2007-2008 NBA Season Preview: New Jersey Nets

Much of the 2006-2007 NBA season was uncertain for the New Jersey Nets. Injuries to key players, such as forward/center Nenad Krstic and Richard Jefferson, left the team hampered at the small forward and big man spots. Rookies such as Marcus Williams and Hassan Adams were solid but inexperienced in backup duty. 2005 lottery pick Antoine Wright was a disappointment for an entire season, during which he was expected to make a big scoring contribution on the wing. The Nets were riding the coattails of All-Star guards Jason Kidd and Vince Carter to the playoffs, where they ended up losing in the Eastern Conference semifinals. New Jersey now has the roster back to full health, with a bit more strength, size and power to boot.

The acquisition of former All-Star center Jamaal Magloire ensures the stability of the center position as Krstic works himself back into game shape. The 2007 Draft also rendered the Nets the position to draft Boston College persona non grata Sean Williams. Williams, a super-athletic center who was suspended for detrimental activity to the Golden Eagles basketball team, rehabilitated and now gives the Nets more youthful insurance against injury, as 2006 first-round pick Josh Boone works himself back from an injury-stricken rookie year and offseason.

The main concern is that Carter doesn't break down and get injured, as his hamstrings and knees have presented themselves to be shaky during the course of the regular season. Also, Carter is 30, while Kidd is 34; the age factor is presenting itself more and more visibly as the chances to win a championship slowly dwindle. Jefferson must prove again that he can make a full recovery from his ankle injury and diversify his game, by working on ball-handling and making the three-point shot with regularity.

While Jason Collins has remained a staple with the Nets as either the starting power forward or starting center, he will be demoted, most likely to the position of backup big man for both positions. While himself limited, if Collins can continue to guard his man and rebound well, he can give the bench reliability. Just as well, Marcus Williams must not get too antsy about not being a starting guard (though, playing with Kidd as a shooting guard in the starting lineup in 2007 worked surprisingly well); he must learn as much as he can to do well for extended season play in the postseason.

Barring any series of unfortunate accidents, New Jersey should put away the competition and be a threat to the Eastern Conference crown.