"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 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 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?