If I hear one more Bruce Ratner (new owner of the New Jersey Nets) is cheap because he didn’t resign Kenyon Martin comment, I’m going Robert Deniro in Taxi Driver.
New Jersey did indeed reach the NBA Finals in consecutive years with the trio of Kidd, Martin and Jefferson. But, the Eastern Conference was extraordinarily weak during those two years (the Celtics made the conference finals one of those years for christ’ sake!), they got blown out by the West representative both years and, more telling, last season, the Nets were clearly several notches below the Pistons and Pacers. Being significantly over the salary cap for the foreseeable future, mediocrity was the Nets future without big changes.
The situation is quite similar to that faced by the Seattle Sonics management after the 96/97 season. The team had reached the finals in ’96 but faced increased pressure in a tough Western division, losing out in the semi-finals to the eventual NBA champion Houston Rockets. Although the core of Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp would likely guarantee the Sonics a playoff team for many years, the Sonics decided to trade Kemp for Vin Baker, a move that netted the team 61 wins, although an eventual playoff loss to the The Diesel led Lakers.
Ultimately, the Sonics trade was doomed by the alcohol consumption of Vin “and Tonic” Baker, but the team had little choice, similar to the Nets. Rod Thorn and Bruce Ratner should be commended for the gutsy, unpopular moves they’ve made to give the Nets a shot at a championship long-term. The team netted three first round picks, two of which have the potential to be high lottery picks, while creating salary cap flexibility down the road. If Thorn can figure out a way to rid the team of the cancerous Jason Kidd, which will likely result in an additional round of hemming and hawing, the Nets will have a bright future upon their move to Brooklyn in a few years.
Headline Quote Movie of Origin: Being John Malkovich
Character: Craig Schwartz
Setting: After facing a beat down at the hands of an audience member due to a sexually explicit puppeteering street show, Craig shares his lack of faith in his professional aspirations with his wife, Lotte.
The quote is relevant to this story how?: Craig Schwartz had a vision and passion for what he wanted to be and attain with his life… to become the world’s greatest puppeteer. Although he often faces abuses and violence for his life’s ambition, he perseveres. After commandeering the mind of John Malkovich, he determines a plan for fulfilling his goal by utilizing the Malkovich brand. Likewise, Ratner and Thorn may not be taking the easy path, but they’ve got a vision and are confident in the final outcome.
Contact El Duderino at jaipf@hotmail.com.
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