Just so we’re clear on one thing, Deron Williams is the best player on the Nets. He’s among the top three point guards in the league and among the best overall players in the NBA, but take a guess at who the most valuable player for the Nets is this season: Kris Humphries!
Humphries has played in all but two games this season and is averaging a double-double (13.6 points, 10.7 rebounds). Again, Williams is the Nets’ best player, but he’s been getting nicked up lately and has missed games this season. In fact, he missed Saturday’s 112-106 loss to Houston and Monday’s 105-99 loss to the Bucks. The Nets hosted Toronto last night (Wednesday).
Humphries was on display for all to see on Monday with a career-high 31 points and 18 rebounds. All of this brings us to an interesting question: What will the Nets do about Humphries? He’s only under contract through the end of the season. Truth be told, the Nets were fortunate to sign him to just a one-year deal worth $8 million during the offseason. The way he’s playing this season, he’ll command much more in years and dollars.
The Nets have been gearing up to make a run at Dwight Howard to team up with Williams. At press time, no trade between the Nets and the Magic had been announced, but several published reports indicated New Jersey would be Howard’s destination. Assuming the Nets land the 7-foot giant, Humphries, who averaged 10 points and 10.4 rebounds last year, would be the perfect complement.
There is always the chance that Humphries would have to be included in any trade for Howard, but let’s assume he isn’t in a trade package. The question is, can the Nets afford Howard, Williams, whose contract is up after this season, and Humphries? That’s a question that can only be answered by Nets GM Billy King. If King can find a way to have the three together, Brooklyn will be the place to be for the foreseeable future.