clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

New Jersey Nets To Bring Back Dennis Horner Following Wednesday's Injuries

By Scott Schroeder
Dennis Horner boxes out Renaldo Balkman during his first tour of duty with the New Jersey Nets. <em>Photo courtesy of Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images</em>.
Dennis Horner boxes out Renaldo Balkman during his first tour of duty with the New Jersey Nets. Photo courtesy of Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images.

The New Jersey Nets were thinking about signing another point guard to fill their open roster spot prior to Wednesday night's game, but things changed following injuries to both Shelden Williams and Jordan Williams during the team's victory over the Indiana Pacers.

With depth a concern in the frontcourt following the injuries, league source's have told Ridiculous Upside that the team has decided to bring back Dennis Horner from the NBA Development League's Springfield Armor. The team is expected to sign Horner on Friday, prior to their next game, to take full advantage of his 10-day contract

Horner surprisingly made the Nets out of training camp this year, but was released before he was able to make much of an impact and has been developing his game with the New Jersey-owned Armor ever since. He's averaging 17 points and 8.5 rebounds in 25 games with the Armor, but his most impressive games have come during his last two outings.

After sitting for a brief stretch due to a back injury, he's looked like a man possessed, culiminating in a performance in which he scored 29 points and grabbed 15 rebounds on Tuesday night.

The call-up of Horner continues a great story for the player considering he began his D-League career by way of an open tryout (suggested reading includes this excellent Horner profile courtesy of NBA.com's John Schumann), but the stretch-four has proved he has what it takes to play in the NBA. He might not look the part, but his ability to stretch the defense and willingness to mix it up inside makes him a matchup problem.

New Jersey has done great work since entering into the D-League, hiring Bob MacKinnon -- a Coach of the Year candidate -- and stocking the Springfield team with prospects the Nets believe can play at the next level. Along with Horner, Jerry Smith and Jeff Foote have both been earned NBA call-ups this season .... and combo-guard JamesOn Curry is deserving of one as well.