Not only did the Nets fall to the Bucks on a last-second floater by shifty point guard Luke Ridnour, but they also lost Yi Jianlian for (at least) a month in tonight's contest. Yi broke the pinky finger on his right hand, which of course, is his shooting hand. Depending on the healing process, his return may be as far as six or seven weeks away.
Repercussions for the Nets:
(1) Bobby Simmons and Jarvis Hayes will see more shot attempts at the forward position, and a revived Eduardo Najera will see more minutes as well.
(2) Despite Yi's hot shooting of late, the Nets' offensive production likely won't taper off much because of a huge boost in the form of Devin Harris' return this week.
(3) New Jersey's team defense will probably improve in Yi's absence because, quite frankly, he's the worst defender in the starting lineup.
(4) Lawrence Frank has a few options for a new starting lineup: (A) PG-Dooling, SG-Harris, SF-Carter, PF-Simmons, C-Lopez; (B) PG-Harris, SG-Carter, SF-Hayes, PF-Simmons, C-Lopez; or (C) PG-Harris, SG-Carter, SF-Simmons, PF-Boone, C-Lopez.
My preference is lineup C, because the other two lineups are too small with Simmons at the power forward position. Boone will provide energy, rebounding, and a little defense in place of Yi. In order for lineup C to work, Sean Williams will need to be promoted from the NBDL to take Boone's place on the pine. Sean-Will will likely split time with Najera and perhaps Trenton Hassell.
Cross your fingers Nets fans...Yi may represent a major loss. We shall see.
Keywords: Bobby Simmons, Brook Lopez, Devin Harris, Eduardo Najera, Jarvis Hayes, Josh Boone, Keyon Dooling, Nets, New Jersey Nets, Sean Williams, Vince Carter, Yi, Yi broken finger, Yi broken finger on shooting hand, Yi injured, Yi Jianlian, Yi Jianlian out a month, Yi out at least a month
