Project Zero: Andray Blatche is Brooklyn's Blatche

It's a zero-risk and he wears the numeral "0." So Project Zero it is. In voluntary workouts and Tuesday's first practice, Andray Blatche is no longer Washington's Blatche. As Stefan Bondy writes, he's Brooklyn's Blatche, "who is 20 pounds lighter and says he’s eager to prove himself."

"It felt great, man," the 6'11" Blatche said after Tuesday's practice. "It felt great to be back on there on the court, practicing and competing. It’s been a long summer, a long time for me because I was sitting down last year after a certain amount of games."

He's impressed his teammates, particularly Jerry Stackhouse, and Avery Johnson, who recommended him to Billy King, says he likes what he sees so far as well. "The kid has been terrific," Johnson said. "He lost weight. He’s in phenomenal shape. And the feedback I’ve been getting from a lot of the guys (during voluntary workouts) when he’s on the floor he’s running the court well, he’s got good hands. He can shoot the ball well."

Everyone realizes expectations have to be kept in check, but Blatche is already the back-up center, at least as of Tuesday. For his part, he's happy he chose the Nets. " I feel good, I’m playing good. My confidence is great. I’m just going to go up there and give it everything I got."

• Andray Blatche: "I've forgotten about Washington. It's old." - Stefan Bondy - The InterNets
• Talent and Trouble Shadow Nets’ Andray Blatche - Howard Beck - New York Times
• Nets' Andray Blatche grateful for another chance - Rod Boone - New York Newsday
  
• Blatche thrilled with second chance - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York