After Off-Season, What Happens to the "kids"?

No one is suggesting that Mason Plumlee, Tyshawn Taylor and Toko Shengelia aren't NBA level talent.  The first two had a combined 351-44 record in four year careers in college.  Shengelia averaged 29.9 points and 12 rebounds per game in leading his team to the European Under 20 gold medal two years ago.

But after the summer, all three of them are third-stringers as training camp; Plumlee behind Brook Lopez and Andray Blatche; Taylor behind Deron Williams and Shaun Livingston; Shengelia behind Paul Pierce and Andrei Kirilenko.

Tim Bontemps asks, are they bound for Springfield to play for Doug Overton?

The most likely scenario for all three is they spend a good portion of the season playing in the D-League, filling in with the Nets whenever they give some of their veterans the night off – something they are almost certain to do with Garnett and likely with Pierce as well – or when injuries crop up throughout the season.

In the past, the Nets have waited a while before sending players down to the Armor but if the Nets are as healthy in October as they are now, don't be surprised if two or more of the "kids" head north early.  After all, only 13 players will suit up each game.

The Armor will also have D-League rights to the last three players cut by the Nets (whoever that might be) and has the No. 3 pick in the D-League Draft in November.

• Nets training camp question: Can kids crack rotation? - Tim Bontemps - New York Post