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New Jersey Nets
Location: East Rutherford, N.J. | Arena: IZOD Center (19,990) | Principal Owner: Bruce Ratner | GM: Kiki Vandeweghe
Head Coach: Kiki Vandeweghe (I) | Titles: 0
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Nets report: Getting inside
 

The Sports Xchange
 
 
Getting inside · Roster · Notes, quotes
 
Presented by Epson

 

Maybe the Nets got Kenyon Martin back.

Sort of.

Ever since the popular and furious defender was dealt to Denver in a controversial move that heralded the ownership regime of Bruce Ratner, the Nets have sought a big, athletic, shot-blocking body to fill the void. They think first-round pick Sean Williams can be that player.

"Sean Williams is the guy that can bring what we need," said general manager Ed Stefanski. "I would compare him to a young Kenyon Martin, an athletic big who can run the floor. He jumps as well as Kenyon did. He covers the floor side to side defensively as well. He will cover multiple positions. So when were looking at him we saw similarities. I don't want to put pressure on Sean, saying he's the next Kenyon Martin, but he's a Kenyon Martin-type player."

As it turned out, Martin has been injured much of his time in Denver and the assets received eventually translated into part of the package used to get Vince Carter from Toronto. Still, Martin's abilities never were replaced.

This past season, the Nets were 27th in the NBA in shot-blocking, averaging 3.33 a game. Williams, in his troubled stint at Boston College that ended with him being kicked off the team for marijuana abuse, set a single-season team record with 75 blocks in 15 games, an average of 5.0. At No. 17, the Nets felt Williams was definitely worth the risk. He's a high risk, but could potentially bring a high return.

"We have our athletic big in Sean Williams," Ratner said. "Everybody always says, 'Ratner, get an athletic big. Get an athletic big.' So ownership is very, very happy. Sean Williams will be a great addition to this franchise."

And, Williams insisted, it was the franchise he hoped would draft him.

"Right when the season was over, me and my agent (Charles Grantham), we sat down and looked at the teams that could possibly pick me and the Nets were on the top of the list," Williams said. "I'm happy to be here, really. This is a perfect situation for me."

Even if it comes complete with comparisons to a great player.

"It doesn't put any pressure on me," Williams said of being compared to Martin. "It actually makes me look forward to get out there on the hardwood and showing the fans what I have.

"From the beginning, I could always block shots, it is something God has blessed me with and I'm just trying to work hard to become a better rebounder," said Williams, who admitted there is a reason for the comparison with Martin through "the explosiveness and the energy we bring to the game."

Copyright (C) 2007 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.

 
 

New Jersey Nets Message Board
Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Apr 16, 2008

November 29, 2009 3:15 pm
I thought that the economy would influence the Nets from firing Frank, regardless of their results, but at this point they had to fire him. Yes they had injuries but this is an NBA team that should be able to compete with at least the Kings. After they lost to them, he had to be fired ...(more)
Reputation:93
Level:All-Star
Since:Sep 2, 2006

November 21, 2009 6:19 pm
Losing Jason Kidd. Watch Kidd, the night before last on three successive plays, he changed the result and NONE of them will show up in the stats. Kidd make  everyone else look better.  Just like the woman with the biggest Bust number 50-36-45 isn't necessarily the prettiest Kidd's command of the floor makes  decent t ...(more)
Reputation:83
Level:All-Star
Since:Sep 14, 2009

November 25, 2009 11:02 am
This is not the rookie season that Terrence Williams envisioned when he joined the New Jersey Nets. This is not the second year Courtney Lee had in mind when he moved from the Orlando ...(more)
Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Apr 16, 2008

October 29, 2009 1:10 am
Everyone knows my position at this point. I'm hoping for 82 losses while showing promise for the future. Could tonight's game go any more perfect?

Lopez dominated, Harris had a decent game, T-Will had a great first game, Yi actually put up power forward numbers, and Sean Williams didn't touch the floor.
...(more)
Reputation:89
Level:All-Star
Since:Jun 29, 2008

November 18, 2009 8:04 pm
Hey everyone I was wondering how you all possibly believe that we can get a star player with the roster we have.  The only players that we can get will be the ones after the big money not a championship.  Unless the Nets make moves during the season but still keep money to sign at least one big time free agent.  I heard Emeka ...(more)
Reputation:92
Level:All-Star
Since:Jan 15, 2008

November 29, 2009 5:35 pm
It sucks how the Nets can be the tied-worst starting team in history and they have that on the line against the Lakers.  What's worse is that the only reason they suck so badly this year is because they have 1/2 their starters injured, and their best player has played 6 games thi ...(more)
Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Mar 6, 2007

November 23, 2009 11:24 pm
All I want for Christmas is a Nets win. I promise I will be a good boy. Innocent


In all seriousness, stop playing like a damn high school team and go get a win! I know our guys are hurt but our cheerleaders coul
...(more)
Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Jun 25, 2007

December 1, 2009 1:37 pm
If we get it what would you guys do?  Do you automatically take the best available in the Kentucky PG or draft what we need in the Lithuanian kid?  Or do you dare trade it?
Reputation:95
Level:Superstar
Since:Jan 30, 2008

November 22, 2009 12:00 pm

I predicted and wished for this type of season.  This season was designed by Rod Thorn.  Rod is the best.  This is the first Nets executive that I can think with and predict his moves.  Since I think highly of myself, I must think Rod Thorn is great.  Kiki is there and I know he is OK, but i ...(more)

Reputation:79
Level:Pro
Since:May 22, 2009

November 25, 2009 1:44 am
(POLL) Looking at their next four games, I do believe it is quite probable that this Nets team will break the all time record for most consecutive losses to begin the season.  The one saviour might be the road game at Sacramento, but the Kings are not completely awful like man ...(more)
Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Jun 25, 2007

November 28, 2009 11:49 am
Why can't we just rollover and die in these games?  That 3rd quarter run almost made me puke up my cookie crisps.  Just feed the ball to Lopez every possession and see what happens. 
Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Sep 2, 2006

November 15, 2009 7:47 pm
gadzooks. 0-10. Here's to the hoping 0-82 happens so we can have a new coach and number 1 pick.
No really... 0-10? gotta love this team. After this start it'll be like winning the NBA championship when they win a game. LMAO
Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Jun 25, 2007

November 11, 2009 9:30 am
Who would have thought this kid would keep up his numbers with no help down low?  I thought for sure his numbers would take a hit but the kid just keeps on doing it.  He will be the best all-time Nets center if not the best guy drafted ever.  Everyone loves Dr. J but I truly believe this team is going to win a championship wit ...(more)
Reputation:91
Level:All-Star
Since:Nov 26, 2007

November 9, 2009 8:55 pm
(POLL) Allen Iverson isn't the #1 PG starter in memphis. He's now being a big baby sitting at home. The Nets are in need of a Superstar. Could Allen Iverson be that star? Personally I'm a fan of A.I , I was also a fan of Marbury aka "Starbury" the cancer of the ...(more)
Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Apr 16, 2008

March 19, 2009 3:25 pm

I just read that Sean Williams has a disorderly contract clause in his contract that would allow the Nets to release him after the season. I can't see the Nets wanting him back. $1.629 million will be off the books, and the Nets will have another free roster spot, somet ...(more)

 
 
 
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