Road to Glory - A New Jersey Nets Association

[Spotlight]

Wow 30 games already! This one is going fast! Good to see you have expiring contracts and by the way you have roster to reach playoffs this year!

[Valor]

Wow 30 games already! This one is going fast! Good to see you have expiring contracts and by the way you have roster to reach playoffs this year!

Yup, and after i get some free time from school work i'll get the December recap running
By the way they have been playing after the Carter trade, i do indeed think that i can reach the playoffs, but i might make some big changes along the way to boost the chances...and to make way for future championship contention

[Valor]

Monthly Recaps: December 09
Part One: New Jersey Nets Monthly Recap

December Results - 9W 5L

December 2nd @ Cleveland Cavaliers
Loss 97-102
Outstanding Players
Cleveland: Mo Williams 22 pts 9 ast 7 reb, Lebron James 22 pts 6 reb, Zydrunas Ilgauskas 16 pts 10 reb
New Jersey: Vince Carter 23 pts 6 ast, Brook Lopez 14 pts 13 reb 4 blk, Yi Jianlian 11 pts 10 reb 3 blk

December 3rd vs Phoenix Suns
Win 114-95
Outstanding Players
Phoenix: Jason Richardson 21 pts, Blake Griffin 18 pts 11 reb 3 blk, Steve Nash 5 pts 15 ast, Amare Stoudemire 12 pts 13 reb
New Jersey: Vince Carter 26 pts 5 ast 5 stl, Leo Lai 19 pts (off the bench), Patrick Mills 4 pts 7 ast (off the bench, career high ast)

December 5th @ Milwaukee Bucks
Win 106-87 Game Recap

December 6th vs Boston Celtics
Win 102-94
Outstanding Players
Boston: Eddie House 25 pts 9 ast, Ray Allen 23 pts, Kevin Garnett 19 pts 8 reb, Kendrick Perkins 7 pts 13 reb
New Jersey: Yi Jianlian 25 pts 16 reb 5 ast (career high reb), Vince Carter 23 pts, Sean Williams 8 reb 3 blk (off the bench)

December 10th vs Chicago Bulls
Loss 88-107
Outstanding Players
Chicago: Ben Gordon 33 pts 5 ast, Derrick Rose 21 pts 6 ast, Kirk Hinrich 11 pts 9 ast (off the bench)
New Jersey: Vince Carter 26 pts, Devin Harris 8 pts 7 ast, Patrick Mills 8 pts 4 ast (off the bench)

December 12th @ Chicago Bulls
Loss 92-114 Game Recap

December 13th vs Charlotte Bobcats
Loss 84-94
Outstanding Players
Charlotte: Raymond Felton 18 pts 7 ast, Emeka Okafor 15 pts 9 reb, Gerald Wallace 17 pts 6 reb 4 ast
New Jersey: Vince Carter 16 pts 7 reb, Devin Harris 13 pts 7 ast, Brook Lopez 10 pts 7 reb

December 17th vs Indiana Pacers
Win 109-104
Outstanding Players
Indiana: Danny Granger 23 pts, Mike Dunleavy 21 pts, TJ Ford 14 pts 11 ast 6 reb, Troy Murphy 16 pts 9 reb 5 ast
New Jersey: Hedo Turkoglu 23 pts 5 reb 5 ast 4 stl 2 blk, Devin Harris 19 pts 10 ast 3 stl, Brook Lopez 15 pts 9 reb 2 blk

December 19th @ Charlotte Bobcats
Win 100-96
Outstanding Players
Charlotte: Raymond Felton 23 pts 14 ast, Sean May 6 pts 16 reb (career high reb), Emeka Okafor 12 pts 9 reb
New Jersey: Hedo Turkoglu 32 pts 6 reb, Devin Harris 17 pts 7 ast, Leo Lai 17 pts (off the bench), Yi Jianlian 12 pts 8 reb 4 blk

December 20th vs Detroit Pistons
Win 113-102
Outstanding Players
Detroit: Rodney Stuckey 14 pts 13 ast, Tayshaun Prince 21 pts 7 reb, Richard Hamilton 12 pts 5 reb 6 ast
New Jersey: Leo Lai 33 pts 4 ast 4 stl (off the bench, career high stl), Devin Harris 23 pts 9 ast, Hedo Turkoglu 20 pts 6 reb 5 ast

December 23rd @ New York Knicks
Win 121-105
Outstanding Players
New York: Chris Duhon 30 pts 6 ast, Al Harrington 12 pts 10 reb, BJ Mullens 10 pts 11 reb
New Jersey: Patrick Mills 18 pts 7 ast (off the bench, ties career highs), Devin Harris 20 pts 9 ast, Leo Lai 21 pts (off the bench), Sean Williams 13 pts 11 reb 3 blk (off the bench)

December 26th @ Utah Jazz
Loss 104-121
Outstanding Players
Utah: Deron Williams 34 pts 15 ast, Kosta Koufos 18 pts 11 reb, Ronnie Brewer 19 pts 7 reb
New Jersey: Devin Harris 16 pts 12 ast, Leo Lai 17 pts (off the bench), Patrick Mills 13 pts (off the bench)

December 29th @ Oklahoma City Thunder
Win 116-82 Game Recap

December 31st @ Sacramento Kings
Win 116-90
Outstanding Players
Sacramento: Kevin Martin 24 pts 10 reb, Beno Udrih 11 pts 18 ast (career high ast), Anderson Varejao 12 pts 7 reb
New Jersey: Patrick Mills 20 pts 6 ast (off the bench, career high pts), Devin Harris 16 pts 12 ast, Leo Lai 18 pts 4 reb (off the bench)




New Jersey Nets Player Stats

- Bold Indicates Team Leader


New Jersey Nets Metric Stats

- Bold Indicates Team Leader



Nets' Top 5 Plays of the Month'


5. Yi Jianlian Slams in a two-hander over Celtics' Paul Pierce and Kendirck Perkins, he finished the night with
25 points and a career high 16 rebounds


4. Lai Drives and Throws one down over three Detroit Pistons, Lai had 33 points and a career high 4 steals.


3. Hedo Turkoglu scores his first points as a New Jersey Net, he finished with 23 points in his debut.


2. Patrick Mills throws an alley-opp pass to fellow rookie Leo Lai for the two-handed Jam in MSG.
The two combined for 39 points coming off the bench, Mills also had 7 assists in the game.


1. Rookie Patrick Mills converts a tough and-1 play against the Kings, he had a career high 20 points
coming off the bench alongside with 6 assists.

[Valor]

Monthly Recaps: December 09
Part Two: Around the League

League Standings
Western Conference Standings
1. Portland Trailblazers (21-10)*
2. Los Angeles Lakers (20-14)
3. Phoenix Suns (18-12)*
4. New Orleans Hornets (16-15)*
5. Minnesota Timberwolves (18-15)
6. Dallas Mavericks (16-15)
7. Houston Rockets (16-16)
8. Golden State Warriors (15-15)
----------------------------------
9. San Antonio Spurs (16-17)
10. Denver Nuggets (15-17)
11. Los Angeles Clippers (15-17)
12. Utah Jazz (15-18)
13. Memphis Grizzlies (12-16)
14. Sacramento Kings (12-19)
15. Oklahoma City Thunder (10-23)

* Denotes Division Leader

Eastern Conference Standings
1. Boston Celtics (23-9)*
2. Washington Wizards (20-10)*
3. Orlando Magic (19-13)
4. Cleveland Cavaliers (18-14)*
5. New Jersey Nets (17-14)
6. Chicago Bulls (17-14)*
7. Detroit Pistons (16-15)
8. New York Knicks (17-16)
----------------------------------
9. Charlotte Bobcats (15-15)
10. Atlanta Hawks (15-17)
11. Milwaukee Bucks (13-17)
12. Philadelphia 76ers (14-18)
13. Miami Heat (11-20)
14. Indiana Pacers (12-21)
15. Toronto Raptors (10-20)

* Denotes Division Leader




League Leaders


1. LeBron James (Cleveland) 30.4
2. Kobe Bryant (LA Lakers) 28.3
3. Michael Redd (Milwaukee) 26.3
4. Dwyane Wade (Miami) 25.1
5. Carmelo Anthony (Denver) 24.2


1. Dwight Howard (Orlando) 14.3
2. Andrew Bogut (Milwaukee) 11.6
3. Tim Duncan (San Antonio) 11.5
4. Emeka Okafor (Charlotte) 10.8
5. Al Jefferson (Minnesota) 10.6


1. Chris Paul (New Orleans) 11.6
2. Deron Williams (Utah) 10.7
3. Jose Calderon (Toronto) 10.5
4. Ricky Rubio (Milwaukee) 9.6
5. Jason Kidd (Dallas) 8.8
- Devin Harris (New Jersey) 8.8
- Steve Nash (Phoenix) 8.8


1. Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia) 2.6
2. Chris Paul (New Orleans) 2.1
- Mario Chalmers (Miami) 2.1
3. Brook Lopez (New Jersey) 2.0
4. Ron Artest (Houston) 1.9
- Jason Kidd (Dallas) 1.9
5. Delonte West (Cleveland) 1.8
- LeBron James (Cleveland) 1.8


1. Dwight Howard (Orlando) 3.9
2. Tim Duncan (San Antonio) 3.1
3. Tyson Chandler (New Orleans) 2.7
4. Yao Ming (Houston) 2.3
5. Pau Gasol (LA Lakers) 2.1
- Josh Smith (Atlanta) 2.1
- Jason Maxiell (Detroit) 2.1


EFFICIENCY
1. LeBron James (Cleveland) 28.4
2. Kobe Bryant (LA Lakers) 26.0
3. Tim Duncan (San Antonio) 25.8
4. Chris Paul (New Orleans) 23.1
- Dwight Howard (Orlando) 23.1
5. Kevin Garnett (Boston) 22.0
6. Chris Bosh (Toronto) 20.9
7. Yao Ming (Houston) 20.4
- Pau Gasol (LA Lakers) 20.4
8. Deron Williams (Utah) 20.2
9. Al JeffersoN (Minnesota) 19.6
10. Jason Kidd (Dallas) 19.5
- David West (New Orleans) 19.5



Rookie Leaders

1. Leo Lai (New Jersey) 14.7
2. Tyreke Evans (Oklahoma City) 14.1
- Earl Clark (Toronto) 14.1
3. Blake Griffin (Phoenix) 12.6
4. James Harden (Washington) 10.6
5. Jordan Hill (LA Clippers) 9.1


1. Blake Griffin (Phoenix) 7.9
2. Hasheem Thabeet (Minnesota) 7.6
3. Gani Lawal (Atlanta) 6.9
4. Jordan Hill (LA Clippers) 6.4
5. BJ Mullens (New York) 5.7


1. Ricky Rubio (Milwaukee) 9.6
2. Tyreke Evans (Oklahoma City) 4.2
3. James Harden (Washington) 4.1
4. Earl Clark (Toronto) 3.8
5. Blake Griffin (Phoenix) 3.4


1. Ricky Rubio (Milwaukee) 1.5
2. Earl Clark (Toronto) 1.1
3. James Harden (Washington) 1.0
4. Blake Griffin (Phoenix) 0.9
5. Tyreke Evans (Oklahoma City) 0.8
- Patrick Mills (New Jersey) 0.8


1. Hasheem Thabeet (Minnesota) 1.9
2. Gani Lawal (Atlanta) 1.0
3. Blake Griffin (Phoenix) 0.7
4. Ricky Rubio (Milwaukee) 0.5
- Tyreke Evans (Oklahoma City) 0.5
5. BJ Mullens (New York) 0.4


Players of the Week
Week: East | West
Oct 28-Oct 31: Dwight Howard (Orlando) | Kobe Bryant (LA Lakers)
Nov 1-7: LeBron James (Cleveland) | Tim Duncan (San Antonio)
Nov 8-14: LeBron James (Cleveland) | Tim Duncan (San Antonio)
Nov 15-21: Dwight Howard (Orlando) | Chris Paul (New Orleans)
Nov 22-28: LeBron James (Cleveland) | Tim Duncan (San Antonio)
Nov 29-Dec 5: Dwight Howard (Orlando) | Tim Duncan (San Antonio)
Dec 6-12: LeBron James (Cleveland) | Chris Paul (New Orleans)
Dec 13-19: LeBron James (Cleveland) | Tim Duncan (San Antonio)
Dec 20-26: LeBron James (Cleveland) | Chris Paul (New Orleans)

Players of the Month
East: LeBron James (Cleveland)
West: Chris Paul (New Orleans)

Rookies of the Month
East: Earl Clark (Toronto)
West: Blake Griffin (Phoenix)



Player Movement
- 12/12/09
Raptors Trade: Nathan Jawai
Thunder Trade: Chucky Atkins

- 12/16/09
Magic Trade: Tony Battie, Hedo Turkoglu, Rafer Alston
Nets Trade: Vince Carter, Bobby Jackson, Jarvis Hayes

- 12/19/09
Celtics Trade: JR Giddens
Kings Trade; Donte Greene

- 12/19/09
Hawks Trade; Acie Law
Thunder Trade: Cedric Simmons

- 12/19/09
Raptors Trade: Quincy Douby
Thunder Trade: '10 1st round pick

- 12/19/09
Kings Trade: Brevin Knight
Magic Trade: JJ Redick

- 12/26/09
Celtics Trade: Gabe Pruitt
Pistons Trade: '10 1st round pick

- 12/26/09
Nets Trade: Rafer Alston (Boston)
Celtics Trade: Brian Scalabrine (Detroit), Mikki Moore (Detroit), Bill Walker (Detroit)
Pistons Trade: Adonal Foyle (Boston), Gabe Pruitt (Boston), Walter Sharpe (New Jersey)


Injuries

[Valor]

Monthly Recaps: December 09
Part Three: Rookie Rankings


1. Blake Griffin, PF, Phoenix Suns
G | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% | FT%
30 | 30 | 32.7 | 12.6 | 7.9 | 3.4 | 0.9 | 0.7 | .562 | .100 | .714
Last Month: N/A | Drafted: 6


2. Earl Clark, SF, Toronto Raptors
G | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG |FG% | 3P% | FT%
30 | 30 | 31.5 | 14.1 | 5.6 | 3.8 | 1.1 | 0.3 | .462 | .354 | .686
Last Month: N/A | Drafted: 12


3. Tyreke Evans, SG, Oklahoma City Thunder
G | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% | FT%
33 | 33 | 32.2 | 14.1 | 3.7 | 4.2 | 0.8 | 0.5 | .378 | .281 | .675
Last Month: N/A | Drafted: 5


4. Ricky Rubio, PG, Milwaukee Bucks
G | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% | FT%
30 | 30 | 31.9 | 3.8 | 3.0 | 9.6 | 1.5 | 0.5 | .423 | .176 | .784
Last Month: N/A | Drafted: 2


5. Hasheem Thabeet, C, Minnesota Timberwolves
G | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% | FT%
33 | 33 | 30.2 | 3.6 | 7.6 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 1.9 | .348 | .088 | .684
Last Month: N/A | Drafted: 1


6. James Harden, SG, Washington Wizards
G | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% | FT%
30 | 30 | 29.2 | 10.6 | 2.7 | 4.1 | 1.0 | 0.2 | .359 | .233 | .847
Last Month: N/A | Drafted: 7


7. Jordan Hill, PF, Los Angeles Clippers
G | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% | FT%
32 | 26 | 29.2 | 9.1 | 6.4 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 | .447 | .200 | .524
Last Month: N/A | Drafted: 9


8. Leo Lai, SG, New Jersey Nets
G | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% | FT%
31 | 0 | 13.9 | 14.7 | 1.6 | 1.9 | 0.5 | 0.3 | .558 | .513 | .792
Last Month: N/A | Drafted: 3


9. Gani Lawal, PF, Atlanta Hawks
G | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% | FT%
32 | 0 | 22.1 | 5.9 | 6.9 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 1.0 | .370 | .250 | .793
Last Month: N/A | Drafted: 13


10. Patrick Mills, PG, New Jersey Nets
G | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% | FT%
31 | 0 | 11.2 | 7.1 | 0.6 | 2.3 | 0.8 | 0.0 | .347 | .176 | .820
Last Month: N/A | Drafted: 33


- Bold indicates Rookie Leader

[Valor]

Monthly Recaps: December 09
Part Four: Race to the MVP


1. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers | Team Record: 20-14

Stats: PPG -- 28.3; RPG -- 6.0; APG -- 5.1; SPG -- 1.6; BPG -- 0.2; FG% -- .511; 3P% -- .358; FT% -- .791
Comment: Love him or hate him, Kobe's greatness can't be denied. He's talented, he works hard and he plays hurt. For anyone other than the two time reigning MVP to win the award this season, they'll need to take it from him. His individual numbers for this season aren't the best, but his Lakers are sitting in second place in the Western Conference with a 20-14 record.


2. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers | Team Record: 18-14

Stats: PPG -- 30.4; RPG -- 10.1; APG -- 5.3; SPG -- 1.8; BPG -- 0.8; FG% -- .435; 3P% -- .213; FT% -- .737
Comment: If there were any player in the league who could trump the two time reigning MVP, it is LeBron James, who is averaging better numbers then Kobe in every category with the exception for shooting percentages. The league's leading scorer is also 6th in the league in rebounding with 10.1, tied at 5th in steals with 1.8, and is leading the league in Efficiency with a rating of 28.4. One quibble: King James is shooting .213 from three.


3. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic | Team Record: 19-13

Stats: PPG -- 17.7; RPG -- 14.3; APG -- 0.9; SPG -- 0.6; BPG -- 3.9; FG% -- .465; 3P% -- .000; FT% -- .456
Comment: Howard has a world of talent and the Magic should be able to challenge the Wizards for the Southeast Division Title. His Otherworldly averages of 14.3 rebounds per game and 3.9 blocks per game are astounding, as of now, Howard is a lock for Defensive Player of the Year. However, he needs some help with his free throw shooting, 45.6% from the line is just terrible, even for his standards.


4. Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets | Team Record: 16-15

Stats: PPG -- 18.2; RPG -- 4.7; APG -- 11.6; SPG -- 2.1; BPG -- 0.2; FG% -- .438; 3P% -- .229; FT% -- .714
Comment: The Hornets are underachieving so far with a 16-15 record, but they are still the Southwest Division Leader, and Chris Paul is still the best point guard in the NBA. Leading the league in assists by a mile with 11.6 per game, as well as sitting in second place in steals with 2.1 per game. His 18.2 ppg average is also welcomed by the Hornets, but he's got to start shooting better from beyond the arc, .229 just doesn't cut it.


5. Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics | Team Record: 23-9

Stats: PPG -- 16.2; RPG -- 9.4; APG -- 4.0; SPG -- 1.1; BPG -- 1.3; FG% -- .463; 3P% -- .000; FT% -- .787
Comment: His stats may not be MVP-like stats but you wouldn't expect big numbers from a team with two other all-stars in it. KG has been leading the Celtics to a league-best 23-9 record, and is seemingly on the correct path to fulfilling his championship promises to Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck.


6. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs | Team Record: 16-17

Stats: PPG -- 21.2; RPG -- 11.5; APG -- 0.8; SPG -- 1.2; BPG -- 3.1; FG% -- .521; 3P% -- .000; FT% -- .672
Comment: Tim Duncan is having a great statistical season, but his team is not doing him any favors as Manu Ginobili is getting less productive due to age, and for unknown reasons the 27 year old Tony Parker is regressing also. Despite his terrible team record, his 21.2 ppg, 11.5 rpg, and 3.1 bpg averages are still enough to land Mr. Duncan in 6th place on this MVP rankings.


7. Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat | Team Record: 11-20

Stats: PPG -- 25.1; RPG -- 3.3; APG -- 4.5; SPG -- 1.3; BPG -- 0.9; FG% -- .413; 3P% -- .286; FT% -- .776
Comment: Flash has some good stats on show, but he's going to need some help if he wants to see some postseason action this season, because at 11-20, the Heat sucks, period.


8. Al Jefferson, Minnesota Timberwolves | Team Record: 18-15

Stats: PPG -- 21.2; RPG -- 10.6; APG -- 1.1; SPG -- 1.0; BPG -- 0.8; FG% -- .448; 3P% -- .286; FT% -- .685
Comment: The young Al Jefferson is having another terrific season, as 21-10 averages are leading the T'Wolves to a 18-15 record, good enough for 5th place in the Western Conference.


9. Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns | Team Record: 18-12

Stats: PPG -- 18.3; RPG -- 8.5; APG -- 0.4; SPG -- 1.2; BPG -- 1.5; FG% -- .510; 3P% -- .142; FT% -- .619
Comment: The Phoenix Suns are having a terrific turnaround season thus far, sitting in 3rd place in the Western Conference Standings, and it's only proper that their franchise player Amare Stoudemire is credited for it. His 18.3 ppg, 8.5 rpg averages arn't outstanding, but that is the result of having a stacked lineup consisting of two time MVP Steve Nash, draft steal Blake Griffin, Josh Howard, Jason Richardson, and a bench which includes Barbosa, Grant Hill, and their second round draft steal Jrue Holiday.


10. Brandon Roy, Portland Trailblazers | Team Record: 21-10

Stats: PPG -- 19.6; RPG -- 5.3; APG -- 4.7; SPG -- 1.5; BPG -- 0.4; FG% -- .438; 3P% -- .350; FT% -- .833
Comment: Brandon Roy is efficient, mature, and is leading his young team to a Western Conference best 21-10 record, just slightly ahead of their rivals Kobe Bryant and the LA Lakers. his stats aren't eye-popping, but he's young and is only going to get better and better.


OLI (Outside Looking In)
11. Yao Ming (Houston)
12. Carmelo Anthony (Denver)
13. Michael Redd (Milwaukee)
14. Deron Williams (Utah)
15. Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas)
16. Chris Bosh (Toronto)
17. Danny Granger (Indiana)
18. Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City)
19. Paul Pierce (Boston)
20. Gilbert Arenas (Washington)

[Valor]

Nets acquires Deng, Morrison in three team deal
January 5th 2009


The New Jersey Nets have acquired Forwards Luol Deng and Adam Morrison in a
three team deal, Nets Owner and General Manager Toni Kukoc announced earlier
this morning.

The Deal consists of Nets forwards Hedo Turkoglu going to the Chicago Bulls, and
Bobby Simmons going to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Nets would also be
sending their 2010 1st round draft pick to Chicago, while the Bulls give up Deng
to New Jersey and Aaron Gray to Oklahoma City. The Thunder, meanwhile, sends
Morrison and Acie Law to the Nets.

Turkoglu was acquired by the Nets last month, he played in 9 games for New Jersey
and while he was there, the Nets had a 6-3 record.

"We made this deal simply due to current needs, our team lacked defense and we
feel that Luol (Deng) can bring us just that while Adam (Morrison) provides us with
the long range shooting that would benefit our offense" Kukoc said "We thank
Hedo (Turkoglu) and Bobby (Simmons) for everything that they did while they
were a member of the Nets organization, and we wish them the best in their
respective futures."



New Jersey Shakes things up with accusation of 7'6" Yao
January 5th 2009


Just a few hours after their announcement of the Turkoglu trade, the New Jersey Nets have
announced the completion of yet another deal, and this time, it's big.

The New Jersey Nets have announced that they have acquired 7'6" all-star center Yao Ming
from the Houston Rockets in exchange for Center Brook Lopez, Forward Yi Jianlian,
Center Tony Battie, and the Nets' 2010 2nd round pick

To make the deal work, New Jersey would also be getting from the Rockets sophomore forward
Joey Dorsey and rookie guard Jodie Meeks. Meeks is expected to be waived by the Nets.

Yao appears to be disappointed by the deal but took it professionally

"I am definitely disappointed, I've already been with Houston for such a long time, I still have
much affection for this team" Yao said "But i understand the team's decision, it's a business
and at the end of the day, the team has to do what's in their best interest."

Yao also added "I am looking forward to playing for the Nets, and i wish for the best for Yi
in Houston, it's a great place"

"We did this deal in the hopes of lifting our team to that next level," Nets Owner and GM
Toni Kukoc said "We feel that while they are making strides, Brook (Lopez) and Yi (Jianlian)
just isn't refined enough in the post to give us that presence in the paint, Yao is a proven
all-star caliber player, not to mention one of the few remaining centers in the game."

"While Yao was a tremendous player for us, the team has been proven to be better at a more
fast paced game, as evident in our 22 game winning streak in the 07-08 season." Rockets General
Manager Daryl Morey said "adding Lopez and Yi to our roster allows us to play at a faster tempo while
not giving up our size advantage. They are both talented and young players that still have a ton of
potential to be explored, i think that this trade is to our benefit both short and long term."

[Lamrock]

I don't like how you always destroy your teams. I tend to do the same things and regret it, as it kills my interest. That said, I do like the trade. I've always liked Deng, despite his uselessness as of late.

[Martti.]

Wow, you acquired two great players, but your roster doesn't look all that stacked. And I think starting Lai over Morrison would be a good idea, unless you want Lai to be the teams sixth man.

[Fresh8]

Everyone loves Adam Morrison

[StupidBoy]

Hey, first time checkin in on this. Looks nice with monthly recaps and everything.
The only thing I don't like is your recent trade. I don't think you should have traded Lopez, he's an awesome young center.

[Valor]

I don't like how you always destroy your teams. I tend to do the same things and regret it, as it kills my interest. That said, I do like the trade. I've always liked Deng, despite his uselessness as of late.

Well, the team's gonna be re-vamped in the offseason anyways by the way things are going, both in real life and in my virtual world, i just sped up that process a bit since i don't want to gamble everything on the FA class My team could hardly defend anything with Turkoglu, so Deng is a huge upgrade for me in that regards. Furthermore, i would still have some cap space to upgrade my roster with in the offseason via FA, just no need to rebuild my entire roster from there.

Wow, you acquired two great players, but your roster doesn't look all that stacked. And I think starting Lai over Morrison would be a good idea, unless you want Lai to be the teams sixth man.

Yeah, at least for this season, Lai is my sixth man Otherwise, my bench would have no body that can create shots for themselves, while my starters, with Harris and Yao, are more then capable of getting their own, putting Lai there at the moment would just take shots away from them

Everyone loves Adam Morrison

and why not? Adam's the man
Anytime you can add a NBA champion to your roster, that's just great

Hey, first time checkin in on this. Looks nice with monthly recaps and everything.
The only thing I don't like is your recent trade. I don't think you should have traded Lopez, he's an awesome young center.

hey thanks for replying man, appreciate it
I wasn't going to make such a big trade at first, was just going to trade Yi away for a versatile player to play the "Toni Kukoc" role for my team, but since Lopez went 6/30 in the last 2 games combined, i figured why not get an upgrade down the middle?

[kibaxx7]

Liking the rookie report layout. Might do it like that Also liking the Yao and Deng acquisition.

[Martti.]

About the rookie rankings, Lai should be higher. Minimum number 4..

[Valor]

Liking the rookie report layout. Might do it like that Also liking the Yao and Deng acquisition.

thanks man

About the rookie rankings, Lai should be higher. Minimum number 4..

well, he is the leading rookie scorer, but the other averages he has are so low that i just can't put him above people who are doing much more then just scoring
1.6 rpg, 1.9 apg, 0.5 spg, and 0.3 bpg just doesn't cut it, if he's more versatile then he would move up big time

[hova-]

Well I dont like the trades at all. Seem to unrealistic to me. I know that you are one who likes to shake up things all the time but I think a bit of consistency and trust in the players you have would be more realistic. The Rockets will never give up Yao and seeing Hedo changing his jersey once again also seems unrealistic.

Just my sort of criticism, still I like your dynasties, bro.

[Valor]

Well I dont like the trades at all. Seem to unrealistic to me. I know that you are one who likes to shake up things all the time but I think a bit of consistency and trust in the players you have would be more realistic. The Rockets will never give up Yao and seeing Hedo changing his jersey once again also seems unrealistic.

Just my sort of criticism, still I like your dynasties, bro.

true, but given Yao's history of injuries, it's not that surprising for the Rockets to trade him, unfortunately
Hedo is damaged goods he caused quite a bit of trouble for Orlando by choosing not to opt out
but yeah, i know, i am not that patient with my players Lopez really pisses me off sometimes but can be like a superstar at times, really frustrating, one game he's hitting most of his shots, the next he's bricking everything, even easy layups same with Yi, one game he can knock down 28 footers like it's nothing, the next game he cant knock down a 10 foot jumper >.<
thanks for the constructive criticism given and the support that you have for me

[Valor]

New Arrivals lifts New Jersey to win over Spurs in Nets Debut


East Rutherford, NJ - For the first 7 minutes of the first quarter, all the crowd in the IZOD center could do was groan and sigh, as the Nets were getting manhandled by the visiting San Antonio Spurs, who have been struggling big time this season thus far; The game was seemingly out of reach as the Nets struggled as a team, bricking open shots and turning the ball over.

Then, like magic, they found their rhythm together.

New Jersey's newly acquired players, Yao Ming, Luol Deng, and Adam Morrison clicked with the team and helped the Nets offset a 17-4 Spurs run in the first quarter, the Nets finished the quarter trailing by just 5, and carried the momentum onto the second quarter, which they outscored the Spurs 28-21 to take a 2 point lead going into the half. The Spurs tried to rally in the second half, but it was too late as the Nets were clicking on all cylinders and pulled away late in the 4th, getting themselves a 109-100 victory.

Yao Ming had 22 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals and 3 blocks in his Nets debut, earning player of the game honors, while Deng and Morrison added in 13 points and 7 points respectively.

"It was tough at first because we didn't have much time to learn about the team" Yao said after the game "but things worked out by themselves once we hit the floor, it was pretty good"

Third year man Sean Williams got his first start of the season as the previous starting 4 Yi Jianlian was traded away in the package for Yao Ming, and Williams responded with an impressive 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks performance in a season high 31 minutes of play.

Devin Harris added in 17 points and 14 assists, but the top scorer for the Nets was rookie Leo Lai, who came off the bench and dropped in 26 points along with 6 rebounds and 3 assists in 23 minutes. With Carter traded away earlier and now Turkoglu and Simmons also traded away now, the Nets have freed up playing time for the rookie, who is responding to it with big offensive performances.

"Well, i am thankful that the management have freed up all these opportunities for me with the trades and all" Lai said "I am just trying to help the team in whatever way possible, whatever they need me to do out there on the court, i'll do it"

With regards to the addition of his national teammate Yao MIng, Lai said that "He makes it so much easier for us perimeter players since he draws so much attention in the post, it really frees up a lot of space for us to work with, it was tough losing my buddies Yi and Brook, but i am glad that we have acquired Yao"

The Spurs were led by Roger Mason, who had a career high 32 point performance alongside 5 rebounds and 4 assists, starting in place of the injured Manu Ginobili, but he went 12 for 30 from the field and bricked 16 of his 22 three point attempts. Tim Duncan had a big game with 16 points and 17 rebounds, but didn't get enough shots (only 14 attempts) as the Nets alternated Yao and Williams on Duncan, both being great defenders.

"It was really hard to operate down there, with those two top notched defenders on me" Duncan said "our shooters weren't shooting that well today, which made it even harder for us inside players"

Tony Parker of the Spurs had 15 points, 11 assists, and 5 rebounds, but was just 4 for 12 from the field and had 6 turnovers while Zaza Pachila had 10 points and 8 rebounds in 28 minutes. The Spurs' recent acquisition Richard Jefferson had a less then stellar game as he struggled to find shots, coming up with only 9 points from only 4 attempts, he did however have 8 assists and 4 rebounds.







Highlights








Jordan Player of the Game Highlights

phpBB [video]

[kibaxx7]

Great win man, and also sweet job by Yao. Where did Ginobili end? I don't see him in the boxscore.

[Fresh8]

Yao Ming is the man!

[Valor]

Great win man, and also sweet job by Yao. Where did Ginobili end? I don't see him in the boxscore.

Manu went down with an injury 2 days prior to the game, it's in the recap!! >< "Roger Mason.......starting in place of the injured Manu Ginobili,"

Yao Ming is the man!

Yes he is, and i am just in awe at his size lol, seriously, when you are the one controlling him, it's unreal. His vertical leap rating is the minimum 50 but his arms go way above the rim when he jumps wonder what will happen if he's got 99 vertical
the blocks that he gets, he uses his elbow to block, not his hands

[Clutch]

no matter how much i look at it i just can't digest seeing Yao in a NJN uni... but it's good to see him dominating for you regardless love the vid caps

[Valor]

no matter how much i look at it i just can't digest seeing Yao in a NJN uni... but it's good to see him dominating for you regardless love the vid caps

haha, you'll get used to it Yao's gonna be sticking around for a long, long time

[kibaxx7]

Manu went down with an injury 2 days prior to the game, it's in the recap!! >< "Roger Mason.......starting in place of the injured Manu Ginobili,"

Ah lol. Just saw the boxscore this time

[Martti.]

Yao was great! Lai is really starting to shine..