New Jersey Neys Team Review

WHERE THEY LEFT OFF: let down and, apparently, desperate. With All-Universe point guard Jason Kidd ailing--he was hardly a shadow of a shadow of himself--the two-time defending Eastern Conference champs were effortlessly disposed of in the second round of the playoffs.

NEW FACES: The New Jersey Nets used to put Kenyon Marlin, Kerry Kittles, and Rodney Rogers on the floor. Now they'll line up with Nenad Krstic, Rodney Buford, Eric Williams, Ron Mercer, and Jacque Vaughn. Is there a few kind of a joke being pulled here?

ON THE COURT: Just a few months ago, new proprietor Bruce Ratner sported a regulation-size nose. Now he might need to build one more new housing development just to house that Pinnochio-like proboscis.

New Jersey Nets fans should have known amazing stunk in Rather-land when, after frequently swearing that he's in the NBA ownership biz to win, the Nets team Waded its first-round draft choice for a celebrity named Eddie Gill--Then released said Eddie Gill. Next, young rebound machine Martin--still just approaching his Grand Kenyon of potential--wasn't re-signed. Rogers , ditto. Then Kittles, the purest of shooters and one more outstanding starter on an almost-championship team, was abruptly shipped off to the Los Angeles Clippers--for a prospect draft choice.