Posted by McK1:

code i don't understand why you think Prince can sut down Carter 1-on-1 but don't agree RJ can do the same to Rip.

RJ is every bit the fundamental defender he is, plus he is stronger than Prince, is faster than Prince, and has as much a motor if not more.

And whoever Rip guards on the other end, he is giving up 30 plus pounds to in the post.

Around game 4, when Rip starts wrapping up instead of contesting it'll become clearer.

Frank is a stickler and NJ's attack plan will definitely be a well designed one.

and IMO playing in the 80's favors NJ because that means it comes down to Chauncey having to think the final 5 minutes vs Kidd. I'm betting on Kidd in a battle of wits all day.

Whether or not Jefferson is faster than Prince, he definitely isn't faster than Rip. Despite his strength, his sheer size is somewhat of a disadvantage when weaving through double screens because he's a larger target to trap. And although he is strong and undoubtedly fast in the open court when he gets a head of stem, his burst of speed (when getting around screens) is limited because his size doesn't let him accelerate as fast as others. Larger objects take longer to accelerate for equivalent forces and, by my observation, RJ's quickness isn't nearly as impressive as his sheer speed. That doesn't mean he isn't quick, just not as quick as Carter or Kidd or Rip.

Strength isn't an issue here as much as awareness, agility and moving compactly. RJ has a wide body, easily nicked by screens. He doesn't need to be knocked unconscious. You only have to be a split second late to leave Rip open and he can curl or fade in the corner. Defending Rip is tough for anyone because his game is unorthodox and RJ is too big to stay with him. Although I think RJ is a smart defender, Rip is too tough an assignment for him.

Posted by oohah:

Krstic can make shots if left open and only if left open.

Codeunknown, I have to disagree with you here. Krstic has made tremendous strides this year. He is a deadeye shooter, and his moves around the basket have improved greatly. The thing I like about him is that he improves so rapidly. All of a sudden recently his rebounding and shot blocking have gotten much stronger and he is developing a little nasty edge as well. (You should have seen him swinging on Jamaal Magloire.) He really has looked excellent since the all-star break and he was a huge part of the Nets recent run.

agree that Detroit has the better overall team, but I would say the Nets have the two best players in Kidd and Carter. That can be argued but I don't think it is crazy to say. Both Kidd and Carter can become unstoppable in a flash, and win a game or even a set of games by themselves, I don't see that Detroit has a player like that (Maybe Billups).

So while Detroit would probably win, I don't think it would be an easy win, and I would say the Nets definitely have a good chance.

oohah

Kidd and Carter are the two best players in terms of individual skills but its irrelevant who the best players are. Since the Jordan era, people generally seem to believe that the team with the best player always wins. But, especially with the parity between players in the league today, that kind of assessment is less likely to hold water. Bear in mind, the Lakers were swept by the Pistons. Playoff series are determined by matchups at every position, the usage rate of each matchup, doubling strategy and, broadly speaking, offensive and defensive weaknesses that each team concedes.

The biggest concession NJ must make is the fastbreak in order to rebound. NJ also has to leave Rasheed alone, because open 3 point shooting is a bigger threat. That means more foul trouble for the Nets frontline including Krstic. I think Kidd on Hamilton helps to save Carter down the stretch but, as a result, Chauncey penetrates more effectively on the pick and roll. The Nets big 3 have to be ready to play over 40 mins which means they will tire because, again, their bench will have problems scoring.

The most important matchup is Carter v. Prince and Carter will really struggle. Tayshaun has the quickness and wingspan to consistently keep Vince in front of him and contest shots. Vince's post game is overrated. From NJ's perspective, Vince can't catch the ball and stand around - he has to make his move asap or pass off.

Detroit's only real concession is RJ on Rip. But, if Jefferson has to work for his offense by jumpshooting, I'll more than readily give it to him. Jefferson must make excellent decisions with the ball in the post for them to have a chance. He has to punish double teams and not just waste clock and turn it over. And Kidd's gotta make 3s in the 4th.

Krstic is an improving player. Still, I don't believe I undersold him when it comes to Detroit. Reality dictates that there is negigible opportunity for him to score in the post against Ben Wallace. If he can stay in the game against Sheed, I'l be more than pleased. I'll make a gentleman's bet with anyone that NJ will not win more than 1 game in a 7 game series vs. Detroit.

I'll take that bet.

the issue of RJ not being decisive is no issue at all. RJ got a lot of game time experience last season as the man while Kidd was out and Carter was still stinking up the joint in Toronto. NJ didn't record many victories but they were in every game with RJ and basically nothing. Teams only had to focus on RJ and he still managed to put up 22 pts 4 assits and 7 rebounds in 33 games. His percentages dipped but his court awareness increased. Thats why he can go for stretches now without seeing the ball and still finish the night with 20 points and 4 assists.

Plus historically, he has made Prince vanish. Prince knows this, Detroit knows this. And Detroit will not put Rip on him. He is too big. Rip gives up 30 lbs easy. If anyone can make that group break their game plan and lose discipline its this three.

Posted by McK1:

Posted by codeunknown:

I'll take that bet.

the issue of RJ not being decisive is no issue at all. RJ got a lot of game time experience last season as the man while Kidd was out and Carter was still stinking up the joint in Toronto. NJ didn't record many victories but they were in every game with RJ and basically nothing. Teams only had to focus on RJ and he still managed to put up 22 pts 4 assits and 7 rebounds in 33 games. His percentages dipped but his court awareness increased. Thats why he can go for stretches now without seeing the ball and still finish the night with 20 points and 4 assists.

Plus historically, he has made Prince vanish. Prince knows this, Detroit knows this. And Detroit will not put Rip on him. He is too big. Rip gives up 30 lbs easy. If anyone can make that group break their game plan and lose discipline its this three.

Lets not mince words, Jefferson's fg% dropped from 50% to 42% as a first option. Thats quite indicative of how efficient he is as "the man." RJ is a better face-up player than he is a post player and a marginal shooter regardless. Rip will give space on the perimeter and RJ can try his luck from 20 feet. His numbers are padded by fastbreak conversions, which wont come frequently against Detroit. In fact, RJ's 30 lb advantage in the post is a pointless issue. Especially if he shoots 42%.

RJ was double and tripled team. Never before in his career had he been asked to carry a team. Besides the focus of my post wan't on if he can be Lebron for NJ, it was on what the experience did for his increased court awareness. I implore you to actually watch the Nets play. You can look at indiviual match-ups all you want but NJ has devised a scheme in which those guys play as a unit. Prior to Krstics breakout game vs us it was just the "Big 3". Jason Kidd and co. have effortlessly weaved him into the attack as well. And if you think Krstic will be somehow wowed by Ben, consider this. As a rookie against the Heat, he dropped 18 and almost 10 boards in that series. Krstic isn't Ed Curry. The guy actually has a pair

I ask you to do the same - actually watch either team play, the Pistons or the Nets. And not with a beer in one hand and chips in another. Analytically watch both teams and answer the following questions: How many points do you expect Krstic to get and how? Can Krstic guard Rasheed? How effective will the Nets bench be? Will Carter be able to drive consistently aginst Prince? What will be the most successful offensive set/play for the Nets? How often does RJ get picked off in games? How often does Rip get open off the curl in games?

Posted by McK1:

the Nets are on now, you watching?

Posted by codeunknown:

Posted by McK1:

the Nets are on now, you watching?

Im switching between the Miami game

How about you, taking notes?

Posted by McK1:

what tendecies and nuances are you picking up from Shaq being guarded by 220lb power-forwards?