Drama for RJ-Yi Matchup Builds

I still think we could have gotten more for Jefferson

Milwaukee wished they had gotten more.

Why does these writers always want to trade VC? We’re 7th in the East. Not a lottery team yet.

I liked RJ a lot and when I first saw this trade I was really shocked and pissed off. I do think that this writer has some good points, however. Vince may not have stepped up as much this year and emerged as the undisputed leader of the team with RJ still around. Devin also would not be the second (and in some cases first) scoring option and he probably would not have developed as much as he has already. I just really hope that Yi develops into much more than we’ve seen because I have not been impressed at all yet. This writer is correct when he says we just have to wait.

What I keep failing to understand, however, is why Vince’s name keeps coming up in trades when he and Devin have proven to be a great duo and when he has proven to be loyal to the team by wanting to be here and playing hard each night. With the RJ trade we have tons of cap for 2010 and we can still position ourselves to sign someone good even with VC’s contract.

nice post Kfranchise I agree with you word

RJ’s game has declined a lot in the past few years, and this year is no exception. For the month of December he averaged 15 PPG, 4 RPG, 2 APG, on .412 FG%. That’s horrible. November was slightly better – mostly because Redd was out for the entire month. He is just not worth the contract he has anymore, and the Nets did well to get rid of him when they did. Even if Yi ends up not working out, getting rid of RJ’s contract in exchange for Simmons’s contract was a good deal, given the cap flexibility it gives them in 2010.

I like RJ, and he will always be a special Nets player, along with Kidd and KMart, because of how those three rejuvenated the team. But, I’m sorry, you’ve got to be ruthless in the NBA, and getting rid of players whose contracts exceed their play is just mandatory.

There is no Yi-RJ matchup. The matchup is Simmons-RJ.

If RJ can’t drive – he can’t score. And he isn’t driving against Lopez and Yi. Look for RJ to have a long night.

@ A.S.
How has his game declined? The only thing that has declined is his 2-point shooting and assists. Other than that he’s right on his career averages for everything else. And his defense is back. His 3-point shooting has improved and he’s not turning the ball over that much. IMO, he’s earned his pay.

I’ve watched a lot of Milwaukee games this year on NBA Leagur pass.. Everytime I watch,RJ is stinking the joint up. I even watched when he had the 6 point game. Skiles put his butt on the bench the whole 4th quarter. Even when Redd was out, RJ was still stinking the joint up. Going fast to the basket all out of balance, forcing and turning the ball over. I like the YI/Simmons trade.

His defense slacked. All in all though, I really appreciate RJ’s desire to be a career long Net.

As a Nets fan, that means a lot. Because if your lucky enough to ever hear something about your team, it’s usually the Nets gettting pooped on.

Al makes the same points I agree with, RJ would have taken away from Devin’s touches, same goes for VC.

I wouldn’t be surprised if VC is traded, But I also wouldn’t be surprised if he wasn’t. His value is at it’s highest right now, But the Nets have a shot at the playoffs. I don’t know how that will be handled. Depends on the next month I guess….

i hope yi and bobby have great games.

I would loved to see VC traded to a real good team with exciting fans. His trade value is super high. I don’t live in Jersey so I can feel this way. LOL.

this trade is going to take a while to really grade.

yi is going to take time to evolve and reach his potential if he does.

simmons was apart of the deal not for bobby himself, but for his contract in 2010. so we have to see who we sign in 2010 then we can judge the trade. hey if we end up signing a big name like a bosh i think nobody will have a problem with the RJ trade.

i hope Yi continues his play and drops another 20-10 performance.

i wish RJ the best. he embraced being a net and net for life which is why i always wanted him to stay, but the business side took over.

If Yi continues to play the way he has the last two games, we got the better deal.

I must admit NO ONE was more upset with the trade of RJ for Yi and Simmons than me. I am still not on the Yi bandwagon per se. But I do see the potential that Kiki saw in him. The question is can he get to where he is a consistent 15 and 8 guy.

I also must acknowledge the VC we are seeing is a Godsend. His nights where he drifts are down to a minimum. He has clearly embraced the role of leader for this team.

And lastly LFrank has grown into the X factor I told you all he would be. Less micro managing more instinctual for what is needed ingame.

Lets face it JKidd makes everybody better and gets everybdoy nice contracts. The problem was we didnt realize he was the coach or was acting as one for the last 7 years and when he wasnt happy the team deterioted. Not to disparage Kidd I am the first to acknowledge he was the greatest Net or one of the greatest Net ever.

Why would anyone be surprised that VC may get dealt? Come on, it’s all about getting young, getting flexible, and getting ready for 2010. Carter does not fit any of the three top goals of Kiki and Thorn. He is older, he hampers flexibility b/c he earns too much, and he makes it less likely to overall in 201O and beyond. If the right deal comes along, bye, bye. Come on, would you rather have a spry bosh or wade or lebron in 3 years or the old man?

As for RJ, I loved his energy and play. I am not sold on Yi until he does this for a long stretch.

There is no guarantee that any of the big free agents will come here for any number of reasons. VC is a marquee, elite player and the best draw we have. If you think IZOD is empty now, trade VC and see who shows up for the balance of this season and next. You will be able to hear the crickets in the weeds outside.

I like what VC has done this year and he should stay.

“How has his game declined? The only thing that has declined is his 2-point shooting and assists. Other than that he’s right on his career averages for everything else.”

Compared to 2005 or 2006, RJ is playing much worse. Compared to 2006, on a per game basis, he is averaging 2 points, 2 rebounds and almost 2 assists less. He is also shooting .427 this year, as opposed to .493 then. And he also gets to the line less – 5.1 FT attempts as compared to 7.4 then.

RJ was worth the money he was paid in 2006. He’s not anymore.

For the short term, I think the Bucks got the good deal…but wait until 2 or 3 years and see if Yi worth the trade!!!

VC has crafted a legacy here in NJ. He will go down as one of the greatest players to ever wear a Nets uni along with one of the greatest players to play in the NBA. The value of VC on the court has been fantastic this year. I am sure if you polled the players – he has been an even greater asset off the court in the lockerroom. Do you remember in the beginning of training camp when he took it upon himself to organize a team bowling night? That speaks volumes about the man – he is a classy leader, who just so happens to be a perpetual All-Star. In the me first world of the business of the NBA – that is the exception, not the rule. I think there will be many young players on this roster who one day speak of the ENORMOUS impact VC had on them and on their careers.

You can not rebuild a team without solid veterans around. Look at the mess that was Atlanta for so many years. I will cancel my season tickets within the hour – if the Nets were to trade VC this season. There is no guarantee that the money is used to lure anyone of value in 2010 – and we have the privilege of seeing one of the all time greats on a nightly basis. I do not understand you people who boo – as this team competes (and competes hard) EVERY night on the court. Friday night when we got down by 20 to Atlanta at the half – we came out and battled back and won the game on VC’s back. Does any sane person out there think that the Nets would have won this game last season before the roster was rebuilt? No – we would have lost by 30 points and JKidd and RJ would have run their mouths about there being no light at the end of the tunnel, etc.

Watching VC this season has been awesome – and I hope someday his jersey is retired alongside that of JKidd’s. He should retire a Net – and if given the chance, I bet he leads this squad back to the finals by 2010-2011. His talent is God given, and he seems to be getting better with age. Maybe he has lost a bit of his athleticism, but his game has matured with age. Oh, and VC losing 20% of his athleticism is still being 20% more athletic than the upper echelon of players in this league.

Hopefully the Nets brass reads these posts – because trading VC would be a real loss, to the fans, the organization, the team and to the league.

And has anyone not watched games of late – Bobby Simmons has been awesome. RJ would have NEVER voluntarily played 3rd or even 4th fiddle the way that Bobby has. And has anyone hear of one complaint from Bobby about playing time, his role in the offense, the rotations, etc. "Nuff said

I absolutely agree w/ EVERYTHING KFranchise & Ryan243 said.

People who dont understand- or who dont want to understand- that the Nets dont need more cap space for 2010 and who say that they should trade VCin order to sign 2 max free agents in 2010 are dellusional. We aint getting 2 superstars. Thats ridiculous. Its hard to think well get one. Almost half of the league is preparing for that summer, you aint getting 2 superstars, period.

The best thing the Nets can do is to keep competitive as theyre by now. And thats thanks to VC. With such a young core, if they are a PO team by 2010, and with all those youngsters developing and with great veteran players, supertars (VC) or secondary players (Hayes, KD, Najera) theyll be more likely to lure a top tier FA in 2010.

They know what theyre doing. Thats what they kept VC, and thats why they brought in some experienced players like Eddie, Keyon or Jarvis.

VC is not only keeping this team respectable & competitive, hes helping BIG TIME to develop those kids. The Nets are 7th in the east, and they are still developing some high-ceiling youngsters. In 2010, with all those youngsters and VC, who is proving he can overcome a physical decline with his extremely high BB IQ and talent that let him still be extremely effective down the road, and with all those the picks they have, if they make the PO this year and next, theyll be a VERY interesting team to land for any superstar.

Sorry 4 the haters, VC aint going nowhere and he should retire a NET.

Andres well put. Anyone who doesn’t realize that Lebron is NOT coming to the Nets to live in Edgewater, nor is Bosh, nor is Wade. And does anyone really think that if VC is traded for the next set of players with expiring contracts that Devin is going to still enjoy playing here – and not look to follow JKidd’s lead out the door? Oh and no VC and no Devin Harris, along with playing in NJ – sorry guys – that is not an enticing free agent sale.

And look at teams who do go the salary dump route (Knicks can always be in this conversation) – things go south really quickly and chemistry gets all up. If you have ever played on any organized team before (or work in a team environment) you realize that half the battle is having good chemistry. That can not be easily created. And losing teams that are playing out the string, are not only a MAJOR deterrent to attracting a superstar to come play for you – they also seriously retard the development of young players.

That is why if the Nets jump ship and trade VC – I promise you I will NEVER set foot in another Nets game for as long as I live (and I’m only 29) – because the Nets will have clearly shown that they are not interested in building a winning franchise (both on and off the court) and that they are ONLY in this for the business.

Oh, and do you think that having a chance at a lottery pick (in arguably a weak draft) who may or may not work out – is better for the short run health of the organization, as opposed to this young team continuing to grow together on and off the court throughout the remainder of the regular season AND then getting INVALUABLE experience in the playoffs – even if only 4 games??? You can NOT teach WINNING. You can NOT create WINNING. Just look at the Knicks – they are still the same franchise because LOSING is so ingrained into who they are.

Also one last point – how many teams do you hear about getting together long before the start of training camp to work out together and get a feel for each others games so that they could have a SUCESSFUL season, regardless of what the basketball pundits said. I don’t follow nor care about other teams – but I would bet there were NONE. That speaks volumes about the organization, the dedication of the players and the LEADERSHIP of veterans like VC, Keyon, Jarvis, JB, etc.

Stop booing this team and support their efforts on the court. If they trade VC this season, then you should not even be in the arena to boo, or on this chat to argue about it.

And I predict that Bobby Simmons matches RJ in points, has more rebounds and shoots at a higher percentage tomorrow night.

wow first off the trade was good jefferson was only nice when he played with kidd and kmart other then that he is a ballhogger and couldnt play with carter i hated him each time we need a bucket he would miss the jumpshot he can barley drive in so im glad of the trade simmons and yi are learning to play with the nets and besides simmons wont be with us in 2010 only yi will so yeah the trade was good look what hes averaging with the bucks 14 points a game and 8 games he scored under 10 the only reason he scored alot for the nets because he hogged the ball and because kidd would set him up

@ Andres

 I have followed VC from college to now. I want him to go to a city that love him like Toronto once did. Do You know why they boo him in Toronto because he was and still is all that and then some. The Raptors fans are like scorn wives. They loved the man when he was all theirs and now they hate his guts after he shares the bed with someone else. I love VC because as an african american he has had morals and standards and he has been hated by some media for being a beloved, talented gentleman. If he had Charles Barkley personality, he would be accepted by all or atleast most. He is and has been bullied by some teammates, media and one coach in particular.
I want to see VC where the possibilty of him getting a ring at. It’s been a long 12 years and I’m no fool. He is 32 years old with about 3 to 4 good years left. However; because of his talent, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him scoring 20 plus, 6 assists when he is 40 in this league.

Ryan243 I absolutely agree with you.

VC gotta retire as the Net. The Nets should make it to the playoffs this year and draw some decent free-agent and then they are not gonna be far from being contenders for O’Brien trophy!!!

You RJ haters are pathetic!!!!!!!

@ A.S.
Did you miss how much he was playing? That year he was playing about 39 mpg. This year it’s 35. Maybe that’s where the 2 point/rebounds/assists went. Your only using ONE season, I’m using his career.

@ Ryan243
Bobby isn’t complaining because he’s never been more than a 3rd or 4th option, I think. LOL

i agree with a lot of guys here.

RJ does not fit this team. if RJ was here it would be VC and RJ as the main options which meant devin/brook/yi would have to take a back seat.

plus if RJ was here frank would really rely more on VC and RJ because he knows them and can trust them.

harris would have never been this all-star and MIP if RJ was here i think we all can agree. its not a knock on RJ, but the makeup of a team is different with RJ.

if RJ was here boone probably would have gotten his starting spot back because frank would be in a win now mode with a team that cant win it all. boone would bring in that veteran presence in the middle and has chemistry with vc and rj

RJ just doesnt fit the mold right now. of course if he was still here we would make it work, but devin would not have the keys and probably najera would be our starting PF. devin-vc-rj-najera-boone would probably be the 5 which is fine, but where is that going to take us? to the first round and out? we arent beating bos,clev,orl with that lineup.

it would have been nice to get more for RJ like a pick, but if Yi turns into an offensive threat and decent defensively and can sign a big name FA then it will be a great trade. if Yi turns out to be sub par and we do not get anyone in 2010 worth wild then i have no problem saying the trade was a dude, but 2010 is a long ways away, we arent even at teh ASG yet.

i’m not a fan of Bobby Simmons, but RJ has no place on this team at ALL. This team does not need a defensive slacker who can’t create and jacks up shots. All Simmons needs to do is go out there, defend, and knock down the open threes. I don’t think that’s too much to ask, and lately he’s been stepping up.

Kudos to Andres…VC is a class act

Keep voting for Yi DH and VC!

When are we going to get GERALD WALLACE?

Hello RJ
I miss You

But I love my player, Yi & Simmons

Good game…

Go nets

The Nets aren’t going to Brooklyn anytime soon. Do you honestly think Wade, Lebron or Bosh want to play at the IZOD centre?

This team and franchise will go seriously down hill if they lose VC. I think if the Nets can add 1 more solid piece around Devin, VC, Brook…the Nets can be a very competitive Eastern conference team.

New Jersey is close to Manhattan. playing there wouldn’t be bad at all, especially when you have the means to buy a fantastic house in a great neighborhood. There’s also more room to drive your enormous SUV, compared to living in Manhattan.

All i have to say is,Yi’s numbers are mostly better than last years.Yi at best is a 3rd option on this team.R.J is 2nd sometimes 1st and is not doing so much.Ill give him that their on our heels.R.J is not missed and we will have more cap space soon.

We all like what VC has done, but this is a business. If the Nets still have VC in 2 years, they will have failed to reach their goals. Turning VC into picks, cap space, young talent (fallen angels) and flexibility is Thorn’s goal – problem: this will be his hardest trade b/c Cuban is out and his contract is a tough sell. So, I hope VC keeps bringing it, b/c maybe someone will take him and give Thron what he wants and needs. The future is being built around Harris, Lopez, and maybe Yi, Anderson and CDR and anyone they can bring back for Carter.

Some people here seem to forget that just because you have the cap space doesnt mean someone will take it. The Nets would be foolish to trade VC unless it was for another top tier veteran player before 2010. Management has to know a superstar is willing to come to the team and sign before a VC trade could be put on the table for picks and cap space(which we wont need b/c no team is getting 2 superstars in 2010). Not to mention Vince is a class-act guy and willing to stay with and teach youngsters which is hard to find in a veteran leader on a team.

If RJ was here the team would be worse off. Not to bash RJ because I liked him as a Net, but there is no way you can have an influence like RJ around young guys and L Frank. It would have been just a matter of time before the young guys tuned out L Frank after watching RJ. Frank was afraid to confront RJ and Kidd b/c of their strong personalities and he basically let them do anything they wanted. The offense would not have changed and RJ would have refused to give up the ball to VC or DH which means the Nets would be far behind the progress we are making with the young guys right now.

This team is on the right path right now and if we do manage to get a superstar FA in 2010 we could become an elite team assuming the young guys keep developing, we add 1 or 2 more reliable pieces to the bench and VC is still playing at the level he is now. Let’s keep the hope alive.

i really liked watching RJ play when he was a Net. But this team would have 5-8 less wins easily if RJ was on the team. A few weeks back before the game I was walking to my seat and I ran into Rod and Kiki in the hallway. I thanked them for putting a team that competes hard, has good chemistry and seems to really care if they win or lose on the floor. I also told them I like what they were doing with the team – and that Rod made a great decision in trading RJ. My exact words were “the Nets would be much worse off if RJ were here – the young guys would not be developing and the chemistry would not be as good”. Rod laughed and said, something to the effect that moving RJ was a big piece of the future puzzle because what I said was spot on.

Also – I doubt tihs is true – but maybe if the Nets don’t make that trade before the draft – the draft plays out differently and we end up with Gallinari (remember the italian guy the Knicks took who was hurt all year) or someone else. Getting Brook at 10 was going to be remembered as one of the greatest draft day steals in history when all is said and done.

@Ryan243

If the Nets made the trade to move up in the draft, Brook would still have been drafted but we’ll be minus Ryan and it’ll be deemed a masterful trade in moving up.

RJ deserves the respect and a ceremonial Standing O than Kidd and K-Mart combined. He bled his blood for this Nets team and orgnaization. Unlike kidd and kmart, he never criticized the support of our fans and he always defended us. He never wanted out of New Jersey and frankly he was “shocked and dissapointed” when he was traded.

(i meant when the Bucks visit the Nets in February)