ANALYZING STARTERS:

G Devin Harris was the primary piece received in last year's trade of Jason Kidd. He's also the guy that the Nets' new dribble drive attack offense is centered around. His speed, quickness and penetration are vital to success while his defense needs to show improvement over last season.

G Vince Carter remains a primary scorer, an underrated passer. He'll see double and triple teaming on a nightly basis and will do so under the microscope. Some predict Carter will balk if the Nets falter but he has said all the right things and promises to lead by example.

F Bobby Simmons was the "other" guy the Nets got with Yi Jianlian in the trade of Richard Jefferson. He will be key. He is the leading candidate to emerge as the No. 3 scorer behind Carter and Harris and hopes to return to the form he showed before injuries hit.

F Yi Jianlian is the likely starter at the four. The Nets are placing much of their rebuilding hopes on his developing 7-0 frame. He is a huge question mark -- there is not much of a body of work to judge yet as he enters his second year -- but the upside is equally huge.

C Josh Boone showed last season he can bring double-doubles in bunches -- he was second in the league in that category among second-year players. He needs defensive improvement and must add some range to his game.

ANALYZING KEY RESERVES:

G Keyon Dooling will back both guard spots; he's a long-armed, tough-minded defender who is ultra competitive.

C Brook Lopez will go through the rookie growing pains and the call is for more aggressiveness inside to complement a nice shooting touch.

F Ryan Anderson was the Nets' second pick in the first round and the hope is he emerges as a shooting big in the drive-and-kick approach.

F Eduardo Najera is another size and character guy added for toughness and defense.

F Jarvis Hayes has three-point skills to benefit from guard penetrations and kicks.

F Stromile Swift brings more athleticism -- and an expiring contract -- to the power forward spot.

F Sean Williams had a superb camp with his athleticism but it must translate into games; he's their best shot-blocker, a skill that's been lacking.

G/F Chris Douglas-Roberts is unorthodox but brings a real scoring flair.

F Trenton Hassell is a strong, defensive-minded reserve who needs more offensive consistency

MEDICAL WATCH:

F Eduardo Najera was bothered much of the preseason with a sprained left wrist that has delayed his appearance in the exhibitions.

F Jarvis Hayes suffered a strained left hamstring early in camp but should be available well before opening night.