According to Sheridan Hoops:
“Noah just wills that team and they find a way to win,” the Eastern Conference executive told SheridanHoops. “Noah is a game-changer. Toronto doesn’t have a game-changer.”
“My first impression would be the Raptors because they have less experience, not as good of a coach and the matchups are better,” the scout told SheridanHoops.
So apparently:
- Nets are scared of the Bulls
- Nets would rather face the Raptors who have less playoff experience
- Nets think Casey’s not as good as a coach as Thibodeau, and would find the matchup easier
I remember in 2006-07 when the Raptors were looking to avoid the Nets on account of Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, and Richard Jefferson even though they had won the season series 3-1. Now, though, I’m not sure these Nets are as scary. In truth, the Raptors would have a coaching advantage in this matchup and I would actually count that as a tipping point.
What scares me is the officials. The NBA would no doubt like the Nets and their “star power” to advance to the second round, perhaps fancying a matchup with Indiana or Miami. That would be a lot more appealing than having the Raptors in the second-round. That, unfortunately, is the reason I would like to avoid facing the Nets.
