What is going on with the Nets? This team is a disaster so far (9-13 record), and the only saving grace is that the Knicks are next door neighbors.

Where to start?

• First off, Vince Carter has been absolutely terrible. He plays with no passion or purpose, and I have to wonder if the big contract he signed ($60 million) has left him no room for dessert. He almost never drives to the basket, and on a typical night he's throwing up 20 to 25 footers with abandon. The days of Vince attacking the rim are long gone, and it looks like his legs are shot. He can be a phenomenal talent when he wants to, but right now he's playing like a 94-year-old man.
• What exactly does Jason Collins do for this team? He seems to have gotten a free pass from Lawrence Frank, even though he can't run, shoot, rebound or do just about anything else. He's rewarded with a starting berth and plenty of minutes taking up space. Which leads me to. . .
• Why isn't Lawrence Frank playing Sean Williams? The guy is clearly the best defender and most athletic big man on the team, but his minutes have been erratic. He didn't move off the bench in the loss to the Clippers, and that is a downright shame. Williams affects shots even when he doesn't get blocks, but he's already a proven shot blocker. Despite his erratic minutes, he ranks 11th in the entire NBA in blocked shots. PLAY THE GUY!!!
• A few years ago, the Nets were one of the best running teams in the league. But now, forget about it! The team is slow and rarely runs, and that's one of the reasons the Nets are at the bottom of the barrel in points per game (an anemic 90.1 ppg at this writing). The other reason is. . .
• The Nets never attack the basket! Alright, Richard Jefferson does every once in a while, but all we see from the Nets is perimeter, perimeter, perimeter. Outside shot after outside shot, and then. . .
• Who's there to get the rebound? Jason Kidd, that's who, with Jason Collins nowhere in sight. Good old Collins, with an average of 2.5 rebounds per game, just takes up space. Put in Sean Williams and Jamaal Magloire, who will at least put a little fear into opponents and get some rebounds.

What exactly is the identity of the Nets? They're slow, they shoot far too many perimeter shots, and their defense is lackluster and lacking passion.

At least Kidd and Jefferson are upset that the Nets are so bad. Really, it's just a shame that Carter doesn't seem to care, or else the Nets might be a halfway decent team.

The Nets got off to the poor start last year and turned things around, but the way things are going, I really doubt that will happen this year. Changes need to be made, Rod Thorn, before the Nets spiral into oblivion.

Well, I'm not sure why I signed up to write a blog if I'm not writing anything. But here goes. . .

Why did ESPN promote "The Bronx is Burning" so heavily and then run it the same night as the Home Run Derby? I wanted to watch it a little after reading the reviews, but when I turned it on all I saw was Vladimir Guerrero smiling: he must have known the viewer was getting screwed. But whatever. I'll probably watch it at some point to see if John Turturro can pull off Billy Martin. I have my doubts, being that Turturro seems like a foot taller than Martin, but maybe he's kneeling.

Too bad the Phillies can't find a pitching staff or else they might make some noise this year. Chase Utley is a throwback and right now is my favorite player in any sport. Love the club's offense, but the pitching will always keep the other team in the game.

Hey, I noticed that Gus Hansen is right there at the World Series of Poker, so I hope he makes the final table.

Am I the only one who doesn't play with a cell phone or blackberry?

Ciao!