2005 New Jersey Nets Preview

At the time of publish the NBA regular season is around the corner. What better way to get you locked and loaded for a winning season than a free season preview from Maddux Sports. We remind you that MadduxSports.com is an expert NBA handicapper and offers NBA Picks against the point spread. For more information on this years basketball package click here. Onto the individual team preview for this years New Jersey Nets.

2005 New Jersey Nets Team Preview

The New Jersey Nets have three All Stars on their starting five—Kidd, Carter, and Jefferson. At forward Jefferson put in 22.2 points per game and hit 84.4% of his foul attempts. Of the three superstars Jefferson is the youngest and although her suffered from a wrist injury last year, he is the healthiest. Last year he played an impressive 41.1 minutes per game! He can run the break, dribble with style, and penetrate an opponent’s defense.

About one-third of the way into the 2004-05 season Vince Carter was traded to the Nets by the Toronto Raptors. The Nets gave up close to nothing to secure one of the league’s best players. Carter can score (24.5 PPG) and he can get the ball to the open guy when he’s double-teamed. He possesses a fine fall away jumper, and he can also drive to the basket. Last season with the Nets Carter posted 30 or more points in a game 24 times. He also managed to stay injury-free as he led the team into the playoffs.

No one will deny that Jason Kidd is one tough competitor and a talented force on the court. With 67 triple-doubles, he leads all active players in that category with Grant Hill a distant second at 19. But Kidd underwent knee surgery a few years ago and since that time he’s lost a step, seen his productivity diminish, and played fewer minutes per game. After 11 NBA seasons there’s the chance that the hard-nosed Kidd may be too dinged up to make it through another season.

former Cavalier and veteran guard Jeff McInnis may be the perfect backup for Kidd, spelling him when the star needs to rest. Although his rebounding leaves something to be desired, McInnis just about matches up with Kidd in points and minutes per game, while he bests Kidd in foul shooting and field goal percentages.

Nets’ coach Lawrence Frank is one of the best-prepared coaches in the league and is deemed an excellent motivator and communicator. He stresses defense over and over again and again and his team listens to him because they respect the fact that he’s proven he’s willing to go to bat for them. Frank, entering his third season with New Jersey, should continue to be a positive force for the team. Will he be able to guide them to another post season berth? There’s no reason he shouldn’t.

For more information on the 2005 New Jersey Nets Team, click here to visit their official team website.