The season is over, and it’s about time. The Nets went 24-58 in 2010-11, doubling their win-total from 2009-10. Head coach Avery Johnson called that “progress” folks. The Nets are already looking to their future, which lies in Brooklyn come 2012-13. But ESPN NewYork.com took the time to evaluate this season’s players via a postseason report card:
Kris Humphries: The Nets wanted Humphries to opt out of his $3.2 million option at the beginning of the season. But he turned into their most valuable player, establishing career-highs in minutes (27.9 mpg), field goal percentage (52.7 fg pct) scoring (10.0 ppg) and rebounding (10.4 rpg, fifth in the NBA). He also posted a career-best with 29 double-doubles, and is currently dating celebrity Kim Kardashian. Humphries is a free agent now and about to receive a tremendous payday. He’s repeatedly said he wants to sign a long-term extension, and the Nets have said they want the same. It should happen. Grade: A-
Deron Williams: Williams only played 12 games after being acquired by the Nets in a blockbuster trade on Feb. 23, but he certainly made his impact felt, dishing out an average of 12.8 assists. However, Williams was hampered by a right wrist injury and both his scoring (15.0 ppg) and shooting numbers (34.9 fg pct, 27.1 3-point fg pct) plummeted considerably. Williams had wrist surgery on Monday and is expected to be 100 percent healthy by the start of training camp after six-to-eight weeks of rehab. He can opt out of his contract after next season, so the Nets want to give him a maximum contract before that to be their franchise player. Williams sounded optimistic that it could get done before the season. Seriously. The Nets have to get it done, otherwise they’ll have next to nothing when they move to Brooklyn. And that would be a catastrophe. Grade: B+
Brook Lopez: Lopez made strides offensively in his third NBA season, averaging a career-high 20.4 points per game. In his last six games, he averaged 29.8 ppg on 57.9 percent shooting. However, bothered by a calcium deposit in his arm, Lopez’s rebounding numbers decreased (8.7 rpg in 2009-10 to 5.9 in 2010-11). His defense is also suspect. The Nets know Lopez has the potential to be a cornerstone player for years to come. He’s just going to have to get more aggressive and hit the weight room in the offseason. A borderline all-star. And the only Net to start in all 82 games. Grade: B+
Sasha Vujacic: The Nets acquired Vujacic to bring energy and aggressiveness to the floor. And that’s exactly what he gave them. Vujacic averaged 11.4 points per game -- splitting time as a starter and reserve -- while being a pest on the D and draining 36.9 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc. He also has championship experience from his days with the Los Angeles Lakers, which is a plus. Vujacic will be a free agent at the end of the season. If the Nets want to pursue and athletic wing that can score an defend, they won’t have room for Maria Sharapova's fiance in their budget. Grade: B+
Anthony Morrow: The Nets signed Morrow to a 4-year, $12 million contract in the offseason to make shots. And that’s exactly what the established marksman did. Morrow, who ranks second all-time in 3-point accuracy, shot 42.3 percent from downtown. He also overcame persisting knee issues to finish third on the team in scoring (13.2 ppg). Morrow also became more adept at creating for himself. A decent defender who could be better. Grade: B
Jordan Farmar: Farmar said he wanted to join a rebuilding team after reaching the NBA Finals three straight times and winning two of them. Well, he wanted it -- and he got it. Farmar said it was tough adjusting to all the losing. He played well for the most part behind Williams, and before him Devin Harris, but struggled with his decision making at times. It’s something he’s going to have to work on going forward. He also shot a career-worst 39.2 percent from the field. Grade: C+
Damion James: The jury is still out on James, but Johnson loves him. That much is certain. Still, James only played in 25 games due to injury, and notched double-digits in scoring just twice. Johnson considers him one of his best perimeter defenders, but James’ offensive game still has a long ways to go. Grade: C
Sundiata Gaines: On the season, Gaines’ contributions were minimal. But when he played, he usually came through in a big way. Gaines is a high-energy guy, and is certainly not afraid to take the big shot. Once-in-a-while, like he did in the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors on Mar. 4 and during his career-high 18-point effort versus the Indiana Pacers on Mar. 21, he’ll make them too. Gaines was able to parlay a 10-day contract into a guaranteed contract for this season and next. The problem is, he’s stuck behind Williams and Farmar on the depth chart. Grade: C
Brandan Wright: Wright has potential. A lot of potential. It’s just he’s still so unpolished on the floor. He probably would’ve been better served staying at North Carolina and learning the game instead of bolting after just one season there. On offense, Wright can be explosive -- albeit inconsistent. But his defense is lacking and he could really use some added muscle. All hope isn’t lost, but Wright has a ways to go before he can be considered an impact player. Grade: C-
Dan Gadzuric: Gadzuric is a decent defender and rebounder who can finish around the rim. He probably won’t be back next season, but gives you more than Johan Petro down low. It wouldn’t be a terrible idea for the Nets to try to bring him back at a seriously discounted rate. Grade: C-
Mario West: He scored 13 points against the Philadelphia 76ers in his Nets’ debut on Apr. 1. He also played sterling defense on LeBron James when the Miami Heat came to town on Apr. 3. West is a black-hole on offense, however. He doesn’t possess a jump shot. Perhaps he can latch on with the next team next season in an end-of-the-bench role. Grade: D
Ben Uzoh: In limited action, Uzoh showed signs that he can be a top-10 player in an NBA rotation someday. But he’s still raw and unpolished. Give him credit though. He was undrafted and would up with a guaranteed deal for all of this season and the next one as well. Grade: D+
Stephen Graham: When Graham was on the floor, the Nets were essentially playing with four when it came to running their halfcourt sets. Graham has no perimeter jumper, so he’s really no help on that end. Sure he’s a competent perimeter defender, but again, there’s no real reason for him to be back next season. Grade: D
Johan Petro: Well, there’s reason for optimism when it comes to Petro: he only has two seasons left on his contract now. Best known for taking 15- to 18-footers at the top of the key whenever the ball was passed to him, Petro was of very little help to the Nets. There’s really nothing more that needs to be said here. Grade: D-
Travis Outlaw: There’s really no need to sugarcoat things here: Outlaw proved himself to be the worst offseason free-agent pickup in 2010-11. His shot was flawed. He’s probably better suited to play the four spot than the three. He just turned out to be a complete and utter disaster for the Nets. He’s got some serious work to do in the offseason, otherwise the mock “MVP!” chants will continue to rain down from the Prudential Center rafters. The 26-year-old has four years and $28 million remaining on his contract. The Nets would probably give him away if they could find a taker. Grade: F