Almost Typical

As much promise the Nets show you one night, it's as much head scratchingness they show you the following.  Look, I know, I get it.  The team was not going to be, and will not be, a playoff team this season.  I knew that coming into the season.  All I asked for was to play hard and competitive each night and continue to get better.  Grow the kids.  Show some emotion and excitement.

And for the most part, they've done that.  The record isn't the prettiest in the league, 6-11, but that is half the amount of wins from all of last season, and they haven't played a quarter of the season yet.

But damn.  Brook Lopez.  Not the stud night in, night out that you should be.  There is no question or doubt that you are a 20-10 guy for this team and yet you sometimes, most of the time, struggle to be a 15-7 man.  Devin Harris.  Too inconsistent.  I don't admit to watching all the games, or even some of all the games, but I watch every now and then.  Why, to me, does it seem as if Jordan Farmar is playing more than you?  You're our All-Star.  Act it.  Terrence Williams.  D-League?!?!?!?!  Really dude? You're that immature and dumb that you need to get shipped to the middle of the country to play?  Can't get any sloppy minutes with the big club?

Ah there's a lot more to ramble on now.  But I'm hungry and don't want to lose my appetite.

Friendly Recap

Actual conversation from last night's Nets game:

Nets only down 4 with over two minutes left, Rob, "Can this team actually make me watch them this year?".  My girlfriend's simple reply "No".  Following a Richard Hamilton 3 to push the deficit back to 7, I go "Yeah, you're right".

But then wait a moment, a Jordan Farmer 3... a steal leading to a Devin Harris deuce plus 1... then with Harris falling down, a 3 pointer by Anthony Morrow and the Nets have the lead with under 30 seconds left and they pull off a great Opening Night victory, 101-98.

It was a back and forth affair the entire evening and throughout, I had a chance to come up with some thoughts for each of the players on the New Jersey roster.

Devin Harris - Will be the player that makes this team go. Can be streaky, day and night performances in each half.  When he's hot, he's hot and makes everyone else so much better.

Brook Lopez - The Beast.  So good, so smooth, so strong down low.  Should be a 20 and 10 guy every night.

Anthony Morrow - Role player of sorts for most of the game but a sharp shooter!  Can potentially be one of two players who become a decent threat from the outside.

Travis Outlaw - Lose the haircut first of all.  Stop the fouling.  Do something productive.

Joe Smith - Grandpa, just stop playing please.  You got a starting spot because Avery has respect for you, which is commendable.  But you will not be a factor this season.

Terrence Williams - Damn kid you looked good.  Played all over the court.  You can become a difference maker this season.

Kris Humphries - I don't like you.  I don't see the value.  You are a body to help spare some minutes, so there. Prove me wrong.

Derrick Favors - You are Beast #2.  First NBA game last night and you played great, especially in the first half.  You're young, you'll be limited in your minutes but you will be a key to this team, this year.

Stephen Graham - Who?

Jordan Farmar - Potentially the biggest off-season acquisition.  Comes from a winning pedigree.  Knows how to be clutch down the stretch.  

Johan Petro - Question mark.  Needs to be solid so Brook can get his rest.  If he struggles when he's on the floor, the team will have to go small and that can be an issue.

Damien Jones - See Stephen Graham