Fourteen games remain and all the Nets want is three more wins, but more than that is at stake for this team and several guys on it.
The focus should be on getting the wins, but also making sure the players under contract for next season get as much time together as possible, play together and enjoy playing together.
The buzz word when interim coach Kiki Vandeweghe took over was “fun.” Everyone needed to have fun and that lasted for about three games – the Nets won two of the first three under Vandeweghe. But with five wins in the 47 games since there aren’t many guys having much fun.
Here's what's fun: Winning.
A few days have passed since Wednesday’s loss to Philadelphia, but that was a low locker room and understandably so.
The Sixers are terrible, and without a couple of their best players, and they blew out the Nets. They were without two of their top four scorers themselves – Devin Harris and Yi Jianlian, both of whom will return tomorrow against Toronto. But still. The Sixers should not be 17 games better than the Nets.
Anyway, in the final 14 games the Nets need to experience some success. Getting some victories, seeing they can play well together would be a positive way to end this awful season that will leave a sour taste in the mouths of many.
Brook Lopez: Get back to playing the way he was earlier this season, only more assertively. Playing with frustration because of questionable foul calls or because the ball doesn’t find him isn’t good for Lopez or the team. He needs to play big, demand the ball and keep his head in the game.
Devin Harris: Stay healthy and continue his play over the last several weeks, only better. His health – 17 games – has been a major factor. But if he can take over games like he did two weeks ago against the Knicks and make sure he finds Lopez more, Harris could help the Nets avoid the record.
Courtney Lee: He was worn down in the Philly game and it showed. They need Lee’s shot-making and defense, which has been steady if not terrific lately. But he’s still going to have some off shooting nights. If the Nets defend and rebound and get out in transition, Lee can do damage there.
Yi Jianlian: Stay healthy and play aggressively and with confidence. There are going to be many nights when his shots don’t fall, but he can help make a difference with his rebounding.
Terrence Williams: He has made major strides lately and just needs to continue to do so with more opportunity. Still needs to improve his shot and some decision making, but both will come.
Chris Douglas-Roberts: Keep his head in the game and play with the confidence and aggression he did at the start of the season. He has to stop feeling persecuted by the situation and just play hard. He can be very effective and productive.
Kris Humphries: Effort is never a question with him. All Nets should follow his lead. But shot selection can be an issue. Humphries is strong inside, grabbing offensive rebounds and getting put-backs or drawing fouls. That should be his focus, although he can stick open jumpers.
For the most part, the rest of the players are playing for contracts next season and to make sure infamy doesn’t go on their resume. It’s definitely wearing on them. They all need to think less about it and just play – easier said than done when it’s staring at them and more and more people are talking about it.
Al Iannazzone covers the Nets for The Record (Bergen County, N.J.)
Yankees
Nets

