Do the old Nets have one more run left in them?

The Nets' season ended on a disappointing note. For a team that was supposed to give the Miami Heat a run for their money, Brooklyn disappointed in the second round after beating the Toronto Raptors in game seven of the first round. The Nets lasted just five games against Miami in round two, but they didn't get crushed by the Heat by any means.

We saw some promise in the old Nets, and there were even a few bright spots. Joe Johnson earned his pay throughout the playoffs, averaging 21 points on 53 percent shooting from the field, and really established himself as the Nets' best player and backbone. Paul Pierce also showed why he was brought to Brooklyn, and was a part of some of the biggest moments of the Nets' playoff run. But with those bright spots came the disappointments, and the biggest disappointment of all goes by the name of Deron Williams. He averaged 14.5 points on 39 percent shooting in the playoffs, and that includes a zero point game against Miami.

After a season filled with ups and downs, is it possible that the Nets have one last run in them? It is very possible, but there are a few things that must happen if Brooklyn can be in the conversation for one more year.

First of all, Brook Lopez has to stay healthy. That's the most important thing. Coming off of his fourth foot procedure since 2011, Brook needs to find a way to get himself back to being an all-star and needs to find a way to be more durable. Deron Williams' health is also a major part of the Nets' potential success in 2014-2015. After what seems like an eternity of nothing but sprained ankles, Williams elected to get surgery on both of his ankles, something he should have done two years ago. If these two can get healthy and get back to what we all know they can be, the Nets have a shot at being contenders.

Also, Billy King has to bring back guys like Paul Pierce and Shaun Livingston. Andray Blatche is also a free agent, but he might not be as important now that Mason Plumlee has proven his ability to be effective on the basketball court. Pierce's work-load decreased when he came to the Nets, so his numbers don't do him justice. He was an important piece of the Nets' run, and he still has two or three good years left in the tank. The Nets own his bird-rights, so they have the upper-hand in trying to reel in the future Hall of Fame-er.

One piece that the Nets are lacking is a rebounding big-man, though Kevin Garnett put up impressive rebounding numbers for a 38 year old (11.6 rebounds per 36 minutes, highest since 2006-2007). If Garnett elects to forego retirement and make one more run in Brooklyn, his role will be totally different. He'll be seeing a lot less minutes, so the Nets need to find someone to come in and grab rebounds. Either that, or Brook Lopez needs to step up his rebounding big time. Eight rebounds per game isn't too much to ask from a seven foot center. Get it done, Brook.

It was reported that the Nets will be looking to obtain a draft-pick, and Billy King is known for draft-day acquisitions, so expect the Nets to get themselves into the draft, whether it's the late first round or second round. There aren't many pieces on the Nets that can be moved for a first-rounder, so expect something more in the mid-second round.

Now if all of this happens, the Nets will have one last chance to bring a championship to Brooklyn. It won't be an easy run, but with the team having built chemistry, we can expect a much better start to the season than last year. The only issue will be if they can keep their legs fresh enough to finish strong.

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