HoopWatch

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The New Jersey Nets are struggling big time. They may lead the Atlantic Division at 7-10, but they are just a half game ahead of the Toronto Raptors. Just half a game over the Raptors, a lottery team ever since Vince Carter left for New Jersey. Ironic, isn’t it?

One of the biggest reasons why they are struggling is the non-productivity of their big men. Cliff Robinson was a big help last season in that department, and nobody seemed to fill the void. The big three can no longer sustain New Jersey. There are only three legitimate big men in the Nets’ rotation: Jason Collins, Nenard Krstic and Mikki Moore.

Collins has always been an abomination. He gets the minutes, but he has the same insignificant numbers each night. No matter how long he stays in the floor, he would only give you 5 points, 5 rebounds, an assist and less than a block on just 41 percent shooting. When Dallas thrashed New Jersey, Collins played 26 long minutes, had 5 points, 6 rebounds and four fouls! I had him in my fantasy leagues and he has always been a disappointment.

Mikki Moore is athletic, but he lacks the offensive firepower the Nets need from the post. He also is deficient from the defensive end. In that same game, he produced 8 points, 7 rebounds, no block in 21 minutes. Though much more decent than Collins’ I should say.

The lone bright spot belongs to Nenard Krstic. Krstic has been promising from his rookie year. And he has delivered to that promise. He is averaging 17 points and 7 rebounds this season. He scored 18 points, grabbed 12 caroms, added a steal and two blocks in 37 minutes against the Mavericks.

The only problem is Krstic is not a defensive big man. The Nets need an intimidating presence underneath the basket, but they just don’t have it. Lawrence Frank has at times adopted the Phoenix philosophy of playing small. But it has not work for them. Carter, Richard Jefferson and Jason Kidd have all become predictable. They need help, and they are not getting any right now. The front office needs to make some roster changes, and fast!