I thought that the Knicks were trying to hire Isiah Thomas (again)? So why have there been so many Detroit Pistons references at Nets training camp this year?
On Media Day, Deron Williams compared his current Brooklyn roster to the 2004 champion Pistons. He pointed to the the fact hat they have Top 10 talent at every position despite not having multiple SuperStars like the Lakers or Heat do. I like the comparison…offensively. But what about defensively? That Pistons team was really tough to score on. Brook Lopez is hardly a Ben Wallace on that end of the court…not to even mention the rebounding. Meanwhile, Kris Humphries couldn’t stop a door from slamming in a one-room studio in Uptown. Rasheed Wallace would’ve scored on him at will. Gerald Wallace vs. Tayshaun Prince? okay, now we have a conversation. Of course, the backcourt would probably be a tie as well (Chauncey/Rip - Deron/Joe). But, again, Detroit would have the edge defensively. All in all, the Nets’ offense will likely get them to the postseason…but it’s the d-e-f-e-n-s-e that will have to win them postseason games.
But wait, there’s more…..
Head coach Avery Johnson did Williams one better the other day, comparing his squad to an even greater Pistons group…the 80′s Bad Boys:
“The main thing is it’s about putting together a team, and that’s something that Billy and I talked about, putting together a team. If you look at the 1989 Pistons, they were a team. We feel we have that type of player in Joe Dumars and the Dennis Rodman’s, guys like Reggie Evans that can do the dirty work … but, again, you look at teams, we’re trying to be the best team…..We don’t have to be the best individuals.” {courtesy of the NY Post}
Evidently, Avery thinks that this group can in fact defend…or else an experienced coach like him would never have made this bold reference. But he should be careful what he says with this roster…..between Johnson and the starting “bigs”, they hardly have an edge to them. Especially considering that, along with Joe’s insane max deal ($89M left to go), Lopez signed a maximum extension this summer while Humphries got $12M/yr. What incentive do they possibly have to suddenly improve defensively?
The Brooklyn Nets will be featured this season on NBATV’s The Association.
I’d luv to organize a viewing party with Rick Mahorn and John Salley…..it would be priceless.
YES i agree. WHat is AVERY JOHNSON smoking?!?! He shud know better after all those yrs in san antonio. chill coach and just DO YOU.