Nenad

Krstic

Krstic played 14 minutes in Seattle, 12 in Portland. Williams got two minutes in Seattle and then sat in Portland for only the second time as a Net. No value here.

One source had the Nets interested in Portland’s Zach Randolph, to which the New York Post says no way that will happen -- they don’t have the resources to nab him. New Orleans’ P.J. Brown is considered similarly pricey. If Nets make a move for a big man, it likely will be closer to the February trading deadline, when Golden State’s Cliff Robinson will be a target.

Krstic will have to impress if he wants to hold on to his starting job over Jason Collins and Cliff Robinson.

The Nets are hopeful they can have him back for tonight’s game.

Krstic has become an important part of the frontcourt rotation in New Jersey.

Krstic, 21, was drafted in the first round by the Nets two years ago. The skinny 7-footer may be capable of helping the team as a reserve this season, but he probably isn’t ready to play big minutes just yet. Maybe he’ll be a starter in a couple of years.

Krstic, 19, was the 24th overall selection last June. The 7-foot-1, 225-pounder is averaging 13.2 points and 6.0 rebounds for one of Yugoslavia’s top club teams.

Krstic won’t be let out of his contract with his club in Yugoslavia.

“He has played a lot of minutes with us and it would be nice if he could relax... but he has a commitment to his country. People don’t realize here in America how strong the Serbians feel about their national team,” Nets GM Ed Stefanski said.

Presumably, Krstic will test the market in the NBA. We’ve yet to hear any teams linked to the free agent big man, but it’s only a matter of time.