even with a few overpays, they aren't catching 4-6 teams above them
From either conference? generally each year there's one team from each conference that goes tank mode, this year the Lakers and Sixers. It's fair to say there will be two next year as well. Then in the West we have Phoenix, Minnesota, Portland, Denver and possibly even Memphis (depending on Conley) who could all struggle. They won't all struggle but it only takes one or two. In the East the same can be said for Charlotte and the Hawks (only in the case that they rebuild, debatable)
i don't know, I hope they are that bad, I guess I don't want to assume it because this is the NBA and things can turn in an instant.
In my head, the worst case realistic scenario is Scott Brooks as Head coach, Jennings signs (or worse Mike Conley >_<), Gordon/Afflalo sign and they manage to have a half decent bench.
Their biggest issue this year is their lack of depth. Lopez, Young, Johnson and RHJ all have positive ORtgs. It's the fact that they have to get subbed out at some points that hurts them. Give them some depth and they aren't mentioned in the same breath as the Lakers and 76ers.
People use the argument that everyone will have cap space so why would people join the Nets.
1) Well one reason will be that they are a great destination for a PG wanting to re-establish value
2) With Lopez down low I imagine they are quite appealing for a shooter like Gordon as well
3)Finally a good reason is that they can sign guys to overpaid 2 year deals, keep interest in the team up and wait until they control their future before taking the step to rebuild, hopefully all the while gaining assets and selling on them high. And if they falter in that attempt they are no worse off than when they started
Call me a pessimist but I think our 2016 pick will be far and away our best pick from the Nets