2006 New Jersey Nets Preview

Welcome to the 2006 New Jersey Nets NBA Preview page. At the time of publish the preseason games are underway with the regular season to open soon. If you regularly do bet on the NBA use Maddux Sports for NBA Picks and Live NBA Odds to increase your winning percentage this season.

2006 New Jersey Nets Basketball Season Preview

Last season the Nets made it to the Eastern Conference semifinals where they were eliminate quickly by the Heat (4-1). This season New Jersey comes back with the same solid core-- Kidd, Carter, Kristic, Jefferson and Collins. Having done relatively well in the draft—Marcus Williams (PG, Connecticut), Josh Boone (PF, Connecticut) and Hassan Adams (Swing, Arizona)—they enter the 2006 season with some new, raw talent.

At 33, point guard Jason Kidd (13.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 8.4 APG, 40.4 FG%, 79.5 FT%) is still one of the best. In any situation, Kidd knows what move and pass to make, but his age is also starting to show. The dynamic Vince Carter (24.2 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 4.3 APG, 43 FG%, 79.9 FT%) is entering his prime as a shooting guard. Carter is a fine passer but needs to temper his shooting at times.

Richard Jefferson (19.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.8 APG, 49.3 FG%, 81.2 FT%), small forward, is a force on the court and has a good chemistry with Carter. He possesses a solid jumper and is unfaltering on defense. Power forward Jason Collins (3.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.0 APG, 39.7 FG%, 51.2 FT%) may not put up points, but his defensive skills are excellent.

Although center Nenad Kristic (13.5 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.1 APG, 50.7 FG%, 69.8 FT%) had a bad playoff run, his regular season performance was on target. Kristic, who came to the league two years ago, has constantly improved and become one of the best shooting centers in the league. Look for even more progress this season.

Coach Lawrence Frank likes to stick with what’s working (the veterans) and comes to the court prepared for just about any scenario. His focus is on defense first, but the buzz is that some of the new legs may help pick up the pace a bit. The Nets scored the fewest points of any playoff team in 2005-06. His bench is still not as fortified as it should be.

New Jersey will make the playoffs. But they may not have the lineup to get past the Heat?

For more info on the 2006 Nets basketball team visit the Nets official website from NBA.com or keep reading up on their division rivals including the Celtics, Raptors, Knicks, and 76ers.