After the nearly six-month long pursuit of Carmelo Anthony ended with him going to the Knicks, almost everyone thought the Nets were going to muddle through a dreary finish to this season, hoping that Derrick Favors showed some development and Brook Lopez made his presence felt on the glass.

If Lopez rebounded as well as general manager Billy King did from the conclusion of the 'Melo-drama, the Nets center would lead the league in boards.

King stunned everyone in the NBA Wednesday when he pulled off a heist that brought All-Star point guard Deron Williams to the Nets.

No one saw this coming as the Nets were expected to make minor moves involving Devin Harris and Troy Murphy. But King pulled a rabbit out of the hat and stole some thunder from the Knicks, who hosted Anthony’s press

This time the Nets really are out of the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes. He’s a Knick and the Nets are left to try to make moves that don’t hurt their future salary cap flexibility, but also help them on the court now and next year.

Devin Harris and Troy Murphy are the Nets most likely to pack their bags – although something tells me their suitcases are packed and by their doors as they just await a call.

They know they’re going, and the Nets aren’t getting anyone back as exciting as Anthony, a potential franchise changer. He was the only player available of that ilk on the trade market and the Nets did everything – literally, everything – they could to get him.

General manager Billy King put together countless trade proposals to appease Denver

After all that has happened with murals and billboards, television commercials and pointed comments, it is fitting that it comes down to the Nets and the Knicks for Carmelo Anthony.

As I heard Evan Roberts say on WFAN this morning, it’s Jay-Z and JD (James Dolan). It’s more than that, though.

It’s Mikhail Prokhorov, Jay-Z, Billy King and Brett Yormark versus Dolan. (Advantage Nets)

It’s Newark/Brooklyn versus New York City (Advantage Knicks)

It’s Brook Lopez versus Amar’e Stoudemire (Advantage Knicks)

It’s a more controlled offense and a commitment to defense versus a free-wheeling, fast-paced, score-at-will offense and defend every few possessions. (Advantage Knicks)

When you lay it out like that, it seems the Knicks will win the Anthony

All eyes will be on Carmelo Anthony on Monday night and many ears will be listening to what he says pregame and to hear what kind of reaction he gets from the Prudential Center crowd.

Anthony never came out and said he didn’t want to play for the Nets, only the Knicks. But that seems to be the belief because of things that have been written and said throughout this long, drawn-out process that many think officially came to an end when Nets principal owner Mikhail Prokhorov instructed management to back out of talks for Anthony.

Believe what you want about whether the Nets are in or out. My feeling is they’re out until Denver brings them back in – with Prokhorov’s approval, of course.

There remains the chance that Anthony will re-sign with the Nuggets. They have

The Nets’ season has been like the movie Groundhog Day.

Every game seems to be similar and every day there seems to be more reports and rumors about Carmelo Anthony. If you want something to look forward to, here it is: There’s just one more game to go – on this trip and probably for some Nets, too.

That doesn’t mean the Nets won’t suffer more losses like Saturday night’s 96-89 outcome in Portland. But if the three-team trade with the Nuggets and Pistons goes through and the Nets get Anthony, Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton, you have to believe they will handle themselves better in games like this one.

Of course, the Nets may need to convince Anthony to join them, but all signs point to an agreement being reached between the teams at some point

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Avery Johnson had to be biting his tongue Friday night.

This was one of the Nets' worst games of the season -- think about that statement for a moment. They were out of it against the Wizards right away and were trounced, 97-77.

This is the same Wizards team that the Nets held a 23-point lead against last month, which represented their biggest cushion of the season. The Wizards that enjoyed a laugher this time, though.  They built a 20-point lead in the first quarter and led by as many as 25 in the fourth.

You could say this was a complete game for Washington. After all, they completely destroyed the Nets and made them look terrible.

Johnson probably had some choice words for the Nets privately at halftime and after the game. But in front of cameras, tape

EAST RUTHERFORD -- Nets general manager Billy King is a Phillies fan from his days working in the 76ers front office. He was happy the Phillies beat the Yankees for Cliff Lee's services. King hopes to pull off a similar coup and beat out the Knicks for a soon-to-be free agent.

Carmelo Anthony isn’t a free agent, but he’s the next best thing in the NBA. He’s available through a trade, and the Nets are in position to deal for him, although won’t unless he agrees to sign an extension.

There is no gray area there. King and the Nets won’t trade for Anthony unless he agrees to a extension. Most teams wouldn’t and the Nets absolutely won’t. They can’t give up Derrick Favors and multiple first-round picks for a 40-game or so rental.

But King

The Nets two-game trip highlighted some of their strengths, but also showed many of their weaknesses, and the one that’s got to eat at coach Avery Johnson the most is the defense.

Kobe Bryant’s eyes are probably lighting up, knowing he won’t be guarded much tomorrow. The last three stars the Nets played have had a field day against them.

Last Sunday, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen combined to shoot 11-for-16 against the Nets. On Tuesday, Josh Smith was 14-for-16 on Thursday, Dirk Nowitzki was 8-for-10.

Anyone want to predict Bryant’s line tomorrow, coming off a Lakers’ loss last night?

From the moment Johnson came to New Jersey, from his first practice of training camp, he stressed defense. The Nets probably worked on their transition defense in every

The Nets and their fans have plenty be thankful for, especially after what they experienced last season. There’s direction, vision, money and a plan.

We’re not amongst those that believe 5-10 is something to jump up and down about, but at least they’re showing progress. They’re five games better than last season, and with a stop here and a make there could have another victory, two or three.

The Nets are going to continue to get better and at this point that’s the most important thing. But here are some things for which the Nets –- and their fans –- should give thanks:

1. Mikhail Prokhorov: It’s too early to know whether his initial promise of making the playoffs in Year 1 and winning a championship within five years will happen. But he’s