The team that has been avoiding some criticism so far in the young NBA season has been the New Jersey Nets.  Most analyst thought they would be atop of the Atlantic division, winning around 45-55 games this season.  Currently they are 9-11, got spanked by the Washington Wizards 94-74 yesterday who didn’t even suit up their best player, Gilbert Arenas.

This early struggle might be a hex put on by Shareef Abdur-Rahim, who was all set to go to New Jersey, but didn’t pass his physical by team doctors.  Rahim seems to be playing well so far averaging 15.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and a block a game.  While the Nets went on the sign C Marc Jackson shortly after rescinding Abdur-Rahim’s offer, has disappointed.  You may say the hex also could’ve come from their disgusting throwbacks, too.

Another decision that can be second guessed, which actually has been under the radar was last summer’s NBA draft.  The Nets used their #15 pick on Antoine Wright, who so far hasn’t cracked the rotation at all, playing in only 1 garbage time game so far.  I know it’s way too early to over-analyze the pick, but the picks directly after the Nets seem to be paying off better so far.  Toronto at #16 selected Joey Graham, who has played in all 21 games and is coming along at 6.4 points per game.  The Indiana Pacers grabbed Danny Granger at #17, and has played 16 out of the 19 games of a very deep and well-balanced team.  He looks to get more playing time, especially if they deal knuckle-head Ron Artest, who is ahead of him on the depth chart.