Very early in training camp, Nets coach Avery Johnson talked about points of emphasis and cramming lessons into a short period. Though no one knew how it would play out, there was one saving point: There were enough players back from 2010-11 that terminology and plays could be learned rather easily. Then, Johnson offered a wishful thought.
“If this had been a movie that we’ve seen before, there would be some concrete evidence on how the movie was played out. We just don’t know,” Johnson said. “Hopefully, guys will stay healthy.”
He might as well have said, “Hopefully, everybody will hit the Mega Millions jackpot.”
The Nets headed for the West Coast Thursday and a four-game trip with still more disruptive injury news.
Shelden Williams, the 6-foot-9 power forward/center who is the only Net to have played in every game, will miss the entire trip, at least, with a right eye injury suffered in Wednesday’s 100-84 victory over Indiana. Jordan Williams, the 6-10 rookie, is listed as doubtful, day-to-day for tonight’s trip-starter against the Warriors in Oakland. He suffered a mild concussion Wednesday, when the Nets finished with eight players.
“It’s just stuff that happens. Guys go down some times. You gotta keep playing,” Deron Williams said after the Nets completed the improbable victory over the Pacers.
So with two big guys out, the Nets today will bring back Dennis Horner, the 6-9 forward who began the season on their roster, but has spent much of his time in the D-League. Horner is the fourth player to warrant a 10-day contract, following Jerry Smith, Gerald Green and Andre Emmett. Green became the surprise of the year and was signed through the remainder of the season. Horner played 16 minutes in five games earlier with the Nets.
Horner is expected to sign his 10-day deal and be ready to face the Warriors Friday night, giving the Nets nine available bodies. The Nets were eying a guard because of injuries to Jordan Farmar (groin, also will not play on trip) and Anthony Morrow (bruised shoulder, probable but listed day-to-day). But when two bigs were hurt, they opted for size.
Johnson’s long ago hope for health was dashed almost immediately. Brook Lopez broke his foot in the second and last preseason game (even before Lopez, the since-amnestied Travis Outlaw came to camp with a broken hand).
Lopez remains out with what the team is calling a right foot issue. He sprained his ankle in his fifth game back after missed the first 32 games with the busted foot. He set the tone and the injuries have not stopped.
A review of all players (there have been 20 different Nets) shows the team has lost 187 manpower games to injury, illness and personal reasons. Four players suffered season-ending ailments or conditions: Damion James (foot surgery) and three who have since departed, Keith Bogans (ankle, torn deltoid ligament), Shawne Williams (foot surgery) and Mehmet Okur (back).
The Nets have used 20 different starting lineups (Friday night will be the 21st) and have had 15 different players start. They have started three different point guards, five shooting guards, four centers, two power forwards and six small forwards.