NBA JAM: NEW JERSEY NETS

In our continuing rundown on the NBA season, Neil Acharya looks at the Atlantic Division, specifically the New Jersey Nets.

Last season: 49-33, 3rd in Eastern Conference, lost to Miami in second round
Coach: Lawerence Frank
New faces: Marcus Williams, Mikki Moore, Eddie House
Funny-looking white guy: Nenad Krstic
Blogs: Nothin' But Nets, Joe Nets Fan

After the arrival of Vince Carter, the Nets sneaked into the playoffs in 2004-05 and were promptly swept by the Heat. Late that season, Jason Kidd began to play with a renewed vigour. This time last year must have been an exciting time for Nets fans. Not only did they have to look forward to Kidd playing like a tiger, they must have known Vince would start to try again and most importantly Richard Jefferson would be back for a full season.

The season prior Jefferson ruptured a ligament in his left wrist just after the Carter trade and he was shelved him for the second half of the season. Moreover, the Nets were now the default powerhouse in perhaps the most dysfunctional division in the NBA.

It was no surprise then, that the Nets claimed the division quite handily with a 49-33 record. Once again, they were stymied by the Heat, this time in the second round and their season was over.

One doesn't need a magic eight-ball to foresee the Nets should finish first again if they stay healthy, although with the league no longer giving the top three playoff seeds to division winners, first place is just a banner.

If they lose Jefferson for any length of time they could be in major trouble. His skills at small forward cannot be replaced easily.

As well, a note to Nets fans, if the Nets do go on any extended losing streak for any reason, look for Carter to suddenly have injury trouble once again, he didn’t get the nickname Vin Weasel for nothing. When the going gets tough, Vince Carter usually gets injured.

It says here that after a relatively easy regular season, the Nets will go into the playoffs without the necessary killer instinct. Despite Kidd and Jefferson's valiant efforts, they will lose in the first round.

Final verdict: this team will never win a ring as long as Vince Carter is in their plans. Even Jay-Z can't make this guy a hit around here.

That's all for now. Send your thoughts to neil__acharya@hotmail.com.