Yes, it was team defense the Nets used to frustrate Jermaine O’Neal in the 2002 first-round series and for a couple ensuring regular seasons. But it was nice having Kenyon Martin around. He’s gone, and now Jason Collins hopes to provide a different type of frustration – using smarts, bulk and positioning to match the athleticism and quickness Martin employed on O’Neal.
“He does a good job of getting position in the post, backing you down and using both hands around the basket,” Collins said. “How he plays, it seems like he’s left-handed because he likes going over his right shoulder using his left hand, but he’s naturally right handed.”
Collins has been the Nets’ best interior defender, but O’Neal is a special case.
“Kenyon having success, it’s going back to 2002. Fast forward. The guy was an MVP candidate two years ago,” Frank said. “I haven’t seen anyone play Jermaine O’Neal straight up.”
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The Nets left Jeff McInnis off the playoff roster and added John Thomas, who was signed Tuesday. “He hasn’t participated in a 5-on-5 practice since his operation,” team president Rod Thorn of McInnis. “How can you be ready to play?” . . . The Nets Antoine Wright (quad) is likely to be unavailable for the first two games . . . Pacers ailments: Jamaal Tinsley (Achilles’) is expected to miss Games 1 and 2; Fred Jones (thumb) may not play Sunday.
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General rule of thumb: Think it but don’t say it about the other team, regardless how true or obvious. Well, Pacer rookie Danny Granger said what he thought about being glad to avoid Detroit in round one.
“We don’t want to say we’re afraid to play anybody, but the fact is Detroit’s a better team than New Jersey,” Granger said. “We’ll take New Jersey any day over Detroit.”
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Ex-Net Stephen Jackson is confident in the Pacers offense but admits concern about defense, despite Indy ranking fifth in points and field goal defense. “We can get shots on anybody in the league. We just have to stop people,” Jackson said . . . The Nets showered respect on Pacers, who pretty much returned compliment. “Jason Kidd’s off the radar as an MVP candidate. He’s as good as they come for a point guard,” said Austin Croshere. “[Nenad] Krstic has to be a candidate for Most Improved Player. They’ve got a solid group of starting guys, but I think we’ve got a deeper team.”
