ESPN Insider contributor John Hollinger projects that the Nets will finish 47-35, good for second in the Atlantic Division and fourth in the Eastern Conference.
Writes Hollinger:
The names are nice, but will they guard anybody? The Nets lazed through the season defensively last season, and the frontcourt in particular contains some huge question marks -- the Lopez-Humphries combo isn't exactly an imposing one, especially when it comes to help defense, and not much backs them up. The best of the bunch, [Mirza] Teletovic, is an offensive weapon but one who will struggle on D.
One can optimistically hope that Deron Williams will play harder now that his team has a chance, and certainly the wings have been upgraded with [Joe] Johnson and [Gerald] Wallace. Nonetheless, between the soft frontcourt, lack of depth and Avery Johnson's questionable track record in getting his troops to commit at this end, there's a lot reason for doubt.
What isn't in doubt is that this team will score. ... If the Nets get consistent stops and stay healthy, they could be very, very good.
For Hollinger's full Nets' outlook, click here.
What do you think of Hollinger's projections? Let us know in the comments section below.