In an absolutely perfect Nets world, the Magic don’t trade Howard, he becomes a free agent and signs with the Nets who keep Brook Lopez, Deron Williams, their first-round draft pick. You could throw in the Knicks pulling up stakes and moving to Albuquerque, but the Nets would settle for the former stuff.
That’s the perfect world for Lopez. He wants to stay. He wants to be a part of Brooklyn, not part of a pre-March 15 deadline trade. Lopez also would welcome the chance to move his 7-foot frame to the power forward spot next to Howard.
“It would be interesting, and if that was the case, no question,” Lopez said. “I wouldn’t mind playing with him at all. He’s an incredible talent.”
But of course, the superstar Howard would have dibs on the center spot.
Lopez said he doesn’t think it would matter to his game.
“I don’t think it would change it more than the label. I’d still do my same stuff,” said Lopez who played 28 minutes in his second game back from a broken foot last night, scoring 15 points and grabbing four rebounds in the Nets’ 108-91 loss to the Magic at the Prudential Center.
If Howard remains with Orlando past the trade deadline, the Nets will pick up the pursuit in free agency and like their chances. There is a confident feel throughout the organization because the belief is the Nets are Howard’s choice.
***
The Nets ridiculous injury woes continued, and they are up to 17 different starting lineups now.
Shawne Williams was officially declared out for the season after undergoing left foot surgery to remove bone fragments and repair an old fracture at the Hospital for Special Surgery yesterday. Three small screws were inserted in Williams’ foot and the Nets said he would be back for training camp. Williams signed a 2-year free agent deal in December.
Coach Avery Johnson said he would like to have a healthy team for just 10 days.
“Is that too much to ask?” he said.
The Nets have started five different small forwards, five shooting guards, four centers, two power forwards and two point guards.
***
Kris Humphries sat out with a strained left calf. He is expected to return Tuesday in Dallas.
“I think he did it couple of games ago, but he’s been managing it and fortunately, he was able to play for us against the Knicks, but if he’s got to miss a game, that’s because he’s injured,” Johnson said. “He plays with a lot of different ailments and aches and pains, so he’s definitely injured when he misses a game.”
***
Lopez said he still is getting into game shape, though he was getting in a rhythm.
“I have to attribute that to my teammates giving me the ball where I can score,” he said. “I’m just trying to get out there and run. I’m trying to get back into game shape, and there no better player in the league to go against than Dwight [Howard] because he runs the floor constantly,” Lopez said. “I’m just worried about getting into game shape and back into the flow of the game where my teammates can trust me with the ball and trust I have their backs defensively.”
***
Howard said he had a poignant message for good friend Deron Williams: “Stop scoring.”
Williams, who poured in 38 points in the Nets’ 100-92 victory over the Knicks Monday night, scored 23 points and added eight assists last night.
***
When Howard went to the bench early, Glen Davis came in and killed the Nets, hitting his first seven shots in the first half. When Davis entered, the Nets were down eight. When he exited, the Nets were down 20.
“He was really good,” Johnson said. “He was a big point of emphasis before the game. We know who he is. He’s a really good jump shooter, we didn’t get in his space or his face, and sometimes he was matched up against one of our younger guys, and it was a good lesson for them.”
***
Andre Emmett’s 10-day contract expired last night, and the Nets had no reason to make an immediate move. Team officials will discuss their options over the break.
“We knew it was the last day of his 10-day. We wanted to get him some minutes if we could. The kid’s been great,” Johnson said of Emmett who scored six points. “Obviously, we’ll make a decision, but the kid plays hard.
He was really good in the D-League, but we’re in the situation where we’re looking at what makes the most sense for us. But great attitude, very professional. Obviously, with his first 10-day expiring, we’ll have to make a decision.”
***
Anthony Morrow is the favorite in the 3-point shootout, according to Deron Williams. And Morrow has sought advice from a couple of big time shooters, Allan Houston and Mark Price.
“I’m in shape, so I’m going to just shoot, my own pace,” Morrow said. “I got some advice from Allan Houston [in New York], and I just talked to [Orlando assistant] Mark Price, Allan told me not to change my shot. He said he didn’t try to use his legs and that’s something I’ve been thinking about. He said he tried to not use his legs, and it didn’t work for him so he was like use your legs if usually shoot with your legs. Little things like that.
“And Mark said just shoot your normal regular shot.”
But Morrow said the best advice came from Price: “Don’t get tired.”
***
Shortly before tip-off last night, Deron Williams gave a speech to the fans on behalf of himself, Anthony Morrow and MarShon Brooks, the three Nets travelling to Orlando this weekend to participate in All-Star weekend festivities.
“First, we want to just thank you guys for coming out and supporting us all season,” he said. “We all are going to All-Star Weekend, and participating in multiple events.
“We’re also excited to give back to the community through NBA Cares. Thank you guys for your support.”
Williams will be playing in his third All-Star Game, and also will be competing in the Skills Challenge. Morrow will be in the 3-point shooting contest, and Brooks will be playing in the Rising Stars Challenge.
— Additional reporting by Tim Bontemps