Earlier today, Nets GM Billy King confirmed that the Nets will apply for the Disabled Player Exception in a bid to replace injured big man Brook Lopez with outside help. Meanwhile, the Nets have also reportedly discussed Omer Asik and Jeremy Lin with the Rockets. Here’s a look at the Atlantic as the Nets look to salvage their season..
- Howard Beck of Bleacher Report wonders aloud if the Nets should consider dealing Paul Pierce before the February deadline. PIerce can leave as a free agent at the end of the season and if they feel that they can’t regroup in time to make a title run this year, it would make sense to shop the veteran as a short-term rental.
- There is a constant evaluation process happening with the Celtics and no one should be surprised if they make a move that feels like one step forward, or even two steps back, writes SBNation’s Paul Flannery. Meanwhile, Flannery says that it’s telling that the C’s didn’t up their offer of Brandon Bass, Courtney Lee, and a protected future first-round pick for Asik. Boston was only interested in Asik if they could secure him for two contracts that extend beyond this season and once rebuffed, they were okay with walking away.
- Celtics guard MarShon Brooks is anxiously awaiting an opportunity to prove himself in Boston, writes Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald. The Celtics turned down their fourth-year option on Brooks, making him a free agent at the end of this season.
- Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com tries to read between the lines of Carmelo Anthony‘s recent assertion on NBA TV that LeBron James and Chris Bosh were “smart” to join Dwyane Wade with the Heat in free agency three years ago. Of course, the Knicks star is headed for free agency after this season.
Chuck Myron contributed to this post.