After a multitude of changes to the roster this past offseason, the New Jersey Nets look to be in the playoff hunt yet again this season.
The Nets took the court against a young, talented team in the Miami Heat to begin their 2008-09 preseason in Paris on Thursday, looking solid and taking the game in overtime, 100-98.
In France, the game started off as any other preseason game, but quickly became significant. Vince Carter, the Nets' veteran scorer, strained his hamstring in the second quarter.
Carter did not return to the game, but the Nets will take a look at him before Sunday's game to determine whether or not he is able to play.
Nets head coach Lawrence Frank, having a large number of big men, decided to give significant play time to rookie Ryan Anderson, Stromile Swift, Sean Williams, and Josh Boone.
Frank told media the following about how he will determine which guys get minutes in the regular season:
"We might mix in different combinations, and still try to play up to 10 guys. That's when we'll have to evaluate and see if that's going to work for us or not."
Frank also added that Yi Jianlian and Brook Lopez will get their first chances with the Nets on Sunday, when the team travels to London to again take on the Heat.
The silver lining to Carter's injury was the excellent play of Anderson and fellow rookie Chris Douglas-Roberts. Anderson had nine rebounds and nine points in 31 minutes. CDR netted 16 points, grabbed six boards, and snatched three steals in 28 minutes.
With Carter out, Douglas-Roberts played exceptionally well. He did everything the Nets could have asked for. He hustled after loose balls, displayed excellent shot selection, and appeared to be a premier player on defense.
In the second quarter, CDR showed flashes of an NBA superstar. He made key shots when the Nets needed him to get back into the game, including a nasty dunk after stealing the basketball and taking it all the way to the bucket.
He showed awesome poise as he picked up the Nets and ultimately brought the the team to victory.
CDR will likely be the backup shooting guard at the beginning of the season, but Keyon Dooling will also be a complementary option.
All in all, the Nets learned a fair amount about their team, but Sunday, as well as the rest of the preseason, will be an excellent indicator of things to come in New Jersey.
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about 1 month ago
I'm an avid fan of Chris Douglas-Roberts and its great to see him showing up the competition. New Jersey is very lucky to have a young player of that caliber. He's invaluable.
about 1 month ago
I KNEW CDR WOULD BE A GREAT NBA PLAYER AND WILL LOOK FOR HIM TO A VALUABLE PLAYER FOR THE NETS. I WATCHED HIM PLAY FOR THE MEMPHIS TIGERS AND LOVED THE WAY HE HUSTLED,SHOT,REBOUND AND JUST CDR. HE IS A FINE YOUNG MAN WHO SPEAKS WELL AND HAS A PLEASANT PERSONALITY. I WISH HIM WELL IN HIS NBA CAREER AND KNOW ALOT OF TEAMS WILL REGRET PASSING ON SUCH AN EXCELLENT PLAYER. I AM A FAN OF CDR AND WILL BE WATCHING.
SACK STANDIFER
MEMPHIS,TENNESSEE (TIGERS)
about 1 month ago
I speak for myself and several other University of Memphis fans in Atlanta, when I say that I am proud of Dougie fresh. We will continue to watch him throughout his pro career. Silent but deadly. He's driven and confident in his own ability. We admire that. All the best. Keep showing them how it is done. We will be watching if it is via the internet, t.v., or in person. Enjoyed the run at memphis. Unforgettable.
Calvin (Atlanta,Ga)
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