Teletopez

I wasn't able to go, but from what I've read, Favors showed his athletic ability, Petro was impressive, Outlaw wasn't himself, Farmar was lighting up from long range, Ammo was mediocre, T-Will seemed to get severely hurt, but he should be fine, Lopez didn't seem to be trying too much, and Harris was doing his job as a leader. There were more positives than negatives, but judging by yesterday, the question is whether the Nets have a go-to guy on this squad.

I was ready to attend the practice, but the weather outside isn't too pretty... two months' worth of rain in one night. A couple of pictures from others: The lighting here is much, much better. http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/large/170418301.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=0ZRYP5X5F6FSMBCCSE82&Expires=1285891512&Signature=oDMC7Ii6oLdLJiMk78f%2FogKaxWA%3D Banners under the lights. http://web6.twitpic.com/img/170423814-95aa30bc8e86fd48f84ad486d3ecba54.4ca52480-scaled.jpg

1) Congratulations on becoming a referee? 2) You deserve it? 3) Predict the Wizards record for the 2010-2011 season? 4) AboveLegit is a cool name? 5) I was going to ask you ten questions, but my mind is blank?

From what I've read, it's dead for now. Talks might pick up later, but I'm not expecting a deal in the next couple of weeks. Is it really money? Because it seems like the deal went pretty far before the Nuggets weren't sealing the deal. Of course, reports conflict, but on Saturday, it was said that Denver was listening to other team's offers to get the Nets to include more.

Nets reportedly set a 24-hour deadline for Denver earlier today. More recently, both Al Iannazzone and Stefan Bondy say the deal is dead.

There are a few connections between the potential four-team Carmelo deal and a deal the Yankees had nearly sealed up before this year's trade deadline. Back in July, it was being reported by multiple newspapers and sports shows that the Yankees were putting final touches on a deal to bring over Cliff Lee in a deal that would be sending Jesus Montero, Zach McAllister, and David Adams. I was very, very worried, assuming the deal would go through. Here are some similarities between the two negotiations: 1) Potential was being given up in both deals. In the Nets' case, it's Derrick Favors. For the Yankees, it was their top prospect, Jesus Montero. Neither had played a game for their teams. 2) The superstar being brought over was in the final year of his contract. The Yankees are expected to go after Cliff Lee after this offseason, so many assumed that this winter, Lee would be willing to re-sign. As for the Nets, they are only bringing over Melo if he agrees to an extension. The Yankees don't sign extensions during a season, so that's a different story. 3) I believe both deals could range from being a major disaster to a success. If Cliff Lee came over, it could have possibly allowed the Yankees to speed past competition this year and win it all. If he were to re-sign, the Yankees have the two starters from Game 1 of the 2009 World Series on the same team for some time. On the other hand, Cliff Lee could also choose to sign with someone else following the 2010 season, and the Yankees could get ripped off. Why? If Jesus Montero is putting together a Hall of Fame career in Seattle, or even an all-star one, the Yankees end up getting four months out of a superstar pitcher and possibly a ring, but nothing after that, in exchange for a big-time hitter, another top 20 prospect in the organization, and a third minor-leaguer. For the Nets, if Anthony continues his superstar career in Jersey (and then Brooklyn), likes where he is, possibly draws Chris Paul, and the Nets rise in the rankings, the trade is in all likelihood a success, depending on how Favors fares in Denver and Harris wherever he lands. But if Anthony does not like where he is, while Favors thrives in Denver and Harris is in 08-09 form, we're regretting the trade. 4) One deal broke down. The other is reportedly less likely to happen.

I think King is under a lot of pressure from Proky to get this deal done. If that weren't the case, I think he would have trashed the deal by now. The Nuggets and Bobcats might have been aware of this, not sealing the deal and pushing for more to be included and listening to other offers.

The Nets are reportedly throwing in another draft pick in there (in efforts to get Augustin?). If Charlotte still refuses to give D.J., Arron Afflalo may be sent over in a newly formed deal. Another report says that Denver is not finalizing the deal, listening to offers from Indiana and Cleveland.

Happy birthday, Smelly Neal!

Congrats, Umair! Feels like we added two staff members today. http://i54.tinypic.com/10y3yc1.jpg

I don't think I have ever been as excited for a Nets season as I am for 2010-2011. The offseason before the 2005-2006 season may come close, but the path into this season is a different story. There are a number of elements playing a role in this. After a 12-70 record last year, many of us are impatient for the team to get back on the court and put our struggles behind us. With a new home in Newark, a new coach and owner, and a completely different squad from what we had last season, you truly get that sense of "It's All New." The Nets have received criticism for a couple of deals to which they signed players, and I feel that that has led to overlooking the talent that guys like Outlaw and Petro have. We've also heard Avery Johnson talk about his emphasis on defense as well as making run and gun a significant part of the team's play. If Devin Harris stays healthy, imagine what it could mean if he is in his 08-09 form, while reuniting with Johnson and running a fast-paced style of play. With our financial problems gone, Johnson has been able to hire an assistant coaching staff of six guys, including Mitchell, his lead assistant, who agreed with Johnson in the spring that they'd work to forming a head coach-lead assistant combination, Krystowiak, who also worked the sidelines for two teams, and Popeye Jones, who can help develop our big men. Doug Overton is also back as Player Development Coach. Along with that, this team's success depends on several factors, and there seems to be a wide range of spots in the standings in which the Nets have been projected to finish. Player development seems to be the main source for so much expected activity within the team from October onwards. Derrick Favors' growth is something everyone has been keeping their eye on. King and Johnson both had mentoring Favors in mind when they brought over Joe Smith and Troy Murphy. The team is packed with youth, so Derrick shouldn't be the only one who the Nets try to make a much better player. Through all the anticipation, my mind creates a picture of a packed crowd at the Rock. I imagine a similar path that the Thunder took. This may be a very busy season.

Cruz homers. Rough outing the rest of the night for Felix?

I was going to mention the '01 World Series. But even though the ending to that season was a heartbreaker (I was too young to follow it live, but watching it years after and looking back upon it, I've familiarized myself with the sequence of events), that series may be considered by some fans as one of their favorites. Weeks after the 9/11 attacks, the fashion in which the Bombers took Games 3, 4, and 5 was incredible. To win all three World Series games played in the Bronx meant a lot to the city and the state.

I started this topic to do our hardworking friend, Cobb, a favor. On a totally unrelated note, the Centaur delivers! http://i52.tinypic.com/234lxk.jpg

Djokovic-Nadal postponed to 4 ET tomorrow.

Instant wallpaper change! http://i52.tinypic.com/2ef40fq.jpg Love it.

Novak rallies from facing double match point to finishing victorious two games later. Djokovic, as well as Federer placed balls in that final set, did an incredible job covering the court.

Federer edged out Djokovic 7-5 in the first and third sets and was shut down by Novak in the second and fourth ones. The fifth set seems like it will be back-and-forth.

He bounced back quickly after giving up those three runs, and based on what I remember from many of his other starts, he might just be solid the rest of the way.

http://i54.tinypic.com/281788k.jpg CC goes for win #20 tonight against Baltimore. He is 4-0 against the O's this season with a 2.73 ERA. If he does not lose the game, he breaks the club mark for consecutive home starts without a loss.

Unexpected 7-game slide for San Diego after they won 8 of their previous 10 games.

Rangers agree to sign Mark Prior to a minor-league deal.

He grew up a Cubs fan and played seven seasons with them. If the Yankees were to set out an offer that they would not be willing to go beyond that the Cubs could beat, who knows what Girardi is thinking. But I do think the Yankees would be willing to beat any other team's offer.