New Jersey Nets 1996 Preseason Press Conference

[rpf]

With that being said, I'll now take questions.

[Nick Malone 77]

Nick Melon; Charlotte Observer: On your team, who would you consider a bigger boob? Nate McMillan or Reggie Lewis?

[WigNosy]

With an established pair of forwards in Howard and Lewis, some were surprised to see you draft Antoine Walker this off-season. How do you see Antoine fitting in with your team?

[rpf]

Okay in all seriousness, last season was a disappointment here in New Jersey. Things didn't go the way we anticipated but we were able to acquire our new starting center in Dikembe Mutombo. He brings a defensive mindset to the team which we haven't seen since around here since Elden Campbell. In the draft we didn't expect to land Antoine Walker, we got a lot of offers for him but we think this kid will shine. We have to remember that he's just 20 and has to learn how to get it done in the NBA. This season we are looking forward to see how Voshon Lenoard does with increased minutes and a larger role in the offense. Isiah Rider is coming into his contract year and we fully expect him to resign with us here, lets not get things twisted, he is the face of the franchise. Pooh is well...Pooh and that is a good thing. We are expecting a return to the playoffs this season, we know it will be tough and we are ready for this season. The floor is now open to questions.

 

[rpf]

Aug 25, 2014 15:38:43 GMT -6 Nick Malone 77 said:

Nick Melon; Charlotte Observer: On your team, who would you consider a bigger boob? Nate McMillan or Reggie Lewis?

Good question Nick, I would have to go with Nate McMillian. He isn't known as "Nasty" Nate for nothing.

[rpf]

Aug 25, 2014 15:53:51 GMT -6 WigNosy said:

With an established pair of forwards in Howard and Lewis, some were surprised to see you draft Antoine Walker this off-season. How do you see Antoine fitting in with your team?

Good question Wigs, as you know you can never have enough bigs in the league especially talented ones. We see the addition of Antoine Walker as a way to go to battle in the Atlantic. Walker brings a very specialized skillset to the Nets that we are lacking. 

[bowtothebill23]

Would you consider this year a rebuilding year or are you gunning for the playoffs?

[logpmess]

Gonzalo Lebatard, Miami Tribune. With Isaiah Rider on a contract year, are you looking for him to become an even bigger impact player for your team, or do you anticipate Vashon Leonard stepping up in his place?

[Conroy]

Sports Guy Bill Simmons here, Antoine looks like he may have the offensive ability to come in and score right away in this league. Do you think he has a shot at being in the Rookie of the Year conversation?

[Nick Malone 77]

Nick Melon: Charlotte Observer: How often do you expect to see Juwan and Antoine on the court at the same time especially in crunch time?

[TrayWithAnA]

What would you say is your biggest strength? Weakness?

[rpf]

Aug 25, 2014 19:31:24 GMT -6 bowtothebill23 said:

Would you consider this year a rebuilding year or are you gunning for the playoffs?

Congrats on the 'ship but back to your question, every year we work towards the playoffs. We are not the San Antonio Spurs tanking for lotto picks.

[rpf]

Aug 25, 2014 19:37:03 GMT -6 logpmess said:

Gonzalo Lebatard, Miami Tribune. With Isaiah Rider on a contract year, are you looking for him to become an even bigger impact player for your team, or do you anticipate Vashon Leonard stepping up in his place?

No Isaiah Rider is the face of the franchise. We are looking for Voshon to have a bigger workload with the increased minutes and a larger role in the offense.

[rpf]

Aug 26, 2014 11:47:13 GMT -6 Conroy said:

Sports Guy Bill Simmons here, Antoine looks like he may have the offensive ability to come in and score right away in this league. Do you think he has a shot at being in the Rookie of the Year conversation?

We woudl be happy just to be in the conversation but with the likes of Kobe, AI and Ray Allen. He will get some chances to shine though.

[rpf]

Aug 26, 2014 11:56:58 GMT -6 Nick Malone 77 said:

Nick Melon: Charlotte Observer: How often do you expect to see Juwan and Antoine on the court at the same time especially in crunch time?

I think they will be fine together while Walker is more skilled on the offensive side of the ball, Howard is good on the boards and doing the dirty work. Its going to be a fun and exciting season here in New Jersey.

[Bowser]

Swaggy P from San Antonio Observer: Do you guys plan on making any more moves via trade this season and how will the Mutombo addition help your team this year? Do you feel your team is ready to get back to the playoffs this season?

[rpf]

Good question swaggy, we are always looking for ways to make this team better and we will never stop doing so. I think we are ready to go back in the playoffs barring injuries.

[J2]

Johnny Junior, The Washington Post: You're in a tough division as far as post play is concerned, with centers like Zo, Vlade, and the Admiral terrorizing opposing centers. Did that factor into your acquisition of Dikembe? Are there any plans to acquire further help at the 5 spot?

[rpf]

Aug 26, 2014 15:17:28 GMT -6 J2 said:

Johnny Junior, The Washington Post: You're in a tough division as far as post play is concerned, with centers like Zo, Vlade, and the Admiral terrorizing opposing centers. Did that factor into your acquisition of Dikembe? Are there any plans to acquire further help at the 5 spot?

I would be lying if I said that didn't play a role in it. Like I said before, we are always looking for ways to improve the Nets.

[IamQuailman]

Awarded 5 points (towards preseason presser 5pt cap).