"You've heard of the gang that couldn't shoot straight. Well, so far the Nets simply have been the gang that couldn't shoot, period.

So welcome back Yi Jianlian and -- eventually -- Jarvis Hayes.

Yi and Hayes arguably are the Nets' best deep shooters. And with a telethon-worthy 2-26 record and a 41.5 field-goal percentage that is by far the worst in the NBA, anyone who can hit the barn, let alone its broad side, is welcome.

Yi is expected to return tonight against Minnesota, the team that on opening night started the Nets on their descent to Hades. Hayes could return Saturday against Houston. Keyon Dooling, battling sore hip flexors that kept him out of five games and limited him to four-plus minutes Saturday, also should be ready tonight when the Nets look to end a seven game losing streak, a mere speed bump compared to the 18-game, season-starting skid. Chris Douglas-Roberts (ankle) is out.

"It just spreads the floor for the team -- two more options for the team as a whole," said Brook Lopez, who could become a huge beneficiary of Yi's and Hayes' ability to stretch the defense. "It's good for us."

It certainly can't hurt. Consider that in 12 games the Nets have failed to shoot 40 percent. After the Nets' 41.5 shooting percentage, the next worst is Chicago at 42.8. And 3-point shooting? The Nets are last at 26.8. Next worst are the Timberwolves (28.9)."