Many NBA teams would love to do what the Celtics did. Most of them don?t have a shot.
It wasn?t just winning it all, either. It was having the right combination of young players, manageable contracts and draft picks to be in position to acquire Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, which turned the Celtics from laughingstocks to NBA champs. The Nets want that and are trying to follow Boston?s blueprint.
Since Jason Kidd decided he wanted out and the Nets decided they didn?t want Richard Jefferson, they have collected assets, from young players to draft picks to players with manageable or expiring contracts.
Now, this doesn?t guarantee you can make the kinds of moves the Celtics made. They don?t happen often. But the Nets, who faced Boston on Wednesday, have some pieces that could turn into something if a franchise-changing star becomes available.
"The more assets you can compile the quicker and better you can improve," Nets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe said.
The Nets will have millions in the summer of 2010 for free agents LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, but superstars likely won?t want to play in East Rutherford. So figure the best way for the Nets to improve is through trades.
Right now, Devin Harris, Brook Lopez and probably Yi Jianlian are untouchable. The Nets don?t want to move Vince Carter at this point, either.
But talented young players Josh Boone, Ryan Anderson, Chris Douglas-Roberts and Sean Williams and reasonably paid veterans Stromile Swift, Keyon Dooling, Eduardo Najera and Jarvis Hayes could entice deals.
The Nets also have five first-round picks in the next three drafts ? it would be shocking if they kept them all. They probably will look to acquire more picks if they make any moves before next month?s trade deadline.
All of this doesn?t guarantee a franchise-altering blockbuster, but at least the Nets have put themselves in position to do what Boston did if something arises.
