The Blueprint for Greatness: Explained.

It became obvious that the Nets are on the rise when the Pro Nets ad featuring Mikail Prokorav and Jay-Z appeared outside of Madison square garden.  Not only was this the boldest of moves on Jersey’s part, but given the time it was done,(right before Lebrons decision) it really made the rest fo the league that the Nets were a serious contender in the off-season, and in-fact one of the big-time players in courting Lebron.

This year is a big turn around year for New Jersey, a year in which the playoffs are a must, not necessarily any certain round, but with only 12 wins last season, missing the playoffs would be a huge disappointment after being kind of let down in free agency.  The Nets WILL make the post-season and here’s why:

Lets start with Brook Lopez.  Hes a giant (7’1 265), He’s smart on and off the court (Standford educated), and possibly his most important quality, Lopez wont back down from ANYONE.  Given how long he’s been in the league, His tenacity is that of am elite big man. In only his second season, Lopez averaged more PPG than any center in the NBA.  Just an FYI, the last time a second year player did that was in 1994, a couple dudes by the names O’niel and Mourning.

Next there’s the stockpile of new, young talent now wearing Nets gear.  Anthony Morrow, aquiered from Golden State, is a 6’5 two-guard with one of the most accurate three-point shots in the NBA.  In two seasons, Morrow is 46 percent from downtown.

Travis Outlaw anyone?  This guy is big, (6’9) and is a freakish athlete that can play both sides of the ball effectivley.  Although injured, Outlaw averaged 13 PPG last year.  He’s also a three-point threat and usually performs in the clutch and fourth qauter.

Of course one of the big names in Jersey this year is Jordan Farmar.  He’ll surely be a reliable option, with a average PPG just over seven in 2009-2010.  Farmar’s specialty is getting to the rim, which combined with Anthony Morrow waiting at the three-point line, and Brook Lopez down low, could create more than a few headaches around the League. Terrence Williams is also going to play a big role this year.  His true potential was discovered toward the end of last season.  Williams averaged 14 points, 7.8 boards, and just over 5 assists in about 30 minutes.  He’s a dead-eye shooter from the floor and would without a doubt win any dunk contest he entered.  T-Will should either start or bring one hell of a presence off the bench.