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.

11/25/2012-The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

Listen in to my show from Sunday night.  On the show, we talked all about the hot topics in NY sports.  We started with Nets talk followed by Knicks talk and previewed the big matchup in Brooklyn between the two newest rivals.  Knicks beat writer for Newsday, Al Iannazzone, joined us at the 15 minute mark to talk Knicks and which team in New York he believes is better.  The second half of the show, I labeled the Jets as dead this season with no chance to make the playoffs.  We talked about the Giants as well as the rest of the big week 12 NFL games and headlines.  Listen in to myself and Ty Hardamon.

11/25/2012 The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

6-0 Knicks Winning With Defense

The Knicks proved Thursday night that their undefeated start is no fluke.  Coach Mike Woodson's team topped the 7-1 Spurs in their most impressive win of the young season so far.  We saw the resiliency in this team after coming back from a 12-point deficit with seven minutes remaining in the 4th quarter.  Five Knicks scored in double figures as the Knicks improve to 6-0 on the season. 

The Knicks have been getting contributions from everyone so far.  Carmelo Anthony only scored nine points last night and the Knicks still pulled off the win against what was the best team in the NBA.  J.R. Smith is having a career year early on scoring 18 points a game  Raymond Felton and Jason Kidd have been absolutely tremendous for this team and they showed it last night.  Felton led New York with 25 points last night.  Kidd scored 14 including a couple of big three pointers in the 4th quarter to propel the Knicks to the big comeback win.  So far, it looks like the combo of Felton and Kidd might be the better option than if they chose to retain Jeremy Lin.  The Knicks offense seems to have better chemistry without Lin at the point.  They are moving the ball around and getting everyone involved, which we didn't see as much last season.  The offense that revolved around Anthony now has been able to find other guys to contribute and score when their star has an off night like last night.  

The biggest reason for this team's early success has been their defense.  Coach Woodson has revitalized this team on the defensive end.  The Knicks are the second best defensive team in the NBA right now giving up just under 90 points a game.  Woodson's team is coming up with defensive stops in the 4th quarter when they need it most.  The defense has been the biggest reason for their unbeaten season.  

It's been fun to watch so far.  When "Ra-sheed Wallace" chants begin at MSG early in the 4th quarter, things have to be going right.  Sheed has actually played a key role off the bench for this team through the first six games contributing six points a game.  This team has beaten three playoff teams so far in the Heat, Mavericks, and Spurs.  The road only gets tougher tonight when they are in Memphis taking on the 6-1 in Grizzlies.  

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.

2012-2013 Knicks Season Preview

The Knicks open their 2012-2013 season Friday night with high expectations.  After losing to the same Miami Heat team in May that they will play tonight, the Knicks hope to improve on their 36-30 season and 7th seed in the Eastern Conference.

Point Guards

The Knicks major loss this offseason came when they let Jeremy Lin sign with the Houston Rockets.  James Dolan chose not to match the offer the Rockets gave for the breakout point guard last season.  Lin was the major reason for the 8-15 Knicks turning their season around last year.
Raymond Felton will now lead New York's backcourt.  Felton returns to the Knicks after playing 54 games here in 2010-2011 in Amare Stoudemire's first season.  Felton looks to have the success he had early on here after having a disappointing season last year with the Portland Trail Blazers.

New York also brought in 40-year-old point guard and future Hall of Famer Jason Kidd to come off the bench.  Kidd is a nice addition providing some depth and a guy who can lead this team.  Kidd has been there before and will be able to mentor guys like Felton.
The Knicks also brought in 35-year-old rookie from Spain, Pablo Prigioni, to be another effective point guard off the bench.  

Shooting Guards

At shooting guard, the Knicks will mix and match a couple of guys until Iman Shumpert returns from his torn ACL.  New York brought in Ronnie Brewer, who becomes the opening night starter.  Brewer is known more for his defense, something the Knicks definitely need out of the backcourt.
J.R. Smith returns after being a key contributor in the second half of the season for New York last season.  Smith should come off the bench as a 6th man and will see plenty of playing time.  When he's on, he can score at will.  They're going to need his scoring out of the backcourt.  Smith has the ability to score 15 points a game off the bench.  The Knicks are going to need that scoring and energy from him that we saw last season.
The Knicks also added high flying guard/forward James White, who played overseas last season.  The 30-year-old will provide a spark off the bench as he should be the recipient of some big-time dunks.

Small Forwards 

At small forward, the Knicks are of course led by their star Carmelo Anthony.  After having an incredible Olympics run and winning the gold medal, Melo is ready to have a huge season.  With Stoudemire being out the first 6-8 weeks of the season, Anthony becomes the Knicks go to guy.  Look for him to play the power forward position a lot until Stat returns to action.  Anthony should thrive in that role with not many power forwards being able to stop the versatile scoring forward.
The Knicks also bring back three-point specialist Steve Novak this season.  Novak provided a huge spark off the bench last season making a plethora of big-time three point shots.  With Anthony playing at the four, expect Novak to get some big minutes off the bench at the three.
Expect to hear Chris Copeland's name a lot this season.  Copeland played overseas last season and had a huge preseason surprising a lot of people.  Copeland can score at will at times and will shock a lot of people coming off the bench this season.  If the Knicks continue having injury problems, look for the 6'8" 28-year-old to fill in.

Power Forwards 

The Knicks will go the first 6-8 weeks of the season without their starting forward, Amare Stoudemire. Stoudemire went down in preseason with a knee injury and will not return until late December.  Coach Mike Woodson is going to use a lot of different lineups with Stoudemire out.  The Knicks acquired veteran Kurt Thomas in the trade with Raymond Felton.  Thomas is very familiar with New York after playing here for seven years from 1998-2005.  Thomas should see some minutes and is a nice veteran to have to help some of the younger guys.
The Knicks also signed 38-year-old Rasheed Wallace to come off the bench.  Wallace came out of retirement to join a Knicks team that went with some veteran bench presence this season.  Wallace will get minutes with Stoudemire out along with Thomas at power forward.

Centers

Tyson Chandler returns as the Knicks starting center this season.  Chandler had a solid first season in New York averaging 11.3 PPG and 9.9 RPG.  Chandler is a double-double machine at center and will be pivotal in the paint, especially in the first two months of the season without Stoudemire.  His defensive presence down low will be essential for the Knicks success this season.
The Knicks also bring back another one of their former players in Marcus Camby.  Camby will back up Chandler and get some major minutes this season.  The key for the 38-year-old is staying healthy.  Camby has been injury prone throughout his career dating back to when he played for the Knicks from 1998-2002.  Camby's defense and ability to block shots will be big for this team over the course of the season.

Prediction

The key for the Knicks this season is staying healthy.  Stoudemire is already out and injuries have been a major issue for this team.  If Stat and Melo can gel together, this team could be a contender in the East.  Melo is expected to have possibly the best season of his career.  The key is him working well with his teammates.  Coach Woodson did a tremendous job last season filling in and getting this team to the playoffs.  Woodson hasn't been able to get the Hawks or the Knicks over that first round playoff hump.  With the talent in the Eastern Conference this season, it will be tough for him to do it this year.  If the Knicks stay healthy over this 82-game season they will return to the playoffs.

Expect a 46-36 season and the 5th seed in the East for the Knickerbockers this season.

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

Carmelo Anthony's ProCamp

Here are some photos from Carmelo Anthony's ProCamp at St. John's University for boys and girls ages 7 to 18.  You can also check out my feature story on it here where Melo answers questions about his gold medal, Amare's new moves, Jeremy Lin, the Brooklyn Nets, and the upcoming season.

http://sportsradiony.com/articles/melo-feeling-golden-for-2012-2013-season/

 Melo answering questions from the media. Yes that is my hairy arm right there.

 Answering questions about Amare, the Olympics, and the upcoming season.

ProCamps at St. John's University.

Anthony endorsing his new drink "PowerCoco."

Jeremy Lin have anything to be "scared" of?

Melo talking with his campers at Carnaseca Arena.

Campers putting their skills to work at the Taffner Field House. 360-plus boys and girls were a part of Camp Melo.

Knicks Are Lin-Sane

Last night the Knicks might have made a move (or lack of move) that they will regret in the coming years.  They chose to not match the Rockets offer sheet for Jeremy Lin.  Lin was offered a 3 year, $25 million deal by the Rockets.  At first the organization said they would match the offer.  Lin reconstructed a deal with the Rockets that would pay him $5 million in the first two seasons and nearly $15 million in the third season of the contract.  This hurt the Knicks because in the third year it would cost them in luxury taxes and bring the total contract to about $43 million in 2014-15.

The breakout guard brought magic to Madison Square Garden and an energy that the Knicks have been missing for over a decade.  Lin was days away from being cut from the team because they did not have room for him.  Everything would change on Saturday night on February 4th against the Nets.  Lin would be inserted in the lineup and score a career high 25 points.  It would be a start to a 7 game win streak that turned the Knicks season around.  Lin would be the talk of the NBA for weeks to come.  "Linsanity" would take over New York as jerseys sold more than any other player, endorsement deals were coming in, and he could finally move off of his brother's couch.  The Knicks were 8-15 before Lin came on the scene out of nowhere. Nobody could have predicted the former Harvard guard to break out and turn the Knicks season around.  Lin was dropped by the Warriors and Rockets where he did not get much playing time.

The Knicks made a sign and trade with the Blazers to acquire Raymond Felton, which essentially marked the end of the brief, remarkable Jeremy Lin era in New York.  The Knicks chose to go with the combination of Raymond Felton and 39 year old Jason Kidd to lead them at the point guard position.  It seems as if James Dolan let his emotions get the best of him.  Dolan was frustrated with Lin for working out the new contract with the Rockets that made it tough for the Knicks to match. Dolan also did not like the fact that Lin did not play at 85% in the playoffs following knee surgery.

Dolan and the Knicks front office let their personal emotions have an effect on business.  The Knicks will now be led by Felton, who averaged around 11 points and 6 assists a game last season, and an older Jason Kidd who just was arrested for a DWI.  The Knicks decided to go with the two older, more experienced point guards as they try to improve on their 36-30 season and first round exit in the playoffs last season.  The Knicks get nothing in return for losing Lin and cannot use the money they could have used on Lin elsewhere.  Jeremy Lin will be missed by many Knicks fans, who embraced the young guard when he broke on the scene in February.  Over 10,000 fans signed a petition for him to stay, but to no avail.  Lin will be successful in Houston where he will not have the spotlight on him every second.  Lin  said he wanted to stay with the Knicks, but it did not work out.  The Knicks will miss the young and rising guard and the organization will realize the mistake they made by letting him go.

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

My Radio Show with special guest Charles Jenkins

Here's the audio of my first sports radio show, SportsTalk1240 on AM1240-WGBB on Sunday night May 20th, 2012.  On the show was Warriors guard and the greatest player in Hofstra basketball history, Charles Jenkins.

5/20/12-SportsTalk1240 with Charles Jenkins

Knicks Season Comes To End

The banged up Knicks roster could not pull off a miracle in Miami.  The Heat ended the Knicks season Wednesday night defeating the Knicks with ease, winning the series four games to one.

New York knew it would be tough to make it a series once Iman Shumpert went down with a torn ACL.  As it if that was not enough, Amare Stoudemire decided to go at war with a fire extinguisher and cut up his hand.  Stoudemire would have to miss game three because of the injury.  If those two blows were not enough, Baron Davis would then go down in game four tearing his ACL as well.  The Knicks were down three point guards for game five.  Jeremy Lin could not pull a Willis Reed as his knee still was not 100 percent.  The Heat were just too talented for a Knicks team that was hobbled and in disarray.

The Knicks did not show much fight in game five as they could not get the game close in the second half. They trailed by double digits the entire second half and could not put any form of run on.  The Heat had an answer to every move the Knicks tried to make.  The Knickerbockers got the one team in the Eastern Conference that they did not want to play.  They clearly would have matched up better playing the Bulls, who trail the eight seeded Sixers three games to two.  Miami is by far the best team in the East right now.  With Derrick Rose going down with a torn ACL, the Heat have instantly become the favorite out of the East.

Mike Woodson's squad has a very good team and one that can definitely contend once again next year.  This team needs some backcourt help.  Steve Nash will definitely be a guy that the Knicks will have on their radar.  Jeremy Lin was huge for New York, but the league started to catch up with him a bit before he got hurt.  The Knicks will most likely bring back Lin-sanity as he instantly became a fan favorite.  The team still needs a lot of backcourt help as Iman Shumpert will not be back until around Christmas time and Baron Davis will miss almost all of next season.  Landry Fields will also become a free agent and could have played his last game as a Knick.  New York needs to bring in a guy who can score out of the backcourt helping out Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony.  Besides another point guard along with Lin, and a shooting guard, the Knicks need another big man to come off the bench.  Jared Jeffries is not the answer.  Jeffries played well off the bench this year, but New York needs another big man who is not a liability offensively.

Coach Woodson definitely deserves to return next year.  Woodson had this team playing very good basketball finishing 18-6 to end the season.  Unless Phil Jackson decides to come out of retirement, Mike Woodson should coach this team next season.

With a bit of backcourt help and some depth added to the bench, the Knicks could definitely come in next season after a full summer of training camp and compete with the Bulls and Heat at the top of the Eastern Conference.