"What if... there was an MVP trophy awarded, who would it be for the Brooklyn Nets"?

by Wilfredo Lee/ AP from http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/plumlee-blocks-lebron-final-play-nets-sweep-heat-article-1.1750239

           I can see Mason Plumlee as the future of the Brooklyn Nets. His work ethic and defensive presence reminds me of Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers. Blake Griffin's game developed faster because the team wasn't a playoff team. In Griffin's rookie year, the next best player behind him was Eric Gordon, who looked like a max contract player at the time. The Clippers also had Eric Bledsoe but he was also a rookie like Griffin who didn't have much playing time. With Kevin Garnett moving back to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Plumlee will have more minutes. I would not be surprised if Mason Plumlee averages 15 points and 10 rebounds next season. The Brooklyn Nets are not a young team and Plumlee has the ability to improve his game which is hard work. If he can develop a consistent mid-range jumper and a low-post game, the Brooklyn Nets might be a top 4 team in the Eastern Conference. Deron Williams and Brook Lopez are suppose to be the center pieces of the franchise but instead are more of a liability than an asset. The organization needs to acquire younger pieces because Mason Plumlee is an energy-type player who can be effective as a starter or coming off the bench. His offense is not quite there and through time, he can play at both ends of the floor. I don't see Plumlee being traded in the near future.

What if... the Washington Wizards had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Howard Beck, NBA Senior Writer from http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1811204-entering-year-four-john-wall-ready-to-deliver-on-his-promise

          The presence of Paul Pierce in the locker room and on the floor has been all about leadership. We know the departure of Trevor Ariza is missed but having Paul Pierce on your team is not bad in exchange. The Washington Wizards starting line-up consists of John Wall, Bradley Beal, Paul Pierce, Nene, and Marcin Gortat, is a pretty scary team to go against every night. They are an exciting and upcoming team in the Eastern Conference. John Wall has really changed his game and developed a mid-range jumper who can control his quickness and attack the paint at times. He is a better decision maker and thus has the ability to share the ball. In the league today, it is important to have a great point guard because they determine the tempo of the game.

          John Wall is averaging a league-high 10.2 assists along with 17.5 points. Last year, it was his first taste of playoffs and the Wizards managed to pass the first round. They went against a Chicago Bulls team without Derrick Rose but it was the experience that matters. Now that John Wall and his team knows what it's like to be in the playoffs, they will have a better preparation. With Paul Pierce, he understands how to win in the playoffs. Last season, it was very different for him to win with the Brooklyn Nets because it was an injured filled roster where Deron Williams and Brook Lopez were missing a portion of the season. This year, Pierce is surrounded by younger stars who gives him the most chance of winning another ring before he retires. They have the ability to go through to the Eastern Conference Finals this year. That should be their goal. Never aim low.

What if... the Brooklyn Nets had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Bruce Bennett, Getty Images North America from http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/sKm20-vGweh/Detroit+Pistons+v+Brooklyn+Nets/9fgkVXKsOCV/Mason+Plumlee

                                               

          The Brooklyn Nets are currently 15-16 which gives them a 7th seed in the Eastern Conference. Nets owner, Mikhail Prokhorov, expected the team to contend for a championship after acquiring Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce from the Boston Celtics. Looks like it's not happening after he promised a title unless they win it this year. Prokhorov spent tons of money and is well over the salary cap yet the team wasn't winning much games for the past two seasons. The Brooklyn Nets need an all-around player for them to be successful. Brook Lopez is a great offensive player but he lacks on the defensive end. Kevin Garnett is no longer the type of player he was ten years ago and we shouldn't expect much from him unless he turns back the clock like Tim Duncan. Deron Williams is playing better basketball compared to the past few seasons with the Nets but still needs consistency in order for him to be a top five point guard. The team has many injuries with Deron Williams and Brook Lopez. They need to build up better chemistry with a consistent line-up who new head coach, Lionel Hollins, is trying to find. For several games of this season, Brook Lopez and Deron Williams came off the bench and the team has won.  While spending time and winning a gold medal with team USA, Mason Plumlee gained confidence and has played great for the Nets when given the opportunity. Plumlee is only a sophomore and he's one of the key players who need to develop quickly if the team wants to win soon. They need to trade for a player like Mike Conley Jr. or John Wall who can make the players around them better who has a sense of urgency.

What if... the Boston Celtics had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

                                      by Brian Robb from http://www.celticshub.com/2014/02/09/report-hawks-interested-trading-jeff-green/                                    

          

          The Boston Celtics are in a rebuilding stage after trading away Rajon Rondo to the Dallas Mavericks. It's obvious they are not ready compete against teams like the Golden State Warriors or Chicago Bulls. After the acquisition of Brandon Wright and Jae Crowder from the Dallas Mavericks, their roster is filled with more good players, not great players. They have a young star in Marcus Smart who was a great offensive player in college. With a few more years playing with one another, each player from the Celtics should understand their roles better. 

          I want to talk about Jeff Green for a moment. He was traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2011 so he can backup Paul Pierce and replace him after he leaves the organization. He averaged around 15 points and 5 rebounds before he left the Thunder. I assumed he would play a major role because he had to play behind Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Those are pretty decent stats playing behind two superstars. His first season with the Boston Celtics was a tough one as he went from averaging 37 minutes to around 24 minutes. After Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce left for the Brooklyn Nets, many people assumed it was the year Jeff Green was going to have a break-out season. Unfortunately, it was another disappointing season for him. Fast-forward to his 5th season with the Boston Celtics, he is finally posting career high 18.5 point per game through 29 games. He produces monster statlines sometimes but sometimes is not enough. Green needs to be more consistent for the Celtics to have a chance winning against teams above .500. Another player who needs to improve his game is Jared Sullinger. Analysts have compared Jared Sullinger to Kevin Love when he just entered the league. He has great size and range for his position. What he needs to work on is his defense and mobility. In time, the Boston Celtics would need Jeff Green to become their veteran leader. Budding young stars of Jared Sullinger and Marcus Smart are key for the Celtics if they want to make the playoffs. They might have a few more disappointing seasons but through the draft and experience playing together, the Boston Celtics will be an elite squad sooner rather than later.

What If... the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets were one team?

by Barbara Barker from http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/joe-johnson-may-return-for-nets-against-cavaliers-1.4995327

          If both team combined as one, would they be a top 4 team in the East? The team would consist of multiple former all-stars in the same lineup starting with Deron Williams at the point. Next to him is Joe Johnson. Carmelo Anthony would be their primary scorer while Joe Johnson is the secondary. It would be hard for the opposing players to double team either player but both players need to improve on their defense. Amar'e Stoudemire would join the starters because Kevin Garnett is too old but would provide leadership. Brook Lopez would finish up as the starting center for the team with his ability to back up in the post.

         For the bench, Josh Calderon could back up Williams and Tim Hardaway Jr. for Joe Johnson who can score at will if given minutes. J.R. Smith would see less minutes but has the ability to play great basketball on both ends of the floor. To round up for the rest, Mason Plumlee and Mirza Teletovic are both great pieces. Plumlee, who just came from winning gold medal as part of Team USA has a great defensive mentality who is still developing his offensive skills and Teletovic will make three pointers. Put these two teams together, it still doesn't look like a winning team. Is there something wrong with the city of New York or are they just unlucky?

What If... Kevin Garnett played like Tim Duncan at this age?

by Stephen Babb, Featured Columnist, Ronald Martinez/ Getty Images from http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2087625-tim-duncan-can-become-first-player-ever-to-win-title-in-three-different-decades

         
          Kevin Garnett has had a great career since his years from Minnesota Timberwolves to winning a championship with the Boston Celtics. His role has changed dramatically after the trade to the Brooklyn Nets. As an veteran of the team, he is more of a vocal leader who has great advice to give back to the young players. Kevin Garnett is playing around 20 minutes per game which is respectable for his age. On the other hand, Tim Duncan who has been the centerpiece of the San Antonio Spurs for over a decade, was expecting a decline from people over the world who watches the game of basketball. But he has proven those non-believers wrong each and every year. He may not be the focal point of the offense, but when the team needs a bucket, he takes care of it. Tim Duncan has been an idol for many players and playing an elite level of basketball. He has secured an top ten player of all-time after he is set to retire. It is not Kevin Garnett's fault he is not playing the way he was ten years ago. Tim Duncan has rejuvenated himself and is still motivated to play for multiple years and contend for a title. If Kevin Garnett was to average a double-double like Duncan, the Brooklyn Nets would have a solid team. Maybe they would be a top five team in the Eastern Conference. We could compare the two players if it was five years ago. Now, Garnett is playing a limited role and Tim Duncan is an ageless wonder. We are not disappointed in Kevin Garnett. We are just amazed at what Tim Duncan has accomplished at the age of thirty-eight.