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New Jersey Nets Jason Kidd isn't a bad way to start another makeover
Updated: Thursday October 04, 2001 6:02 PM
By Marty Burns, CNNSI.com Another year, another rebuilding project in the Swamp. New Jersey turned over half its roster this past offseason, shipping out such notables as Stephon Marbury, Kendall Gill, Stephen Jackson, Evan Eschmeyer and Johnny Newman. This time, the Nets hope they got it right. Of course, Jason Kidd is not a bad way to start a franchise makeover. Kidd should improve the Nets' team chemistry with his unselfish play, while also helping Keith Van Horn get untracked. It won't make much difference, however, if Kerry Kittles doesn't come back fully from his knee troubles. Neither Kidd nor shooting guard Lucius Harris are marksman, meaning the brick-laying Nets will need Kittles's outside stroke more than ever.
New Jersey shored up its hole in the middle by signing 7-footer Todd MacCulloch, the former Sixer who showed soft hands and the ability to run the floor. MacCulloch has yet to develop a low-post game, however, so Kenyon Martin and sixth man Aaron Williams will have to provide some post scoring down low. With Kidd at the controls, Nets head coach Byron Scott wants his team to run and gun like his former Showtime Lakers teams. The presence of athletic rookies Richard Jefferson, Brandon Armstrong and Jason Collins should fit, but it's questionable how much they will be able to contribute right away. New Jersey still doesn't have enough shooters and defenders to contend for a playoff spot, but Kidd should make things exciting at least. Standout Stat: 40 Games new acquisition Jason Kidd predicts the Nets will win this season.
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