In the 'Zzone

Off Yet Moving Up

Sometimes off days are good and not just to rest tired bodies or some nagging injuries.

By the way, Devin Harris returned from his bout with a stomach bug. He's fine. Keyon Dooling's sore right hip isn't much better. He said if he had to play today, he couldn't so we'll see about tomorrow. They're listing him as probably against Chris Paul and the Hornets.

But as the Nets sat home last night or wherever each one of them was, the Bucks, Bulls and Knicks lost. So the Nets gained ground.

The Schedule and Sean

This is a strange NBA season we’re having, as evidenced by how close the Nets are to sixth in the conference as well as 13th.

Everyone knew the bottom half of the East would be bad, but to have the Pistons down there, at 27-29, is really strange.

Probably the two worst moves in the NBA since the summer have been the Pistons trading Chauncey Billups for Allen Iverson and the Suns firing Mike D’Antoni. Both those teams have taken major steps backward and both moves could have an impact on the Nets.

Hayes May Play

Jarvis Hayes was shooting around this morning with his left thumb wrapped and said he hoped to play. The official word is questionable.

Hayes feels pain still, but it doesn't matter to him.

"It's worth it to play," he said. "We're trying to make the playoffs, so it's worth it."

The Shot

Devin Harris hit the shot heard around the world. Or at least the United States.

A Seattle radio station called me this morning to talk about the Harris' heave. They wanted to talk about the shot that was Devin sent. Corny, I know. It's all right.

Why Seattle when they don't even have a team? Maybe it's because they're preparing for the Nets' move out there and they want to introduce their fans to the team. (Just kidding).

So I go on and I'm asked to do my best Marv Albert. I have to describe the play, which wasn't easy of course. I say something like:

The Happy - House-Hunting - Captain

Vince Carter was so confident that he wouldn't get traded he went house shopping yesterday. Without hesitation, Fred from The Post, said, "Where? Portland?"

"No, right here," Carter said amid the laughter.

Carter may want to rent, though. He's going to be through this process again over the summer, but at least he doesn't have to worry about it until then...not that he ever was worried about it.

Legacies and Finances

You can continue to watch the Nets.

I know many of you said if Vince Carter were traded you would be done with the Nets, so stay tuned. Plus, you don't want to miss the YES pregame show, especially tomorrow.

There were deals the Nets could have done if they wanted to for Carter, pure cost-cutting moves. But I believe neither Rod Thorn nor Kiki Vandeweghe wanted to be the guy who gave Carter away for nothing.

No Deal: Carter Stays

Vince Carter will remain a Net for at least the rest of the season.

Carter was the topic of many trade discussions, but in the end the Nets didn't find a deal they felt comfortable doing.

Carter's contract, which calls for him to make $33.6 million guaranteed over the next two seasons and has a partial guarantee of about $4.5 million for 2011-12, was a hindrance for most teams. Also, it was known the Nets were looking to shave salary so teams were trying to fleece them, which team president Rod Thorn wouldn't let happen.

Houston Has a Problem

The Rockets need another scorer/swingman.

Tracy McGrady is out for the rest of the season - and more - because he needs micro-fracture surgery on his left knee. Rockets owner Les Alexander had a front-row seat of a much talked about shooter/scorer last night.

Although Alexander looked disinterested for most of the game - maybe it was his poker face - he could increase his pursuit of a certain No. 15 that currently calls New Jersey home.

Carter, Harris Want to Stay Together

The trade rumors and speculation haven't affected Vince Carter, changed his thinking or his desire to remain a Net.

When everyone doubted if Carter would go through a rebuilding project he said getting the Nets to the playoffs would be satisfying. He still feels this way and hopes to get the chance.

"When you start something you definitely want to finish it," Carter said before the Nets played the Rockets on Tuesday night. "It would be great to do so. We've come a long way since Day one. We felt good about our team. One thing is talking about it and it's another thing to actually show the product. It's coming along."

Carter's Last Shoot?

Back to basketball, so to speak. They're playing again, but all anyone cares about is where Vince Carter is going. Everyone except Carter, of course.

Carter doesn't care. He would like to remain a Net and finish what he started. He's trying not to get caught up in the rumors, but he's very aware of the four teams that have shown the most interest: San Antonio, Houston, Dallas and Cleveland.