The Nets have two preseason games, likely two walk-throughs and four practices to prepare for next Wednesday’s regular-season opener against the Pistons.

So little time and so much to do.

Looking at the five preseason games that we’ve seen to this point there are plenty of holes that need fixing, which was to be expected with all the new faces, lack of familiarity and an around-the-world trip that interfered with their schedule.

That’s why you can’t get too high or to low during the preseason, which continues tomorrow at the Knicks.

Nets coach Avery Johnson and members of the Nets’ basketball department know that. No one was expecting a 35-to-45 win team as constituted, but many fans expected more at this point and from comments and tweets we see they’re nervous after the 0-2 trip.

It’s good to be optimistic, but don’t set yourself up for disappointment.

The catchy slogan, “It’s all new,” basically means things are changing and moving in a better direction, but give them time to get to know one another and how each other plays.

“From where we got the team Sep. 25 we’ve made some major strides,” Johnson said, “but not enough strides to become a very good basketball team yet.”

“The talent in the Eastern Conference is heavy at the top. The teams in the middle are very good. We’re not there yet. A lot of those teams have been together. You look at Atlanta, you look at Milwaukee, you look at Charlotte - a lot of those teams have been together a little while and we’re playing catch up. We’ve got to play really well. Our guys are up for the challenge.”

Derrick Favors is a work-in-progress. If he was the next Dwight Howard right away, the Nets maybe wouldn’t be so willing to trade him for Carmelo Anthony. Give him time, but be realistic.

The power forward position will get better. Johnson is deciding whether to start Joe Smith or Kris Humphries until Troy Murphy returns from his back injury. The Nets said Murphy has made “considerable progress” from the treatment he underwent while the team was away and could practice this weekend. Time will tell if he can play in the opener. Favors will come off the bench.

Anthony Morrow’s shot is inconsistent right now, but in two NBA seasons he has been a lights-out shooter. Give him time to get used to everything. Don’t worry about him offensively. Defensively is another story. But with him on the floor, there is more room for Brook Lopez to operate inside because teams have to guard Morrow.

Travis Outlaw is returning from foot surgery. You see the $35 million price tag – which we thought was excessive – and you expect him to score 20 a night. That’s not his game. But he’ll be better, all the way around, than anyone the Nets had playing small forward the past two seasons with the exception of Vince Carter, who got some time there.

Terrence Williams will play more controlled than in China because Johnson will rein him in. The Nets won’t be successful if Williams is taking 18 shots a game like he did in China unless most of them are layups and dunks. He is great around the basket and a good finisher.

Damion James’ lack of PT has some up in arms. He is a rookie small forward with much more experience than Favors, but Johnson has guys ahead of James, like Outlaw. James will get his chance, but if he’s not in the regular rotation there’s a reason.

We seem to remember the fans wanting Hassan Adams to play and Sean Williams to play and never agreeing with Lawrence Frank about not using them. Neither is in the league now. We’re not comparing James to either of them, but the coach’s usually have their reasons not to play someone. Right now, Johnson believes Outlaw, Stephen Graham and Terrence Williams give the Nets more.

Backup center also has some concerned, but you knew what you were getting in Johan Petro. Beside there are only so many good centers in the league and the Nets have one of the best ones in emerging star Brook Lopez. Petro is a serviceable backup center.

The Nets also could play Favors, Humphries and Smith at backup center. You just have to hope Lopez doesn’t get hurt.

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Coach’s Corner

“This is a little ahead of where I expected. Twenty-five days ago when we got this team there were a lot of things we weren’t very good at and 1 or 2 areas we’ve made significant improvements. The only problem is there are eight other areas we need work. I don’t know when we’re going to get to them. Our guys are very conscience about the areas we need to improve in, we know what we need to improve in as a team. We don’t need to advertise it. But our players made some strides and I’m proud of our guys."

- Avery Johnson on how far along the Nets are

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Follow me on Twitter: @Al_Iannazzone

Al Iannazzone covers The Nets for The Record (Bergen County, N.J.)