Post by New Jersey Nets on Jan 30, 2009 22:07:22 GMT
On a day filled with a touching ring ceremony and then a complete mockery of Milwaukee basketball, the New Jersey Nets had a very emotional day. After receiving the rings (although only a few players are left from last year's roster), the Nets went on to a clinic against the Milwaukee Bucks, winning the game handedly by 36 points.
Kobe Bryant led the team in his first game in a Nets uniform. But, after pulling out to a 25 point half-time lead, it was the Nets bench who took over and maintained the lead.
Although the game was a huge success and the ring ceremony is certaintly a topic of discussion, more of a deal is being made about Jason Kidd's comments after the game. We caught Jason after the game as he was exiting the court, and when asked about the upcomming season, Kidd had this to say,
"Well we are coming off of a very emotional season, especially with the championship and all. Once again I have a new set of guys around me, but I'm very happy to be in a Nets jersey still. One thing I will tell you guys though is that this team is good. Out of all the lineups that [GM] Barber has thrown at me, I think this might be the best one. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if this was the best team in history."
The best team in history? Let's look at some statistics.
Last season New Jersey lineup: Kidd (88) - Allen (88) - Wallace (85) - Kirilenko (82) - O'Neal (85)
That gives a total of 428 rating points
This season New Jersey lineup: Kidd (88) - Bryant (97) - Prince (84) - Martin (83) - Wallace (79)
This new team has a total of 431 rating points
Another alarming quote? GM Josh Barber was quoted recently as saying that he is not going to change the starting lineup for the entire season. This new and improved Nets team could repeat!
Kobe Bryant led the team in his first game in a Nets uniform. But, after pulling out to a 25 point half-time lead, it was the Nets bench who took over and maintained the lead.
Although the game was a huge success and the ring ceremony is certaintly a topic of discussion, more of a deal is being made about Jason Kidd's comments after the game. We caught Jason after the game as he was exiting the court, and when asked about the upcomming season, Kidd had this to say,
"Well we are coming off of a very emotional season, especially with the championship and all. Once again I have a new set of guys around me, but I'm very happy to be in a Nets jersey still. One thing I will tell you guys though is that this team is good. Out of all the lineups that [GM] Barber has thrown at me, I think this might be the best one. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if this was the best team in history."
The best team in history? Let's look at some statistics.
Last season New Jersey lineup: Kidd (88) - Allen (88) - Wallace (85) - Kirilenko (82) - O'Neal (85)
That gives a total of 428 rating points
This season New Jersey lineup: Kidd (88) - Bryant (97) - Prince (84) - Martin (83) - Wallace (79)
This new team has a total of 431 rating points
Another alarming quote? GM Josh Barber was quoted recently as saying that he is not going to change the starting lineup for the entire season. This new and improved Nets team could repeat!