By FRED KERBER
Old England didn’t sound all that merry as a 12-minute drive to practice for the Nets took 70 minutes because of an accident/traffic at the Blackwall Tunnel.
And the Blackwall Tunnel means about as much to me as saying, “See that traffic on the Deegan?” would mean to a Londoner. Anyway…
Vince Carter (strained left hamstring) practiced today and is questionable for tomorrow’s European finale against the Heat. Eduardo Najera (sore wrist) and Jarvis Hayes (strained left hamstring) are out. Keyon Dooling is available.
Figure Carter might make at least a cameo – “questionable” is better than “doubtful” which is better than “out” which is better than “retired.” The NBA types want stars to play but no way the Nets risk him without a complete seal of medical approval.
Najera apparently had recuperated from a sprained left wrist. Banged it before team left. So he’s on the shelf. Dooling has been down since start of camp with ankle sprain.
Yi Jianlian, Brook Lopez and Julius odge should play. All sat first game as Lawrence Frank used two platoon system that gave those used a longer time on floor instead of choppy minutes.
* * *
Nets did a conference call with Chris Douglas-Roberts, one of the stars of the pre-season opening overtime win against the Heat.
He says he’s over that whole “I got picked 40th and I hate the world” thing but he still feels the need to prove himself.
“That’s pretty much all it is,” said the 6-7 CD-R, who scored 18 points out of the chute. “Having a chip on my shoulder, having the mentality that I have to earn my respect. But I’m pretty much over that now. Now all I have to do is play and make others realize it was a mistake because I knew it was a mistake.”
* * *
Had to ask it. Can you only drive down the left side of the lane in games over there?
“I’m going to try on both sides of the lane,” CD-R said. “But that is pretty weird being out here where the traffic is opposite and the steering wheel is on the opposite side.”
* * *
A recent discussion with a national basketball writer ended in a friendly wager. He said this Nets team will be the worst in the NBA, could be as bad as any Nets team.
“Your honor, we offer into evidence the roster of the 17-win 1989-90 Nets team:
Guard rotation: Mookie Blaylock (rookie), Dennis Hopson, Lester Connor; Forwards: Chris Morris, Charles Shackleford, Jack Haley; Centers: Sam Bowie, Chris Dudley. Others: Purvis Short, Joe Barry Carroll, Anthony Mason (21 games), Roy Hinson (25 games), Pete Myers (28 games). Enough.
* * *
Still trying to figure out how to watch Nets-Heat tomorrow. I’m not one of the 9 people I know who get NBA-TV (Verizon doesn’t offer NBA package – figured I’d try to shame them into getting it). One friend suggested going to watch game at a sports bar.
I asked, “Would you think about that?”
During football season: “Hey, barkeep. Could you turn off the Jets please? Nets and Heat are playing a completely meaningless game, in London no less. Could we watch that instead of this game that everybody in here bet on?”
* * *
Douglas-Roberts on his first game which included a staggering 12-2 personal run against the Heat in a 2:57 span:
“Surprisingly, I was very comfortable. I don’t know why. I didn’t really have any butterflies. My nerves weren’t really going for some reason and I felt comfortable. And I felt really confident out there. Just being able to get the first game out of the way is sort of a relief just to say I’m officially an NBA player. It’s a great feeling,” said the No. 40 pick from Memphis.
“That’s what I’m going to get every night, that’s what I’m, going to try to do every night when I get the opportunity so people can expect me to give that effort every time I play.”
* * *
Useless fact of the day:
Who’s buried in Grant’s Tomb? Ulysses S. Grant. And his wife, Julia.