--G Vince Carter is gone but his impact is not forgotten. Last season, when he desperately tried to lead the Nets to the playoffs, he really worked extensively with the young players, particularly the rookies, on all facets and not just basketball. "It was a lot of off the court stuff, just being a professional," said Chris Douglas-Roberts. "I really can't learn from Vince on the court because he is a superior athlete and we just don't do the same things. But off the court, it was how to carry myself, keeping composure, being a professional." Brook Lopez, who Carter constantly pushed to play like a 7-footer, said he missed Carter in his ear.
"I definitely miss the voice. He definitely drove me and made me a better player. He's a future Hall of Famer and he's giving me advice so I'm definitely not going to turn it down," said Lopez. "He's not really like the other superstars. He's just a down to earth great guy. I really enjoyed my time here with him."
--When the decision on contract options became finalized, there were no surprises for the Nets, who said yes to Yi Jianlian, Courtney Lee and Brook Lopez while giving a no to Sean Williams.
The Nets picked up the third-year options on Lee ($1.3 million) and Lopez ($2.4 mil) plus the fourth year option on Yi ($4.05) as expected. Equally expected was declining Williams' fourth-year deal ($2.5 million). The first three are starters, Williams barely played in pre-season following two seasons marred by inconsistency and controversy (he was arrested on a felony misdemeanor in Denver last season after an argument in a phone store).
Williams declined comment.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Brook, he's destined to be an All-Star and a dominant big man in this league soon. I really believe that. That's the first thing I told Dwight (Howard). I told him, 'Hey, don't take him for granted.'" -- Orlando's Vince Carter, talking about former Net teammate Brook Lopez.
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