EAST RUTHERFORD – Shortly after being traded from the first-place Dallas Mavericks to the dregs of the East, Kris Humphries received a phone call from Nets coach Kiki Vandeweghe.
The subject was optimism.
"We all started playing because we love the game," Humphries said, relaying his conversation with the coach. "You shouldn’t have a bad attitude about it. We’re doing something that we’re blessed to do.
"To me, it’s just come in, play hard. There’s an opportunity to play and [you have to] make the most of it."
As a power forward known for his rebounding, Humphries expects to have more of chance in the Nets’ rotation. Swingman Shawne Williams’ role here is less easily defined.
Humphries and Williams were dealt from Dallas on Monday in exchange for Eduardo Najera. Humphries practiced with his new team on Tuesday, and Williams was expected to arrive in time for tonight’s game against Boston.
And there might be more Nets deals to come.
"We’re making moves," Devin Harris said. "But we’re also looking to get better at the same time."
Williams, 23, comes with baggage, having worn out his welcome at Indianapolis and Dallas. Could he help the 3-34 Nets?
"I definitely hope so," Harris said. "He’s a talent."
Things already were slightly optimistic in Nets camp, as Harris practiced and declared himself ready for tonight’s game. Harris missed Sunday’s loss at San Antonio with a sore right wrist.
"He’s been playing with it," Vandeweghe said. "As long as he’s not going to injure it further, we obviously need him."
The Nets could use any help to avoid replacing the 9-73 Philadelphia 76ers of 1972-73 as the team with the NBA’s worst record all time.
"I don’t think we’ll get to that point where we’ll have to worry about that," Harris said. "I seriously think we’ll get past that point."
And Humphries fills a need.
"Obviously, we’ve been struggling with the rebound battle, and he’ll definitely help us in that department," Harris said.
In past conversations with Humphries, Jason Kidd had good things to say about the Nets organization, though they hadn’t spoken since the trade. Humphries did concede that he’s in for a transition, since "the Mavericks had a team where the core group of guys played 10 years in the league or more.
"It’s going to be different."
The Nets are Humphries’ fourth team in six pro seasons, but Vandeweghe described the 6-foot-9, 24-year-old as not having reached his potential.
"I think he’s a little bit of an underrated scorer," Vandeweghe said.
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