What's Next for the Nets?

May, 17, 2006
May 17
8:17
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Dave D'Alessandro says that they probably won't throw Nenad Krstic into a package to pry Kevin Garnett from Minnesota, so they'll probably be left reconstructing the bench--hopefully this time with players that Lawrence Frank will actually play. And then there's the big question:
How many good years does Kidd have left?

Ah, the 400-pound gorilla in the corner. While it is impossible to overlook the fact that he's 33, and was outplayed by Anthony Johnson and Dwyane Wade in the playoffs, one cannot forget that he had a terrific regular season and deserves All-NBA third-team status. But they have to start scaling back on his minutes (and mean it this time) by finding a more versatile backup, despite Jacque Vaughn's solid service the last two seasons. Kidd still is as good as anyone in the open court, he only needs more willing running mates, but he is not a brilliant halfcourt player, otherwise Frank wouldn't take the ball out of his hands as often as he does.

What about the coach?

Frank will be around a while. He's a superb preparation and X-and-O guy, he has the loyalty of his players, and he knows how they have to play. But he will have to have a major say in what bench guys are added this summer, and after he signs off on these moves, there won't be any excuses -- he has to make it work this time.

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