The Nets are so concerned about getting better defensively that they've considered a stopper with some heavy baggage.
The Nets have talked to the Blazers about mercurial swingman Ruben Patterson, according to league sources.
New Jersey's prime initiative, though, is to get an athletic big man. Chris Wilcox, Stromile Swift, Melvin Ely and Steven Hunter remain on the Nets' radar.
The Blazers are discussing scenarios with many teams involving Patterson, who recently requested a trade after being suspended for cursing at coach Nate McMillan. Marc Jackson and Jeff McInnis likely would be part of the Nets' package for Patterson.
The 6-foot-5 Patterson, who is the self-proclaimed "Kobe stopper," would back up Richard Jefferson and Vince Carter. Patterson is also physical enough to guard some power forwards.
But the Nets are concerned about Patterson's past. He pled guilty to attempted rape in 2001, and has been convicted of misdemeanor assault.