New Jersey lost to the Dallas Mavericks, 117-101 on 12-2-09, for it’s 18th consecutive loss to start the 2009-1010 season. This qualifies as the worst start in NBA history, which I believe makes for an exceptional story. Their next game is on their home court against the Charlotte Bobcats.
There is a record still within reach which the Nets hope to avoid. That would be a consecutive 23 game losing streak in the same season. That record is shared between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Denver Nuggets.
No one likes to lose. Losing becomes intolerable, raises tempers and creates tensions that are only understood by the players and coaches. Already this year, head coach Lawrence Frank has been fired, Tom Barrise is the interim coach until 12-4-09 and then Kiki Vandeweghe will assume the reigns for the rest of the year. The Nets are the lowest rated team in the NBA in points scored and shooting percentage.
What brought all of this on? Some cost cutting roster moves were made with the 2010 -2011 season in mind. The Nets were hoping to sign two mega stars to build their team around. In doing so, they left themselves a young, unproven and inexperienced team. On top of knowingly using this years as a transitional year, they have been set back even more with injuries.
According to the New Jersey Nets-Team Report, here is a recent update on their injured players.
“Forward…Yi Jianlian,who, sprained his right knee in the season’s fourth game at Charlotte Nov. 2, reports that he could be back playing next week.”
“Forward… Eduardo Najera is out indefinitely with a sore lower back.”
“Forward…Jarvis Hayes remains out indefinitely since straining his hamstring in the season opener.”
“Guard… Keyon Dooling (hip surgery rehab) said he will be available to play Friday. He has been rehabbing since an arthroscopic procedure after last season.”
“Forward/Center…Tony Battie is working out with the team again. His sore right knee has kept him out since pre-season but he could return next week.
That does not even include the fact that back up point guard, Rafer Alston, missed the game against the Mavs.
It will not be easy, but if everyone pulls together, does not get caught up in pointing fingers, buys into the coaching philosophies and puts all the misery behind them, things will gradually turn around. There is some young talent, and when the injured players are able to return and a more normal rotation can be utilized, the Nets can be competitive.
New Jersey Nets
