With the trade deadline just eight days away, the Knicks and Nets must address their weaknesses and determine what fixes can be made right now. For the Knicks, they’ve uncovered Lin-Sanity and signed J.R. Smith this season. For the Nets, the re-signed Kris Humphries, but really haven’t done much else. With the trade deadline quickly approaching, here are the key weaknesses (and appropriately solutions) for each club.
AP Photo
Nets’ guard Deron Williams scored 57 points, setting a franchise record (and 2011-12 Regular Season record) in the Nets’ 104-101 win against the Charlotte Bobcats. Amazingly enough, 40 of his 57 came in the second half of play. Williams took over in the third quarter when center, Brook Lopez left with an ankle sprain. Williams scored 18 straight points and was able to routinely create his own offense.
AP Photo
With this performance, Williams is receiving national attention and more importantly–the attention of seven-footer in Orlando. It’s no secret that Howard and Williams would like to play together next season. Performances like this one will go a long way in making that happen. However for Net fans, this duo may not play in Brooklyn. The Nets have until March 15th in order to make a deal for Howard. With Lopez rolling his ankle (and needing subsequent X-Rays), the outlook doesn’t appear too bright for the Nets. Many do not think the Nets will be able lure Howard to Brooklyn this summer as a free agent. Their biggest competition will come from the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks have the cap space, superstar appeal, and owner to create a ‘Texas-sized’ Big 3, and the Nets may be left holding the bag this summer.
All-Star Weekend is here. Needless to say, this shortened NBA season has been fast-faced and full of drama. The Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder sit atop their respective conferences while the New York Knicks (17-18) have one of this season’s best stories. On the other side of town, the New Jersey Nets (10-25) have dealt with injuires, Dwight Howard trade rumors, and speculation about the future of Deron Williams.
With both teams expecting to rebound in the second half, here are first half grades for both teams.
Lin is Lin--AP Photo
The 12-70 New Jersey Nets were the laughing stock of the 2009-2010 NBA season. However, I have the solution to their troubles. It involves four important things: a ping pong ball on May 18th, some grease, a dinosaur and a king’s crown…
AP PHOTO ED REINKE
Over the past few seasons, the New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets have stockpiled expiring contracts and players that may attract the loaded 2010 free agent class to come knocking. One player in particular stands above the rest of the free agent crop. His name is LeBron James.
Reuters
