NBA.com is ranking the off-season for all 30 of the league's teams. In spite of an inability to sign a major free agent, the author, John Schuhmann, ranks the Nets' effort near the top of the pack with a B. Only three teams got an A, five others a B+.
The analysis gives the Nets high grades for improved coaching, defense and front court play, particularly the acquisition of Troy Murphy. The bench and backcourt don't get as high a grade.
Bottom line, though, writes Schuhmann, is not the new additions, but the improvement of the team's two best players, Brook Lopez and Devin Harris: "If [Lopez] can improve his post skills (especially his passing), he'll be one the league's best centers. Harris will need to be more of a distributor, while also getting back to caring about defense."
- 2010 New Jersey Nets Summer Report Card - John Schuhmann - NBA.com
-
New Jersey Nets 2010-2011 Preview - HoopsWorld