This should be a solid Nets team. Look for them to get out to a quick start since they have a lot more familiarity than most teams. They have very few weaknesses. At center, they have an all-defense, no offense Jim McIlvaine, and an all-offense, no defense Rony Seikely. Both can provide some solid backup minutes to recently signed Jayson Williams. At power forward, the Nets have second-year budding star Keith Van Horn. He will be backed up by the pudgy scoring machine, Chris Gatling. Assuming he is healthy, he should be able to provide a lot of help. At the small forward spot is Kendall Gill, who they say is in the best shape of his life. He is a solid all-around player who will win many more games than he will lose for you. The backcourt is a little weak in that their is not much depth. Kittles and Cassell are explosive and talented and can match up well with most guards in the league. Recently signed Eric Murdock should provide some valuable backup minutes to Sam.
Strengths- In my opinion, the teams #1 strength is its athleticsm and chemistry. They are a very good team on the fast break, and can run with just about anyone. Also, the team has a very strong and multitalented frontcourt. Van Horn can score, Williams can rebound, McIlvaine can block shots and Gat and Seikely can be explosive. Also, the maturing of Van Horn and Kittles should bring about improvements in their games. Also the 50 game schedule should alleviate the wall that Van Horn ran into late in the season when he couldn't shoot.
Weaknesses- I feel that the teams greatest weakness is its lack of depth in the back court. Also, the defense was less than spectacular last season, and will have to improve if the Nets hope to be serious contenders.
Prediction- 32-18 4th in the East