"The star center they sought remains in Orlando. The star center they have is idled with a broken foot. And they can't be sure that their dazzling playmaker, practically new to the team, will stay for long.

Here are the Nets, one foot in Newark, another in Brooklyn, approaching a fresh season with a sense of foreboding and even finality. Their 35th, and last, season as the New Jersey Nets begins tonight in Washington, with the optimism usually attached to a season opener muted.

Much of the uncertainty is tied to the point guard, Deron Williams, a Net for all of 12 games last season and destined to be a free agent after this season. The Nets need Williams to attract name players like Dwight Howard for the trip to Brooklyn, and the stars are more likely to flock to the Nets if Williams is around to cement the offense.

If you're looking for some reassurance, Nets fans, it's hard to come by.

In a quiet moment last week, Williams offered only this:

"We'll see. I want to see how this year goes.""