The Nets face the world champion Heat twice in the team's first four games, which should give both teams a good indication of just how competitive the East will be. Not to worry, says Richard Jefferson, it's a long season. Meanwhile, Lawrence Frank is conceding the team is a work in progress on the defensive end and that it needs to get better than the 107.1 points per game defense it showed in the preseason.
- Jefferson - Fast start not a big Nets' concern - Dan Martin - New York Post
- Nets to remain defensive - Eli Gelman - Star-Ledger