NBA

P.J. in ‘must-win’ situation for job

CHICAGO — The Nets yesterday announced the signing of general manager Billy King to a multi-year contract extension, but if you think that enhances the chances of P.J. Carlesimo returning as the Nets head coach, think again.

King was all smiles during the Nets breakfast yesterday, while Carlesimo wore the frown of a head coach trying to figure how to end a two-game losing streak and beat the Bulls in Game 4 tonight at the United Center.

With the Nets down 2-1 in the best-of-seven series, Carlesimo stopped short of calling it “a must-win” game.

“Must-win games are elimination games,” he said.

But he did call it the most important game the Nets have played this season. And it’s the most important game for Carlesimo.

King has his job security, but the sense around the Nets is that Carlesimo has to take the Nets deep into the playoffs to have a chance to keep his job. The thinking is owner Mikhail Prokhorov wants a more high-profile coach. Jeff Van Gundy’s name continues to be prominently mentioned.

A quick exit against the Bulls almost certainly would end any chance of Carlesimo staying. Losing to Chicago in five or six games would be frustrating considering the Bulls are without Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah is hobbled by a foot injury.

After playing so well in Game 1, the Nets haven’t adjusted to the Bulls’ up-tick in defensive pressure. In losing two straight games, they have been a mess offensively, shooting 35 percent from the field and 21.4 percent from 3-point range.

Deron Williams, shooting 26 percent in his last two games, continues to get pushed to one side, preventing him from finding a rhythm as a scorer or penetrator. Brook Lopez scored 22 points in Game 3, but the prevailing image is of him missing several contested shots in the paint.

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“When we get the ball in the paint and there’s people draped all over us, we’ve either got to be strong and get fouled or finish or make the appropriate pass,” Carlesimo said. “You have to make shots.”

Also problematic is the poor play of Gerald Wallace, who is 3-of-15 from the field in the last two games, and Reggie Evans, who has scored but four points. When both are on the court, the Bulls are playing five against three. Carlesimo can’t count on Jerry Stackhouse, who has more air balls than points, and Kris Humphries’ biggest contribution was getting dunked on by Taj Gibson in Game 3. Look for MarShon Brooks to get some playing time if the offense continues to struggle.

“If changing whoever we have on the floor helps us to score points, then we’re going to have to do that,” Carlesimo said without being specific.

Wallace grumbled yesterday about not knowing his role.

“I don’t have a clue what my role is,” he said.

A good start would be to put the ball in the basket. Carlesimo was more diplomatic about it, though that kind of talk often comes back to haunt the head coach.

“We’re going through a though time right now,” Carlesimo said. “That’s what the playoffs are all about. We’re all frustratedI have to do a better job constantly defining roles and redefining roles so we can perform the way we’re capable of.”

The timing of King’s contract extension seems a bit odd considering the season is on the brink of a premature ending. The deal is a reward for landing Williams, Joe Johnson and putting together a team that was able to win 49 games during the regular season. But Wallace’s contract, a four-year deal worth $40 million, now looks over-priced and the Nets are a team still searching for consistency.

Some of this is to be expected. This is their first venture as a revamped franchise. They are veteran players on an inexperienced team going against a Bulls unit that is sound in the defensive principles taught by Tom Thibodeau. It has made this a tough assignment for Carlesimo.

King has his contract extension. Tonight Carlesimo finds out if he has any chance to get his.