In its annual rankings, Sports Illustrated calls the Nets the East's third best team after Indiana and Miami, but ahead of Detroit. The key to the season, says SI, is not any of the big three, but Nenad Krstic who the Nets need to "grow up fast". Meanwhile, a second SI writer has put together a "perfect team". Ian Thomsen agrees with Chris Mannix: Krstic's high value and low salary make him an ideal choice for the perfect team.
- NBA Preview: Scouting Reports - Chris Mannix - Sports Illustrated
- A Perfect Team - Ian Thomsen - Sports Illustrated