Josh Boone went through practice for the first time since experiencing a rapid heartbeat about 11 days ago and still seems to be the frontrunner to start in Wednesday's regular-season opener at Washington.
As much as the Nets like Brook Lopez, and clearly he's the future center of the franchise, there is no substitue for experience. Now as I say that, if Boone struggles in practice tomorrow or isn't up to speed on what he's missed or isn't feeling well physically and conditioning wise, it could be Lopez.
There's a lot of reading between the lines in this business and if I'm reading Lawrence Frank right it's Boone's job to lose.
"I think what plays a part is Josh, because he's been here, is probably a little bit more comfortable communicating in terms of calling the defensive commands," Frank said. "Sean's been here a year. Brook is new.
"When you look at it and kind of factor in all those things, - and at the same time we may start one way and change - I think Josh has the best opportunity because his ability and knowing. But as you guys saw, Brook looked pretty damn good."
Frank met with Boone it felt like an interminable amount of time after practice - remember I was with Nets staff members and the beat guys since 9 a.m. so I was done mentally - and probably discussed the plan. But neither would let on.
"I'll be playing," Boone said. "I don't know if I'm starting or not, so I guess we'll see on Wednesday. I really don't know."
Coach?
"I just want to make sure [about] his conditioning and wind and just the the things we've put in he's comfortable with," Frank said. "We'll kind of see where he's at and we'll go from there."
Lopez might be better suited to come off the bench at the start anyway. It will give him a chance to watch and learn how the game is going and he'll probably fare better against second-team big men and players. When the offense was run through him the preseason it was usually against non-starters. Eventually, though Lopez will be the full-time starter.
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Nothing new on Eduardo Najera. He's going to the doctor to get his wrist checked. He wants to play Wednesday night, but it doesn't seem probable at this point since he hasn't practiced full in weeks.
Brook should be starting by December but Josh should be the first player off of the bench, period.
Again, its a shame that Yi cannot play SF. A starting line up with Lopez, Boone, and Yi would be tough for the opponents.
Posted by: Mr. Dollar Bills | October 28, 2008 at 12:56 PM