by himself with 26 points and 9 rebounds on 11/15 shooting but couldn’t quite get there. Frankly, with these injuries no-one can be too hard on the team as players are having to do more with less energy.

Brooklyn Nets 42-24

Geez, now the Wizards in Washington? Can this schedule get any harder? At least no one hurt themselves in the game but we still went down 119-105 which was to be expected. Jacob Alexander went 9/11 for 21 points while Joey Polite scored 18 points in 19 minutes as the Wizards blew us out 32-16 in the third. Rowling was again our top scorer with 20 points as CJ added 17 points, 11 rebounds and 4 steals. We need to get healthy and stop playing elite teams for a while.

Brooklyn Nets 42-25

Well that idea went out the window as the ‘worse than us’ Pistons will got the best of us with a 132-119 win in Brooklyn. Jason Harriman is back to healthy with 16 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks but the team had 21 turnovers, led by Matias’ 19 points, 13 assists and 7 turnovers. Art Haynes was the best for Detroit with 30 points and we’re in trouble.

Brooklyn Nets 42-26

Wow, this is the month from hell. Scratch that, it’s the month from hell’s hell, which is much worse than our hell. We get smash by the Blazers 122-100 and we are in free fall. Tiburcio Tommasini led the way with 34 points while Tobe Slaughter added 26 points in 20 minutes. Ryan Garris was our best with 21 points in 16 minutes but I’m really dreading getting to the playoffs as we will be embarrassed if we play like this.

Brooklyn Nets 42-27

Thank God it’s the last game of the month so we can get past this abomination. Too bad the script read the same as usual as we let a double digit lead slip through our fingers to go down to Golden State 119-116. Magnus Carlsson was his scoring best with 34 points and even had 6 rebounds with Chris Horvath playing sidekick with 26 points. Harry was outstanding with 20 points and 16 rebounds but we just couldn’t get it going, like usual. If we weren’t past the trade deadline I would have done a deal a long time ago but it seems we just have to ride it out.

Brooklyn Nets 42-28

My mistake, we had one more on the last day of the month. And guess what? We won! It doesn’t matter that it was against the terrible, terrible Magic but a 95-86 win is a win. Matias Perez had a devil’s triple double with 14 points, 12 assists and 11 turnovers as Harry might be finding his groove with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Orlando have been in ruins for a long, long time and won’t get any better soon as PJ Fowler was the best with 17 points.

Brooklyn Nets 43-28

So after a horrible 5-11 February we are way down in sixth spot now in the East, only two games in from of New York for seventh. We’ll make the playoffs (eighth placed Cleveland are 36-38) but we just can’t battle with the big guns right now. Philly are leading the way at 54-21 while New Orleans are right on their tail at 51-23. Charlotte have taken the bottom spot with a 18-57 record with Toronto and Orlando in striking distance.

Dallas still have only lost 12 games all season and have pretty much sewn up the best record in the league with Portland way back at 48-24 and San Diego nearly not even worth listing. The Lakers are last at 24-49.

Brooklyn Top Points
John Kelly – 19.4
Matias Perez – 16.9
Chris Jackson – 16.7

Brooklyn Top Assists
Matias Perez – 10.6
Michael Byrd – 3.3
John Kelly – 2.8

Brooklyn Top Rebounds
Jason Harriman – 8.4
Chris Jackson – 6.5
Mark Lyday – 5.8

League Leaders
Points – Magnus Carlsson (GSW) – 34.1
Assists – Luke Owens (SDR) – 12.1
Rebounds – Shannon Barker (SAC) – 9.8
Blocks – Oskar Carlsson (CLE) – 2.8
Steals – Dave Coulter (NYK) – 2.9
Efficiency – Ledaryl McMillian (DAL) – 27.5

Rookie Leaders
Points – Cameron Brown (HOU) – 13.0
Assists – Cameron Brown (HOU) – 5.1
Rebounds – Neil Prato (BOS) – 5.9
Blocks – Keith Chapman (SEA) – 1.3
Steals – Lou Beck (MIL) – 0.7
Efficiency – Cameron Brown (HOU) – 12.6

Last Round of NBA Draft Prospects
1. SG Joe West (North Carolina), Sophomore, 6’5”, 208lbs
2. C Derrick Culuko (Kentucky), Junior, 6’9”, 282lbs
3. C Charles Dubbs (Syracuse), Sophomore, 6’10”, 280lbs
4. SG Shaun Tebbs (Mississippi State), Freshman, 6’2”, 185lbs
5. SF Joe Morgan (Massachusetts), Freshman, 6’9”, 217lbs

Thoughts – This is West’s statline – 32.5 points, 11.7 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.7 steals per game. Seriously, that’s freaking amazing! Too bad he has a bit of a bad attitude and still hasn’t locked up the number one pick.