PLAYER NEWS:
--F Yi Jianlian has been a force for the Chinese National Team, a scenario the Nets can only dream continues in the NBA season. Yi averaged 21.3 points and 8.7 rebounds in a sweep of a three-game series against Australia's NBL All-Stars. Figure he'll face tougher competition in the NBA. But it's a positive for Yi who'll lead China into the FIBA Asia Cup championships. One red flag item: Yi sprained his right foot in practice before the FIBA Cup, but Chinese officials insisted it was not serious. --G Devin Harris is the logical choice to assume the leadership role created by Vince Carter's trade to Orlando. Who says so? Vince Carter.
"Devin can do it. He has seen it done and he's been around, it's just if he wants it," said Carter. "He has definitely established himself in the NBA as a player and that's the next level for him."
--G Keyon Dooling, a member of the NBA Players Association negotiating council, sat in on the first formal collective bargaining talks in Manhattan Aug. 4. The owners must notify the players' union by Dec. 15, 2010 whether they intend to extend the current deal -- in place until June 30, 2011 -- for an additional year. The owners notified the union they won't. A joint statement said the meeting was productive but the owners presented a dismal picture.
MEDICAL WATCH:
--F Eduardo Najera underwent successful sports hernia surgery Mar. 13, ending his season. He is rehabbing well and expected for training camp. Najera hopes to play for Mexico in the FIBA Americas Cup.
--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.
DRAFT PICK:
Terrence Williams, G/F, 6-6, Louisville (first round) -- The Nets love his versatility and his athleticism. In Summer League games, he showed what Nets drafted him for: rebounding, defense, passing. But he also has shown a struggling shot which must improve -- he was 19-of-56 (.339) in five games. Overall, the Nets were very pleased with what they saw in initial test runs.
