Nets Aren't Kidd-ing Around

The Brooklyn Nets aren't Kidd-ing around when it comes to their search for a new head coach to replace P.J. Carlesimo.  The Nets have signed Jason Kidd to a three-year deal...to become their head coach.  Fresh out of retirement, Kidd sought out the Nets head coaching job and his interview apparently went extremely well.  His only competition was Brian Shaw, who was interviewed earlier today, but the Nets went with Kidd.

It's only fitting that the one player that made the New Jersey Nets relevant for the first time will try and make the Brooklyn Nets relevant.  Kidd singlehandedly sent the Nets to the NBA Finals in his first season there in 2001-2002 and then would send them back to the Finals the following season.  The Nets had never even made the Conference Finals before Kidd arrived.  Kidd just wrapped up his Hall of Fame career retiring just a week ago after playing just one year of a three-year deal with the New York Knicks.  Kidd will take the short ride from Manhattan downtown to Brooklyn.  He will also make the transition from a jersey to a suit.  Is he ready to make the transition?

A 19-year NBA career, an NBA championship, two Olympic gold medals, second all-time in assists, second all-time in steals, third all-time in three-pointers made, and third all-time in triple doubles...I think it's safe to say he's ready.  The future Hall of Famer has as good a resume to become a head coach of anyone out there.  Kidd was a special player and truly amazing to watch.  His court vision and ability to make everyone around him better make him a perfect head coaching candidate.

Reports say Kidd was very well-prepared for the interview with Billy King and that he exhibited supreme confidence that would command the respect of his players.  It doesn't hurt that Kidd and Nets point guard Deron Williams have a great relationship.  Kidd would have to assemble an "All-Star cast" of assistant coaches to join him if this will be a success.  The Nets certainly have the talent on the roster with Williams, Joe Johnson, and Brook Lopez as well as a solid supporting cast.  The Nets lost to the Bulls in the first round in seven games in their inaugural season in Brooklyn.

Kidd has seen it all and done it all in the NBA, so what makes anyone think he won't be a successful head coach?  Kidd was a leader on and off the court his entire career and it is fully expected he will do the same on the sidelines.  It will also be a great move in bringing in fans and having people excited about the Nets.  The face of the franchise will now man the sidelines and we all know that Mikhail Prokhorov is willing to spend the money for an NBA title.  Now the Nets will have their guy to get them there, just like he did in New Jersey.

03/17/2013-The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

It was our special NCAA Tournament preview show on The 5th Quarter in New York Sports on AM1240-WGBB. We previewed the big dance and gave our predictions on who would win. We discussed the Knicks four game losing streak and injuries plaguing them as the Nets and Celtics creep up on them. We then did our new “Something or Nothing” segment of the show before the break. After the break, we talked about the Nets possibly winning the Atlantic and the Lakers recent success sliding into the 8th seed. We then dived into baseball talk discussing the World Baseball Classic and the need to have the best players playing to take it seriously. We talked about the hobbling Mets and Yankees and previewed their possible opening day lineups. We finished the show with NFL free agency talk and everyone leaving the Jets and Darrelle Revis possibly on his way out. We ended the show with our final four picks and our national champion picks.


 3/17/13-The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

The 5th Quarter in New York Sports-2/24/13

On this edition of The 5th Quarter in New York Sports on AM1240, I took the mic solo with plenty to talk about.  I started the show with the Knicks recent slide and what they need to do to get back to their winning ways.  I recapped their victory over the Sixers.  I then talked Nets and their recent success and chances at winning the Atlantic Division.  I gave the NBA trade deadline moves and who won and lost at the deadline.  I talked Curtis Granderson going down with injury and who will replace him and how the Yankees will do in 2013.  I then talked Zach Wheeler and his chances of being called up in 2013.  Also, I discussed the Mets outfield and their chances of doing well this season.  I finished the show with Jets talk and whether they should trade Darrelle Revis.


02/24/2013-The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

The 5th Quarter in New York Sports-2/10/13

It was a special Grammy edition of the The 5th Quarter in New York Sports on AM1240 as me and Ty gave out our NBA midseason Grammy Award winners.  We talked plenty of Knicks and Nets and the rest of the NBA.  We previewed the NBA trade deadline and our predictions of who may get traded, including Iman Shumpert trade rumors.  We also recapped the Mets and Yankees offseason and what their 2013 roster will look like.
Our guest was Knicks beat writer for the Bergen Record Steve Popper.  We talked about the possible Shumpert trade as well as any other moves the Knicks might make.  We also discussed the loss to the Clippers earlier in the day and what went wrong for the Knicks.

02/10/2013-The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

1/27/13-The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

On Sunday’s show on AM1240, we previewed Super Bowl XLVII aka the “HarBowl.”  We then talked about the Jets new OC and GM and the talk of them possibly trading Darrelle Revis.  We then gave our reactions to the bizarre Manti Te’o story.  In the second half of the show we gave our All Star snubs.  We then discussed the Knicks win over the Hawks and the Nets hot start to 2013.  We talked Rondo going down and the Celtics playoff hopes in jeopardy.  We talked Dwight Howard trade talks and the Lakers possibly turning the season around.  We finished with some Mets offseason discussion and gave our Super Bowl picks.

1/27/13-The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

01/13/2013-The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

Gerry Sandusky
Play-by-play radio broadcaster
for the Baltimore Ravens
Sports Director at WBAL-TV

Adam Zagoria
SNY.tv and NBA.com writer
covering the New York Knicks

Listen to the podcast of my show "The 5th Quarter in New York Sports" on AM1240-WGBB from Sunday January 13th, 2013.  We recapped the wild weekend of NFL playoff games over the weekend.  Ravens play-by-plar radio broadcaster Gerry Sandusky joined us to recap the Ravens big win in Denver over the Broncos and their chances to win a Super Bowl.  Sandusky talked about the importance of Ray Lewis to the Ravens and the city of Baltimore.  We then previewed the AFC and NFC Championship games and made our picks for a possible "HarBowl."  
In the second half of the show, we talked Knicks basketball with SNY.tv and NBA.com writer, Adam Zagoria.  We also discussed the surging Nets and their hot start to 2013 under P.J. Carlesimo.  I also gave my opinion on the MLB Hall of Fame and the choice to not elect anyone this year.  Mike Piazza was clearly snubbed of a spot in the Hall.  

1/13/13-The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

12/23/2012-The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

I hosted "The 5th Quarter in New York Sports" solo on Long Island's AM1240-WGBB.  I started discussing the Giants and their blowout loss to the Ravens and if they can make the playoffs.  I talked about the Jets loss to the Chargers.  Who will be their next QB? What happens with Mark Sanchez?  I talked about the rest of the NFL and the playoff situation.  I talked about the Knicks success and Amare's return coming up as well as the Nets recent struggles.  Callers commented on Eli and the Giants and what they need to do, Michael Vick as next Jets QB, and Andrew Luck's success this season.

12/23/2012 The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

12/02/2012-The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

Check out my show from Sunday night on AM1240-WGBB.  On “The 5th Quarter in New York Sports” we discussed the Jets win over the Cardinals and who will start next week at quarterback.  Legendary sports broadcaster Ed Ingles joined us to give his take on the Jets and talk to us about his broadcasting career.  We debated on whether Mark Sancez or Greg McElroy should start next week, whether the Mets should sign or trade R.A. Dickey, and whether David Stern’s decision to fine the Spurs was right.  We gave our “5th Quarter Standouts” in the NFL.  We talked about the wild week in the NFL as well as previewing the Giants-Redskins matchup.  We also talked Knicks and Nets and their success so far this season.

12/02/2012 The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

Rivalry Born in Brooklyn

November 26, 2012 was the beginning of something special in New York sports.

The Nets and Knicks faced each other Monday night for the first time in Brooklyn.  It felt like the story was scripted.  It was a memorable night in the illustrious history of New York Sports.  The Brooklyn Nets defeated the New York Knicks in overtime, 96-89.

You couldn't ask for a much better game in an unbelievable atmosphere at the new Barclays Center. The sellout crowd of 17,732 Knicks and Nets fans made a November regular season game feel like a May playoff matchup.  It was only fitting that both teams would exchange leads back and forth in a close game throughout.  The Nets would pull out the win in the start of what could be an incredible rivalry for New York.

Deron Williams and Brook Lopez led the Nets to the big victory.  Williams recorded a double double scoring 16 points to go along with 14 assists.  Lopez also posted a double double leading the Nets with 22 points and 11 rebounds.  Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with 35 points and 13 rebounds.  Anthony struggled down the stretch as Gerald Wallace played with aggressively on defense.  38-year-old Jerry Stackhouse shocked the Knicks off the Knicks and everyone else in the building with his four three pointers and 14 points, including a big three pointer in overtime that gave the Nets the lead for good.

The energy in the building felt as if the two teams were facing off at Madison Square Garden.  The chants of "Brook-lyn" could be heard from the first quarter until the final buzzer.  The borough that has been starved of professional sports since their Dodgers left 55 years ago finally has a team to call their own again.

The win for the Nets also ties them with their Manhattan "rival" for first place in the Atlantic Division at 9-4.  It's the latest in the season the Nets have been in first place since 2007 and the latest both teams have been tied for first since 1997.  Brooklyn has brought a new start for a team that was essentially irrelevant in New Jersey without a true identity.  Monday night saw Nets fans outnumber and out chant Knicks fans.  That was something that was never seen in New Jersey.  The Nets definitely made a statement for Brooklyn and for all of New York Monday.  It's just game one though and both teams hold the same record.

Manhattan's team and Brooklyn's team will face off again at the Barclays Center in just two weeks on December 11th.  Then the teams will face off for the first time this season at MSG just a week later on December 19th.  By Christmas time, New York bragging rights will be in the hands of one of these teams.  Monday was the start for the Nets making a name for themselves as legit competition for the Knicks.

The Nets weren't the only winners Monday...all of New York basketball fans were.  Get ready for basketball's version of the Subway Series in New York City.

2012-2013 Nets Season Preview

The Nets are ready for a brand new beginning in Brooklyn.  They have a new name, new jerseys, a new state of the art arena, a new city, and a new team.

The Brooklyn Nets open their 2012-2013 season tonight at their new home in Brooklyn at the Barclays Center.  They bring in a completely revamped roster and one that is suited to be a playoff contender.  Here's a preview of the Nets upcoming season.

Point Guards 

Nets GM Billy King brought back the most pivotal piece to the Nets success this season, Deron Williams.  The All Star point guard signed a 5-year deal to lead the Nets backcourt in their new home.  Williams is one of the best point guards in the NBA and one of the more versatile players in the league. Williams will gel well with the new team in the new city this season.
The Nets also signed C.J. Watson to back up Williams this year.  Watson is a formidable backup and did a good job filling in for Derrick Rose or the Bulls last season.
Brooklyn also drafted Tyshawn Taylor out of Kansas in the second round of the draft.  Taylor gives the Nets a third option at point guard if Williams or Watson goes down with injury.

Shooting Guards 

Brooklyn's big splash this offseason came when they acquired All Star shooting guard Joe Johnson from the Hawks.  Johnson joins Williams in arguably the best backcourt in the NBA.  He gives the Nets a threat from three point range that they desperately needed.  Johnson won't have to run the show in Brooklyn like he had to do in Atlanta.  Expect a big season from Johnson with the Nets this year.
MarShon Brooks returns for his second season after an impressive rookie season.  Brooks can average double figures off the bench and knocks down shots.  The Nets have two guys in Johnson and Brooks that can make shots at will.

Small Forwards 

Gerald Wallace returns this season at small forward for the Nets after they acquired him at the trade deadline last season.  While his scoring might go down this season with the additions the Nets have made this offseason, Wallace is one of the Nets best defensive players and rebounders.  Look for the 30-year-old to be successful in this starting lineup.
Brooklyn also added small forward Josh Childress to come off the bench.  Childress played overseas last season.

Power Forwards 

The Nets bring back Kris Humphries after he averaged a double-double last season.  Humphries has been one of the best rebounders in the league and is a guy who can block shots.  The Nets will need his presence in the post this season.
Another guy who can pull down some rebounds is Reggie Evans.  The Nets added Evans this offseason as a tough defensive presence in the paint off the bench.  He's an offensive liability, but he will rarely touch the ball on the offensive end.
Mirza Teletovic is one of the Nets many people don't know much about entering his first season in the NBA after playing overseas.  The 6'9" forward can shoot the ball from downtown making him a big piece to shit team.


Centers

Brook Lopez is back this season as the Nets starting center.  Lopez signed a max contract this offseason after the Nets failed to make a trade for Dwight Howard.  Lopez is one of the most underrated players in the league.  He's a guy who scored 20 points a game two seasons ago and is a top five center in the NBA.  Lopez needs to improve his rebounding, but the Nets will definitely look for Lopez to score down low.
Another addition the Nets made that has been overlooked is the addition of Andray Blatche.  The 7-footer scored 17 PPG just two seasons ago and will be a key guy coming off the bench.

Prediction 

This Nets team has finally become relevant leaving New Jersey and coming to the greatest city in the world.  Billy King has completely changed the face of this team making them a playoff contender this season and down the road.  The Nets have the talent and they have the depth to be a top five team in the East this year.  They have a great leader in Coach Avery Johnson.  The key will be if they can all gel together and how long it will take.  Expect a big season in the first year in Brooklyn from the Nets.

The Nets will finish the season 48-34 and the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference.

10/21/2012-The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

Listen to the podcast of my show "The 5th Quarter in New York Sports" on AM1240-WGBB.  We discussed the Jets heartbreaking loss, the Giants wild win at home, and the rest of the NFL week 7 games. In the second half of the show, we previewed the Knicks season with Knicks beat writer for the NY Post, Marc Sherman.  We talked about where the Knicks and Nets will finish in the East as well as the rest of the NBA playoff predictions.

10/21/2012 The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

Nets Will Be Fine Without Howard

The Dwight Howard to the Nets saga has finally come to and end. The Magic and Nets ended trade talks earlier today as they could not get a deal done after several attempts.  There were rumors of a 4 team trade, a 3 team trade, and a trade between the Nets and Magic.

The Nets have moved on and resigned their center Brook Lopez to a 4 year $61 million deal.  Pieces now are being placed together for the Brooklyn Nets as General Manager Billy King has done a tremendous job this offseason to turn an irrelevant Nets team the last couple of years into a team that can instantly contend. They started off the offseason by resigning their small forward Gerald Wallace to a 4 year $40 million deal.  Shortly after, the Nets made a blockbuster trade to acquire All Star shooting guard Joe Johnson from the Hawks.  After the signing of Wallace and the trade for Johnson, point guard Deron Williams knew that it would be the right choice to stay with a Nets team who was putting together a team that can win now. Deron Williams chose the Nets over the Mavericks as he signed a 5 year $100 million deal to join Wallace and Johnson.  The Nets also added Bosnian 6'9 forward Mirza Teletovic who was a star overseas and can be a huge contributer for the Nets at power forward.  They also acquired forward/center Reggie Evans in a sign and trade with the Clippers and signed Jerry Stackhouse to a 1 year deal. Brooklyn is also working on a sign and trade to bring in Antwan Jamison at power forward.  Not trading for Dwight Howard also meant the Nets got to keep their young guard MarShon Brooks who had a very impressive rookie season last year.

The Nets have definitely made a splash this offseason. They have one of the best starting backcourts in Deron Williams and Joe Johnson. Johnson provides them with a guy who can make shots as he is one of the best shooters in the NBA. Gerald Wallace has been a consistent rebounder and defender at small forward who will contribute double figures in points as well. Brook Lopez is coming off a season where he only played in 5 games after breaking his foot. Lopez had not missed any games in his first three seasons prior to breaking his foot. He averaged 20 points a game in the 2010-2011 season. He is arguably a top 5 center in the NBA and a very solid offensive center. Mirza Teletovic will be a huge addition being a big man who can shoot from downtown.  He was a star overseas and will be another shooter to come in and make big shots for the Nets.  Rookie Tyshawn Taylor out of Kansas will also be a big contributor coming off the bench backing up Deron Williams.  This Nets team is very deep and its only July 11th, the first day free agents can be signed.  Even after losing Howard, this looks to be a playoff team who can surprise a lot of people this year.  Brooklyn will see a very exciting and winning team to open the Barclays Center in 2012-2013.

7/1/12-SportsTalk1240

Listen to my latest sports radio show-SportsTalk1240 on AM1240 WGBB in Long Island.  Me and Ty Hardamon discuss NBA free agency as Nets beat writer for the Star Ledger Colin Stephenson joined us. We also discussed the surging Mets and David Wright not being voted the starting third baseman. Listen in.

7/1/12-SportsTalk1240

Nets Should Be in Desperation Mode

The NBA Trade Deadline is just 12 days away.  Rumors have been circulating around several players with the big name being the best center in the NBA, Dwight Howard.  The soon to be Brooklyn Nets are sitting in a tough situation right now.  Their star point guard Deron Williams will be a free agent this summer.  The only way Williams stays as a Net is if GM Billy King can bring in another star such as Howard.  Besides Williams, currently the Nets have one of the worst rosters in the league as their 11-26 record shows.  The Nets have got to be in desperation mode as the trade deadline is under two weeks away.

The Nets have the possibility of losing out on the chance at Williams and Howard if King and company do not become aggressive in the chase for the star center Howard.  The Nets do have a shot this summer as well at Howard as he becomes a free agent, but many teams are going to be in the market for the superstar who is averaging an astounding 20 points and 15 rebounds a game. 

The Nets got their center, Brook Lopez back just in time from injury to audition him for a trade.  The Nets have the pieces to move to get Howard.  The question is if they want to pull the trigger and if the Magic would be willing to deal Howard before free agency.  The trade package would most likely build around Lopez and possibly rookie Marshon Brooks who has had a surprising and overlooked rookie season.  The Nets have one of the better deals that could be put in place for "D12" as Lopez is still young and continuing to get better and Brooks is just a rookie.  

If the Nets want to sell tickets and bring in new fans into their new Brooklyn arena next season, they are going to need to get in the driver's seat and make a push for Howard.  If they can get a deal done before the March 15th deadline, they would sign Howard to an extension and most likely be able to sign Williams to an extension as well.

The Nets could possibly have one of the best point guards and the best center in the same lineup opening up the Barclays Center this fall.  That would not be a bad way to start off the franchise in their new dwellings.  If the Nets cannot trade for Howard in these next 12 days, their last hope would be to sign him as a free agent this summer.  As we all know from the past (cough cough Lebron James), that is not always the best option.