The Nets have gone to two straight NBA Finals and now they've added Alonzo Mourning, who when healthy was the best center in the East.

Jason Kidd can probably envision a lineup that includes himself, Richard Jefferson, Kenyon Martin, Mourning and Dikembe Mutombo.

"I think that team would have to be the favorite to get back to the Finals and have a better shot of winning the championship against the teams over in the Western Conference," Byron Scott said yesterday.

Scott returned from an appearance at a golf charity event and coaching clinic in Canada late Friday night, shortly after Kidd agreed to re-up for six years and Mourning agreed to join the Nets.

The Mourning signing won't become official until Wednesday, the first day free agents are allowed to sign, so Scott was reluctant to talk about him. Still, he's contemplating lineup possibilities.