A lot of forecasts already have been made. They come from media types at newspapers and magazines and places identified by letters of the alphabet. And virtually all of the forecasts have the same theme.
The Nets will stink this year. Some say they'll be the worst team in the East. Or next to worst. Victories could approximate Vince Carter's scoring average. Or Twiggy's waist.
"Everybody's going to be surprised," predicted Bobby Simmons, one of the eight (so far) newcomers on the roster. "Reason being, we have a young ballclub, and we have a lot of guys that know how to play the game. It's not necessarily just names on the paper."
Naturally, everyone echoes Simmons' sentiments. "Everyone," of course, meaning those affiliated with the team. It's not considered especially good form for players to start figuring out the elimination magic number a month before training camp begins. So, they say, don't be fooled by all the new faces. Or the youth -- eight players on the roster have four or fewer years of experience.
"That's fine," guard Keyon Dooling, another summertime import, said of the low expectations. "It'll be a challenge for us. Obviously we're a young team, but you can only go up.
"Check everyone's resume," Dooling continued. "Guys have made a mark in this league. It's a matter of getting the team together, working hard, building good habits."
The Nets missed the playoffs for the first time in seven years last season and started their major rebuilding with the in-season trade of Jason Kidd. The makeover continued with the trade of Richard Jefferson to Milwaukee for Yi Jianlian and Simmons. Three rookies, all expected to make the rotation, were added on draft night. Free agents Eduardo Najera and Jarvis Hayes, were signed. Dooling was obtained in a sign and trade. Free agents Bostjan Nachbar and Nenad Krstic signed in Russia while DeSagana Diop went back to Dallas. Things might not be better than last season's 34-victory outfit, but they'll be different.
"We'll just have to see," said team president Rod Thorn. "The prognosticators have their say. The East is better, no doubt. We certainly have our work cut out for us. The competition in the East is going to be very, very tough this year."
With some thinking tough enough to drop the Nets to the East's bottom rung.
Play FOX Fantasy Football Today >
