Nenad out, Nachbar in

There will be a change to the starting lineup tonight but it's not the one you wanted.

Sean Williams is still coming off the bench and Jason Collins is starting still. Instead, it will be Bostjan Nachbar starting at the power forward for Nenad Krstic.

We know Nachbar's not a power forward. But the Magic play Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis at the two forward spots so Lawrence Frank decided to go small. Nachbar has played some power forward this year, and admittedly has struggled, but he's going to have to get used to it.

Maybe this will spark something in Nachbar, who hasn't had the start anyone expected.

This was not a demotion for Krstic. We all saw this coming. He's just not right yet so Frank is trying something different. It could change tomorrow against the Heat or maybe a different big starts with Collins against Shaq and Udonis Haslem.

You had to know Collins would be starting these two games. He did a good job last year on Dwight Howard and can body up Shaq. These are the games when Collins usually shows his value defensively.

"Obviously Dwight’s one of the best big players in the league," Frank said. "After that we’ll have to evaluate it. Is it Sean, Jamaal, Josh? How is he hurting us? With his strength, speed and just kind of go from there."

Back to Krstic. He's taking it like a pro. He didn't threaten to fly back to Serbia and abandon his team like a former Net point guard did this week.

Krstic is struggling with his confidence and conditioning and it's bothering him more so that he can't help the team.

When we walked into shootaround, Krstic and Frank were sitting together alone. That's when we knew the change was happening. So we went over to Krstic, and he had a smile and took a positive and professional approach.

"I understand," he said. "If the team is going to do well it’s fine with me."

If this is going to be more than one game, the Nets need to do something for Krstic, like put a little monitor that has the YES Network on the stationery bike he rides when he's not playing.

The put the bike in the far corner, away from the court, where fans are talking to him. He can't see the game.

"I really don’t like the bike," Krstic said. "It’s the only way I can get loose, but I really don’t like that. I’m not really focused, I’m not on the bench, I’m behind, I can’t really see and the fans are really talking to me. I’m not really focused."

***

As expected, Vince Carter is out again. Frank said he did some extra pool work yesterday and "is a little bit sore today." Frank wouldn't say it was a setback, but it's doubtful we'll see Carter before the West trip.

***

Jason Kidd arrived at the shootaround planning to play 48 minutes. He said he had no idea the Nets signed Eddie Gill to replace Darrell Armstrong.

"Well, it’s good we got somebody," Kidd said. "I thought I’d go 48 today, and 48 tomorrow. Then I was gonna take Sunday off.

"Damn, I thought I was gonna play 48. I wasn’t even gonna come to shootaround, because I needed the rest."

***

Gill was welcomed by everyone, not just Kidd. The last Net cut in camp had watched a few games and was telling his wife when Kidd or Armstrong came up the court what the play was they were running. It's good the Nets got someone who knows the plays.

After being waived, Gill was the No. 1 pick of the Colorado 14ers. What exactly is a 14er?

"I was trying to figure it out before I got out of there," Gill said. "I think it’s something about mountain [elevation].

Comments

[CO Nets fan]

Fourteeners are Rockies Mountain peaks that are taller than 14000'.

[Greg]

Well...Can't say I don't agree with this move, because it makes sense matchup wise on Turkoglu and Lewis. However, Nachbar has been struggling, so does he deserve to start? Williams has deserved a shot yet we stick with Collins. Williams wouldn't be able to contain Howard, so it's not that big of a deal, however I do think Magloire is a better matchup overall on Howard. I think when/if Frank makes the move for Williams to start, he should bring in Magloire for a new frontcourt. Just to see what happens. That frontcourt provides better versatility and production.

[Fabricio in North Bergen]

WHAT WRONG WITH THIS TEAM! THE BEST BLOG IN THE NBA AND A HORRIBLE TEAM WITH A HORRIBLE COACH. I THINK TOM BARRISE SHOULD TAKE OVER. THIS TEAM LACKS PASSION AND FIRE. THAT IS WHAT BARRISE CAN BRING. FIRE, PASSION AND SOME ANGER!

[mjsenno]

Sitting Kristic was the right move, but has Nochbar earned a start with his play thus far. Obviously, everyone wants to see the rookie, but how about a Malik Allen to see if he can get his outside shot going. Perhaps there is no right answer.

-mjs
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