All-Star Joakim Noah, star PF Carlos Boozer and starting PG Kirk Hinrich are out. Can the reeling Nets take advantage?

The Nets have embraced the legacy of the Brooklyn Dodgers and their special place in the integration of American life. Now, they are doing the same with the heritage of black basketball, honoring the Black Fives, the African-American pro hoops teams

The good news is that the Nets understand that they need to "bounce back" from their blowout by the Heat (which followed blowout losses last weekend to the Rockets and before that the Grizzlies). Bad news is that they're not sure what went wrong vs.

Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau has been named the Eastern Conference Coach for the Month for the month of January. P.J. Carlesimo, and his team's 11-4 record, did not get the award.

Avery Johnson was on ESPN talking about the Brooklyn Nets, Brook Lopez's All-Star bid and his future, possibly returning to the NBA as a coach. Rod Boone of Newsday has the complete rundown.

Bojan Bogdanovic is now the second leading scorer in the Euroleague Round of 16 as he continues to excel, particularly at the foul stripe, where he's shooting 91%. But with a loss Thursday, Fenerbahce dropped to 1-5. Bogdanovic scored 20 in the loss.

Howard Beck writes Friday that the Nets "(for better or worse) are not chest-thumpers or trash talkers. They do not sneer or scowl or preen or throw half-court lobs." They are steady, he writes, but without the passion that winners exude.

Peter Vecsey has become the Nets fan's late night friend, holding court on Twitter and offering his opinion, known to be informed, on possible trades. At least he's more interactive than the ESPN Trade Machine.