Last Season: The Nets finished 34-48 yet in the talent top-heavy East that left them just two games out of a playoff spot. The bright spots were Devin Harris who continues to make the Nets happy they traded Jason Kidd, and Brook Lopez who had a solid rookie season.

Acquisitions: G Courtney Lee, G Rafer Alston, F-C Tony Battie, F Terrence Williams

Departures: G Vince Carter, G Maurice Ager

Starting Five: F Bobby Simmons, F Yi Jianlian, C Brook Lopez, G Devin Harris, G Courtney Lee

Bench Mob: Rafer Alston, Eduardo Najera, Terrence Williams, Keyon Dooling, Jarvis Hayes

Most Interesting Man in the World: This one is a no-brainer – new owner Mikhail Prokhorov. Do any other owners do crazy tricks on a jet ski? And speaking of tricks...

Over the Hill: Rafer Alston – Despite being over the hill he’s a good pick-up for the Nets (assuming he has no thoughts of starting). This is a young team and he can bring some discipline as a back up to Harris.

Ready to Break Out: Brook Lopez – Lopez averaged 13 points and eight rebounds in his rookie year but was even more effective as the season went on. He will have his hands full when he must defend against Shaq and Howard but should be able to have his way with most of the other centers in the East.

Outlook: They lost Vince Carter and basically replaced him with Courtney Lee. Losing Carter’s 20 points per game is going to hurt and that will have to be distributed among the four other players on the court with Devin Harris. They still don't know what they have with Yi Jianlian. If he can mature the future could look bright for the Nets. They are a young team and just one of many that are building for the future. They're biding their time until next year’s free agency and then their move to Brooklyn.

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