New Jersey Nets - Better or Worse

Photo source: Marianne O'Leary

After a 12-70 season it appears that the only place for the New Jersey Nets to go is up.  While they had their shot to speak to many of the premier free agents over the summer, they were unable to bring any of them into the fold.  However, with new owner Mikhail Prokhorov and new head coach Avery Johnson I think it's a safe bet that the Nets (or whatever they will soon be called) won't be down for long.

(Note: The rankings you see referenced below are fully explained in my initial NBA point guard rankings post)

Point Guard
2009 - Devin Harris (#38 PG, Level 7)
2010 - Devin Harris (#38 PG, Level 7), Jordan Farmar (#42 PG, Level 8)

Harris is definitely an asset for the Nets.  While his overall ranking isn't pretty, his PER was a respectable 22nd among point guards.  With some better talent around him I think his numbers improve.  Farmar is a solid backup.

Shooting Guard
2009 - Courtney Lee (#42 SG, Level 7)
2010 - Anthony Morrow (#27 SG, Level 6)

Morrow is a nice little upgrade over Lee, who never seemed to fit in with the Nets.  The addition of Farmar may give Harris an opportunity to play off the ball a little more as well.

Small Forward
2009 - Chris Douglas-Roberts (#54 SF, Below level), Terrence Williams (#48 SF, Level 10)
2010 - Terrence Williams (#48 SF, Level 10), Travis Outlaw (#33 SF, Level 7)

Williams really started to turn it on last year as the season came to a close.  The Nets are counting on his continued growth and would like to use him in a point forward type role more in his second year.  Outlaw is a good addition that should provide offensive firepower.

Power Forward
2009 - Yi Jianlian (#61 PF, Below level), Kris Humphries (#48 PF, Level 7)
2010 - Troy Murphy (#16 PF, Level 4), Derrick Favors (rookie), Kris Humphries (#48 PF, Level 7)

The Nets have certainly upgraded the power forward position.  While some experts are concerned that the addition of Murphy will take developmental minutes away from Favors, the last two playoff spots in the Eastern Conference should be up for grabs and who knows what could happen.

Center
2009 - Brook Lopez (#16 C, Level 4), Josh Boone (#41 C, Level 8)
2010 - Brook Lopez (#16 C, Level 4), Johan Petro (unranked)

Like Harris, Lopez was frequently mentioned as one of the positives that New Jersey has that makes it an attractive destination for free agents.  His continued development will be a key to the future success of the Nets.

Overall
Having two players that started the majority of the games at their position finish below level in the overall rankings is an embarrassment.  The Nets have clearly improved, but by how much?  Based on their projected 2010 lineup they will gain two wins at point guard, one at shooting guard, three and a half at small forward, eight at power forward and one at center. Of course I had to factor some development points into the total.

In the final verdict the Nets are BETTER.  As they are now I predict their record to be 28-54.