Nets Moving Forward With Ilyasova

The Nets have said that upgrading power forward is their top off-season priority --despite Kris Humphries second straight double-double season-- and Fred Kerber reports that the Bucks' Ersan Ilyasova is likely their top priority. The 6'10" 25-year-old (who some think may be older) is an unrestricted free agent. He holds a Turkish passport.

Ilyasova, writes Kerber is a high-energy guy, who showed terrific advancement in the last 37 games. He averaged 16.2 points, 9.6 rebounds and shot 53.2 percent to finish the year at 13.0 ppg, 8.8 rpg (including 3.27 offensive rebounds in just 28 minutes per contest) with 49.2 percent shooting. In his most memorable game, vs. the Nets in February, he had 29 points and 25 boards, including 13 on the offensive end.

Kerber also notes Billy King's confidence re: Deron Williams and Gerald Wallace ("We’re going to re-sign Gerald Wallace. We’re going to re-sign Deron Williams.") and his belief the Nets can get into the first round ("If there’s players we can add in the draft, we’re going to do it.")

• After lottery, Nets look to move ‘forward’ - Fred Kerber - New York Post