My 2 cents on the blockbuster Nets trade

[Clay Dreslough]

(From a Net's fan)

I basically like the trade, though saying goodbye to Van Horn and his crazy socks is bittersweet. He kept showing flashes. The problem, is flashes get old after enough years go by. More importantly, next year is THE YEAR for the Nets and I think this move recognizes that. To sign Kidd at the end of the year is the organizations top priority, and they will be a better team next year with Mutumbo in the line up. The better their season, the better their chances of resigning "the Kidd."

Mutumbo is old and getting older, but he still does what he always did. Rebound like a maniac. Block and intimidate. In last years playoffs the Nets primarily looked bad when they gave up bunches of offensive rebounds. Mutumbo will seriously hamper any teams ability to do that. Defensive rebounds start the break. Even though Mutumbo is slow (though no slower than McCollough was) I really think his defense and rebounding will lead to as many or more fast breaks than ever.

Losing Van Horns outside threat does hurt. I have heard rumors of the Nets are trying to sign Rodney Rodgers though, and I think that would be a great addition. If they can find him minutes in the front line rotation, he will add to the outside threat and give some additional veteran toughness that is so valuable come the second season. The overall trade helps with the cap either way and McColloughs injuries sounded eerily similar to old Ilgauskas's of the powerhouse Cavs. Foot problems don't sound career ending but apparently feet don't always heal so good.

Finally, the reason I really think this trade is sound is Richard Jefferson's increased minutes. From watching so many Nets games last season and hearing of his brilliant play in summer leagues (which were purely optional for him but which he chose to attend) I think the Nets are significantly better with him on the floor than they were with Van Horn on the floor. The old addition by subtraction adage. They needed to find him more minutes and it was going to be at Van Horn's expense whether he was traded or not. I really think Jefferson will be showing up in all-star games
by 2004. He has serious hops, plays great defense, sweet looking shot (though his range could use work), good vision, smart decisions and a great attitude. Measure his stats on a per-48-minutes basis and he averaged 18.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks last year! All around numbers that are tough to beat.

I basically like the deal though I think Nets fans (myself included) need to keep their expectations for an aging Mutumbo and his under whelming offensive game carefully in check.

Can they beat the Lakers with this team? They are better able to face them today than they were a week ago. What else can you ask for?

[Clay Dreslough]

To me, this is a stupid deal for both teams, except that no one in New Jersey actually liked Keith Van Horn, so that might be a small plus. But on the other hand, KVH was their only consistent outside threat. They're going to have to hope that Jefferson and Kittles can score more from outside this year, else it's going to be offensively ugly. They're going to turn every game into a Heat-Knicks game, so they'll all end like 88-84 or something.

Meanwhile, Philly gets a shooter who, like the other shooters they've cycled through in the past few years, is never going to get the ball. Ever. Because I think Allen Iverson is like the movie "Speed" - if he takes less than 35 shots a game, he explodes.

[ramsfan125]

In the short run, I would say the Nets will unquestionably benefit from haivng Dikembe, a proven leader and force in the game, but I believe that despite a subpar season, Keith Van Horn is a very good player. But I guess I'll say both benefited. Todd McCullough is horrible, and even though I honestly believe Shaq sucks (guys duck and hide when he dunks, stepping over the line, Kobe being the best thing L.A.'s got), Shaq could top him even when McCullough is being tough on him. Dikembe will probably have less fear of Shaq because he's a veteran. Plus Richard Jefferson is real good, and he can fill the void of Van Horn.
On the other side, the 76ers got a great trade. Van Horn particularly. He's a young sharpshooter for most of the time, and I pray he can shut up A.I. (give him 60 years like everybody else!). And even though Iverson is 10 times better, Van Horn is gonna take off some of the load. And maybe McCullough can sit on the bench or something.
I don't pay all that much attention to the NBA. I only judge on the playoffs.

[Clay Dreslough]

I agree that Shaq "sucks" -- by which I mean it seems to me that if the NBA refs actually called fouls the way the rules are written, Shaq would not be a superstar (but Paul Pierce, Jason Kidd, Kobe and Iverson still would be).

As for the Nets, the Rodgers signing is interesting. I heard on Boston radio that Rodgers wanted 5 or 6 million per year and so we had to let him go. Now he signs with a conference rival for $3 million per year. Bummer for Boston.

He's played with Kidd before, and SHOULD be able to replace Van Horn's presence.

Clay

[101HEATER]

The trade didnt make any sense to me...What good is it going to do Van Horn to have that ball hog Iverson on his team?

[101HEATER]

Mutumbo is just getting way too old.

[101HEATER]

Mccoulough is a downgrade from Mutumbo.

[Clay Dreslough]

McCullough is a downgrade from a guy who's "way too old". That's pretty sad.

Clay

[ramsfan125]

But MacCullough is way too bad. He looked like a little kid going against Shaq. I'm very critical of Shaq (Oh-Ver-Ra-Tud), but McCullough has absolutely no toughness, and Shaq, I can't believe I'm saying this, is more talented than this no account, former 2nd round pick who is trying to just be a stiff (isn't even doing that right) when they need somebody who can score and play defense more. Mutombo can do that.
The reason this could harm Philly in incredible ways is Allen Iverson. Dikembe is a great player (well, a few years ago, now he's been downgraded to good) with experience who could humble Iverson. What's Keith Van Horn gonna do? But then again, if Iverson goes to jail (laughs), Van Horn could help the team.
But then again, I pay minimal attention to the NBA. College there's some Missouri teams, but no dice in the NBA, although we almost got the Hornets. Mizzou in 2002 Wasn't Meant to be, Now It's Mizzou in 2003! Hey, it's hard making a chant!

[Jack4Jack]

he may be old but he can still play and he will help significantly and also van horn is fitting in well and im glad hes not a net any more Im from new jersey and Im glad that i dont have to see his ugly socks bouncing up and down anymore not to mention his hair...

[Jack4Jack]

o and clay about basketball mogul 2004 I know you stopped producing it but you can always continue from where you left off and bring it out with hip or something

[boomboom]

I would love to see a Basketball Mogul...!!!