Ron Mercer was the sixth overall selection by the Boston Celtics in the 1996 draft, and he became part of Rick Pitino's failed experiment of recreating his Kentucky team.

He was often criticized for being selfishly point-driven.  He did average over 19 points per game for the Bulls back in the 2000-2001 season, but last year he only averaged 5 for the Spurs before he was released after just 39 games.

Now with the New Jersey Nets, his opinion of the franchise's situation differs dramatically from that of his teammates Jason Kidd and Alonzo Mourning.  Mercer sees this as a situation to finally prove his former worth, as he will be one of the team's focal points.  This is an opportunity that wouldn't have been present, had the Nets not decided to rebuild their club.

"I look at this as a new start," Mercer said. "I'm playing like it's my last opportunity."

Mercer is still only 28 years old and has many years of good basketball in front of him, if his play matches his talent.