This past week, a potential star emerged in the Metropolitan Area. Chris Douglas-Roberts has played incredibly after he was forced to step in for the injured Devin Harris. While the task of replacing the Eastern Conference's best point guard is daunting, Douglas-Roberts has taken his new, more involved role in stride.
For the second game in a row, CDR has set his professional career-high; beginning with 14 points against the New York Knicks on Wednesday. While that contest was well in hand, it was promising to see Douglas-Roberts perform so well in the first home game New Jersey faced without Harris, who suffered a sprained left shoulder and strained deltoid in last Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. He effectively displayed his versatility by adding 7 assists and 3 steals.
Last night's game, however, was incredibly more impressive than the one he played against the Knicks. Against the Miami Heat, the employer of the NBA's leading scorer Dwayne Wade, Chris Douglas-Roberts helped lead the Nets down the stretch to a 96-88 victory. He scored 18 points, including the game-sealing three-pointer. CDR shot efficiently, going 5-of-6 from the field, converting his one attempt from downtown, and making all 7 of his free throws.
His recent performances, along with his 6'7", 200lbs. stature, has led me to believe that Douglas-Roberts will be a significant piece for New Jersey, going forward. With Vince Carter apparently on the outs, Douglas-Roberts can eventually fill in and duplicate his offense. For now, he should be the 6th man, even when Devin Harris returns to the lineup and even if the Nets make the playoffs.
His skill and size is reminiscent of John Salmons. Salmons, this year, is averaging over 18.5 points a game; solidifying himself as a second tier scorer in the NBA. Douglas-Roberts can easily put up those scoring statistics and put himself in the same group as Salmons. That production, in conjunction with Harris, and Fellow Rookie Brook Lopez, can be the building blocks to restore the New Jersey Nets franchise.
Here is CDR's post-game interview with NBA TV.
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Congrats, Jordan. You went out on a limb and picked all of the number 1 seeds to win in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, thus winning our little wager. Great job going outside the box, JL. I applaud you...
Jordan Lauterbach a.k.a. Mr. J.L. (File Photo)
--Max Caster
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