The Nets are just two days away from their regular season debut in the Prudential Center, a Wednesday night matchup with the Pistons.
As the Nets prep for their much-anticipated fresh start following last Wednesday’s preseason finale loss to the Celtics, here’s a quick look at the latest headlines surrounding the team:
- Brian Zoubek was released, meaning that undrafted rookie Ben Uzoh secured the 15th and final roster spot. That means that the opening night roster will consist of three point guards (Devin Harris, Jordan Farmar, Uzoh), six wing players (Travis Outlaw, Anthony Morrow, Terrence Williams, Quinton Ross, Stephen Graham, Damion James) and six bigs (Brook Lopez, Troy Murphy, Kris Humphries, Derrick Favors, Joe Smith, Johan Petro).
- Morrow and Outlaw will get the first cracks at the starting jobs at shooting guard and small forward, respectively.
- Murphy is supposed to participate in half of today’s practice as he attempts to make his return from a back injury.
- The Carmelo Anthony rumors picked up again last week, but the sources covering the story seem to have conflicting views over what the most likely outcome will be. While the Nets and Knicks are believed to be involved in trade discussions, nothing appears to be imminent. The only thing anyone seems to know for sure is that he won’t be playing this season in Turkey.
- The Nets are doing their part to come to the aid of Eric LeGrand, the Rutgers football player who was paralyzed in last weekend’s game against Army. In conjunction with Devin Harris’ 34 Ways to Assist foundation, Nets players, coaches, front office members and ownership are donating $75,000 to the Eric LeGrand Believe Fund. LeGrand is paralyzed from the neck down and is being treated at the Hackensack University Medical Center.
In anticipation of Wednesday night’s season tip off, I’ll be posting more in the way of season previews and predictions, as well as my own outlook and keys to the season.