Watching the Nets

["Berry, Mark S" <berrym@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The Nets are about to have a boom-or-bust offseason.

I don't like what Jason Kidd allegedly is trying to do to Byron Scott. I
can't stand that kind of stuff. At the same time, I think Byron Scott is an
average-at-best coach who benefited greatly from Eddie Jordan, who installed
the Princeton offense as Scott's assistant. Scott did a nice job with
putting the team together and setting a tone and philosophy, but he's a
terrible game coach. 

Anyway... Let's say the Nets fire Scott and replace him with a good coach.
Then let's say the re-sign Kidd. If both those things happen, they just
might land Alonzo Mourning as well. Apparently, Mourning is weighing offers
from the Mavericks and Nets. I hadn't heard about the Nets' interest in
Mourning until today.

A healthy Mourning added to Kidd, Jefferson and Martin is pretty scary. The
East would come down to a battle between Jersey and Detroit, two teams
positioned to dominate the conference for years.

But... if Kidd leaves, it's over for Jersey. He makes them go. And suddenly
Detroit has a pretty clear path to the Finals, barring injury.

Mark

P.S. I was watching some of the Clippers-Raptors summer league game last
night (I'm sick) and Chris Wilcox looked like a guy worth pursuing. He had a
rough rookie year, but last night he looked like the kind of player he was
projected to be when drafted out of Maryland. If the Clips keep Brand,
Wilcox might be available. Just a name to consider when looking around for
young frontcourt help.