ABSTRACT:

Three years ago, the Nets seemed on the right track. They were young, exciting, coming off a playoff appearance against the Bulls. With the experience they looked destined to make noise in the league.

Instead they stunk on ice. After rocking the NBA with a 3-17 start, the coach was fired. So the Nets staggered home in the lockout-shortened season but gave hope for the future, a future that started last year.