Is Brooklyn settling into what they are?

[NYSpirit1]

Lost the last four, granted they don't have Brook Lopez, but are now 11-9.

They were like first in the Eastern Conference and now are a half game out of 8th.

This isn't a bait thread or anything, I think the Nets will win between 45-50 games, but not live up to the top seed hype they were getting a couple weeks ago.

[LongIslandIcedZ]

Their missing what could be their best player, and their offensive focal point. Not only that, their still trying to develop team chemistry.

I wouldnt be concerned with this rough patch, I would be concerned about Lopez's health. They 100% need him.

[29$JerZ]

They are losing because they desperately need their best player who is Lopez.
Deron is playing awful this season.

It's 1/4 into the season. Too early for any of this.
If they lose when Lopez returns then they are in trouble.
I will say I'm not surprised where they are now. Every team has to deal with injuries and they aren't a likely healthy team.

[NYSpirit1]

They are losing because they desperately need their best player who is Lopez.
Deron is playing awful this season.

It's 1/4 into the season. Too early for any of this.
If they lose when Lopez returns then they are in trouble.
I will say I'm not surprised where they are now. Every team has to deal with injuries and they aren't a likely healthy team.

True, but we are without Amare and Iman and are 15-5.

No matter what people say, Amare is our second best player and at full health, will provide greatly needed superstar scoring ability when Melo doesn't have it.

[seikou8]

its early and they will be fine they will make the playoffs

[baller101200]

They lost those four after losing their starting center. Hmm... What a coincidence!

[waveycrockett]

Nice to see some rational Knick fans. Lopez is our key player on BOTH ends of the court this year and we dont have the chemistry and leadership of a team like the Knicks or the Bulls to make up for his loss.

[JNoel]

No Lopez, Nets are still a top team in the east.

[PC]

True, but we are without Amare and Iman and are 15-5.

No matter what people say, Amare is our second best player and at full health, will provide greatly needed superstar scoring ability when Melo doesn't have it.

"Superstar scoring ability" at the cost of what?

It's clear Melo operates the best at the 4 and Amar'e hasn't shown the ability to coexist with Melo and Chandler when they're all on on the floor. Based off of most reports, it's sounding like Amar'e will be coming off the bench so let's reserve judgement on what kind of impact Amar'e will have once we see how he performs in his new role.

Shump, on the other hand, should fit right in and seeing a backcourt trio of Kidd, Felton and Shump will be great.

[29$JerZ]

True, but we are without Amare and Iman and are 15-5.

No matter what people say, Amare is our second best player and at full health, will provide greatly needed superstar scoring ability when Melo doesn't have it.

We actually have a defensive minded coach who has some weapons around his star Melo.

Brooklyn has a decent defensive minded coach with a poor defensive cast and his best player is awful this season (Deron)

would NY be 15-5 if Melo were playing as bad as Deron?
Two different situations. Brooklyn is a newly formed team with under performing support from their top paid players. NY is a gelled unit with good 3pt shooting and the ability to lose a player and still be in most games.

You can't compare Brooklyn to NY.

[waveycrockett]

The NY Knicks are a perfect example of a team with good not great talent but great chemistry, leaders and a coach who plays to everyones strength. The goal of the Nets is to get to that level and it will take a lot of time. Knicks deserve a ton of credit for not blowing it up. Best team in the East right now by far.

[Kashmir13579]

"this isn't a bait thread"

The Nets are what we thought they would be.. Mediocre..

[Mayweather&NYK]

The NY Knicks are a perfect example of a team with good not great talent but great chemistry, leaders and a coach who plays to everyones strength. The goal of the Nets is to get to that level and it will take a lot of time. Knicks deserve a ton of credit for not blowing it up. Best team in the East right now by far.

great post

[mp3]

DWill overrated. Can't lead a team

[JerseysFinest]

The Nets aren't this bad. Like Jerz said, Deron Williams is playing awful. Joe Johnson is playing awful. The bench production lately has been awful. And to top it off, Lopez is still out with a foot sprain for God knows how long. Plus, they've yet to establish that chemistry as a team yet. It's going to take some time for them to become a top team in the East, and they've shown at times they can compete with some of the better teams in the league.