Well 7-7 isn’t exactly first place, but it’s a lot better than most people thought the Nets would be at this point in the season.. And because this is the Eastern Conference we’re talking about, is it asking too much for this team to make the playoffs this season? The truth of the matter is the only reason why this team is still above water is because of the way guys like Devin Harris and Vince Carter have played this season. They give this team a chance to win every night

Speaking of Harris, the guy has shown the perseverance of a true professional and the heart of a warrior so far this season, playing with a bum ankle that should have limited him much more than it has. I mean seriously, can the Nets ask this guy for anymore than he’s giving? On top of that, the guy has a great attitude and has quickly made fans of this team forget the name of Jason Kidd.

It’s the kind of charisma and desire you wish the rest of the team could adopt.

“I’m Devin. I just try to be me,” Harris told Julian Garcia of the NY Daily News. “I don’t try to replace anybody. I figure it’s more of the mind-set we need as a team. We have to have that tough-mindedness.”

As far as the rest of the team is concerned though, I feel they have to start picking up their play in their own end. Too many times already has this team collapsed in this third and fourth quarter [the last game against the Lakers immediately comes to mind.] this season and something has to change soon.

It’s something the coaching staff feels has to be addressed as well.

“If we’re going to win games and we’re going to win games on the road, we have to get significantly better. It’s a process,” Frank told the Associated Press. “We may not be an elite defensive team—obviously, we’re going the opposite way—but we’re going to have to become a much better defensive team.”

With Eduardo Najera and Josh Boone out, things are only going to get tougher, but one player who absolutely has to step it up is Yi Jianlian,. Not even discussing his inconsistent play on offense, his defense has been even worse. After a good first week, he’s almost looked like a different player lately.

“With Yi, it’s not going to be an epiphany, it’s going to be a process,” Frank told Yahoo Sports.

Please don’t turn into another Jason Collins, Yi. It’s bad enough Bobby Simmons is under-performing, the last thing this team needs is another promising big man to turn into a waste of space.

In other news, my Islanders site, TheDriveForFive.com, has been nominated for Islanders blog of the year on YesIslanders.com. However, in order to win, I need votes from you, my readers! If you wish to support me in my quest to become an award-winning blogger, just click the following link and then register [They won't spam you, I promise]. It’s easy!

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