New Jersey Nets 2001 Press Day

[RPF]

Welcome to Press Day here in New Jersey. First I would like to say that we here in New Jersey would like to thank Isaiah Rider for being the face of the franchise for the 7 years. Secondly thanks to Tom Gugliotta for the years here and for being a true profession, we wish the both of them the best in the future. Now on to this years team, as you have probably noticed we decided it was time to rebuild and get younger. We acquired Corey Maggette and Jerome James then drafted Jamaal Tinsley, Gerald Wallace and Mike James. Training Camp was kind to us this year at least to the younger players, our older players experienced rough times but that was expected.

The Atlantic Division looks to be wide open and we will do our best to compete. We are always looking to get better and make our team better. It will be an interesting year here and we hope everyone is ready for the ride. We think we have a solid young core to build around and we are excited to see what they bring to the floor night in and night out. We plan on running a slower pace than in the past but we will be more physical and play better defense. I will now open the floor to questions, if any.

[C-Prej]

What are your plans for Maggette and Wallace? Two similar players at the same position. What are your feelings on Mr. Davis TC?

[RPF]

What are your plans for Maggette and Wallace? Two similar players at the same position. What are your feelings on Mr. Davis TC?

We plan on trying to play Maggette at the SG and Wallace at SF with a slow pace. As for Grumpy Dale Davis, we expected a drop off due to age but we needed someone who could help protect the rim and clean up on the boards.

[ballsohard]

What's the long term plan for this team?

[RPF]

What's the long term plan for this team?

The banners that you have in your stadium.

[Xist2Inspire]

The athleticism and energy is definitely here, but what about the scoring? What type of offense are you planning to run, and who are you looking at to produce points?

[RPF]

The athleticism and energy is definitely here, but what about the scoring? What type of offense are you planning to run, and who are you looking at to produce points?

We are looking for Corey and Antoine to carry the scoring load and for Mike James and Anthony Goldwire to help us off the bench.

[Conroy]

Sports Guy Bill Simmons here, you mention it was probably time to rebuild and get younger. My question is what was the thinking behind giving 32 year old Dale Davis a 4 year 30+ million dollar contract? Is it veteran leadership to teach the young guys? A future trade asset? Or was the team just desperate to have a frontcourt duo with a nickname like "the Davis Brothers?"

[Eazy P]

Brew Drees Jimmy Johns Ledger:

Since most of the East teams traded their talent west do you think your team have a shot of making a deep playoff run?

[coltsguy510]

Who do you consider your biggest contender in the Atlantic for the division crown?

[IamQuailman]

Will Maukie, BucksNation.com: Coming into this season, Jerome James was the heir-apparent to the starting C position, but with the signing of Dale Davis, has that changed?

[NickMalone77]

Nick Melon; Charlotte Observer: Long gone are the days of Gugs and Isiah. As you usher in a new era, you were quite honest with Antoine Walkers lack of progression. Is The Shimmy Giggle on his way out of New Jersey.

[IamQuailman]

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