Jason Kidd was not a happy camper this time last year.

While he was rehabbing his surgically repaired knee, the Nets dealt Kenyon Martin to the Nuggets in a sign-and-trade for three number one draft choices.

He wanted to be moved to a title contender, because it appeared that they were going into full rebuilding mode in preparation of a move to Brooklyn and perhaps a date with LeBron James.

But the Nets traded for/stole Vince Carter, who underwent a terrific resurgence and despite an injury to Richard Jefferson, they snuck into the playoffs and appeased Kidd.

Now they have agreed to bring in Shareff Abdur-Rahim; the NBA?s most productive player who has yet to play in a playoff game.

That will change this season.

With a starting five of Kidd, Carter, Jefferson, Abdur-Rahim and Kristic, the Nets have one of the most balanced lineups in the Eastern Conference, only bettered by the Pistons.

The spending of Bruce Ratner will continue, as reports indicate that Kenyon Dooling will be brought in to backup Kidd and Carter, allowing those two injury plagued players to keep their minutes down.

The key of the past 12 months for the Nets is clearly the salary cap flexibility that they have managed to maintain.

Martin is making twice as much as Abdur-Rahim will make and it is difficult to even argue that Martin is the superior player.

Statistically, Abdur-Rahim is the superior player, as he consistently averages 20-plus ppg and has a career rebounding average that is half a rebound better than Martin.  

Despite being in the league four more years than Marin, Abdur-Rahim is just one year older and is a year and a half away from turning 30 and has stayed relatively healthy throughout his entire career.

Abdur-Rahim cannot run the break like Martin, but would you rather have Kerry Kittles or Vince Carter flanking Jason Kidd along with Jefferson?  Simple answer.

Abdur-Rahim is one of the finest finesse power forwards in the NBA, particularly in the halfcourt and will be a stable complement to the developing Nenad Kristic.

The Nets are still only two years removed from the NBA Finals and this team has better balance than the teams of 2002 and 2003.  The Heat, Pacers and Pistons are still the powerhouse clubs of the East, but the reloaded Nets will contend and they will undoubtedly compete.

Christopher Reina is the executive editor of RealGM.com and may be reached at [email protected]