" The Nets' season starts in two days. The player who is replacing the injured center was expected to arrive last night. The starting power forward has been in camp three days. The two most expensive free agent signings have totaled three practices.

Happy holidays, Nets. Hope you're ready for that season opener Monday at Washington.

"We're as ready as we're going to be," Deron Williams said with a shrug.

The All-Everything point guard must make it all work, even as guys are introducing themselves to one another."