FREE AGENT FOCUS: The Nets have one unrestricted free agent, Maurice Ager, who won't be back. Team president Rod Thorn said the team will pick up Jarvis Hayes' second-year option ($2.06) and that Trenton Hassell is expected to exercise his $4.3 million option. And while most saw the Nets as inactive on the market, Thorn said the day after draft night that he expects the team to be active, but not for the $10-12 million or higher types.

PLAYER NEWS:

--G/F Chris Douglas-Roberts admits he is going to miss Vince Carter. As a rookie last season, Douglas-Roberts looked upon Carter as a mentor and the eight-time All-Star was invaluable. "Vince helped me out a lot, on and off the court. He often went out his way to give me advice. It's going to be hard not having him to go to when I need something," Douglas-Roberts said. "However, VC is back home and I'm sure he's happy so I'm happy for him. He'll definitely be missed."

--G/F Terrence Williams, the No. 11 pick, is already winning points with the staff by stressing his priorities: hard work, defense and passing. "That's what they talk about. They want me to be D-minded and come in and help out a lot and play defense," Williams said. "(There are) some guys that they thought could get better on defense and they want me to try to lead with my defense...let the defense dictate everything else on the court. You know I'm going to pass the ball, because that's my mindset."

--C Josh Boone is an example of how young and remade the Nets really are. He just completed his third season with the team -- and yet he is the ranking member in terms of tenure. And his future is not certain with the team after he lost his starting job to Brook Lopez. He is 6-10 and the Nets may seek takers for his height and final season of a rookie contract.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--F Eduardo Najera underwent successful sports hernia surgery March 13, ending his season. He is rehabbing well and expected for training camp.

--G Keyon Dooling underwent successful arthroscopic surgery May 4 to remove loose particles from his right hip. He is expected to be ready for the start of the season.