There aren’t many positive things one can say about a team that misses the playoffs for the first time in seven years. At least they aren’t the Knicks. All jokes aside however, New Jersey had three of the biggest stars in the league on their roster for two thirds of the season, but still couldn’t find a way to play consistent basketball. That goes to show you that names on a lineup card don’t mean nearly as much as the sweat that is expended on the court.

I know I’m not speaking for the entire Nets community when I say that this team has a lot of promise, but needs something else before they can get to where they were just a few years ago. It could just be the revival of Nenad Krstic and the acquisition of another big body or a veteran point guard that can be more competent on defense than Marcus Williams. I don’t know. What I do know is that they’re missing something.

With the Mavericks pick and their pick in the first round this year, the Nets have a choice, they can either trade up or trade for already developed players. Personally, I’d like to see the Nets build through the draft, but considering how badly the Nets have drafted over the past five years [Antoine Wright and a host of other flubs, cough, cough] it’s risky business. Add in the four free-agents this team has and it’s obvious the Nets could be an entirely different team next season.

However, while many fans of the team are still peeved that this team is playing golf right now, there are plenty of reasons to smile as well. For one, the new big three know they can’t get by on their names anymore. Jefferson made significant strides this season and is ready to be a leader. The same can be said for Vince Carter, who despite playing on a bad ankle wasn’t shooting bad at all down the stretch. As far as Devin Harris goes, I think we haven’t even come close yet to seeing what he’s capable of doing. There are trades that go down in the books for being total flops and I think the Mavericks will rue the day they got rid of him.

On another note, just like the veterans, the youngsters like Sean Williams and Josh Boone know that they too have to step it up. Otherwise, this team will be destined to revel in mediocrity.

No negative thoughts right now though. Just contemplation of what this team does come draft time. It should be fun, right?