Tue, Aug 9, 2005 at 12:00am

NETS GET BACK-UP CENTER

The New Jersey Nets acquired center Marc Jackson and cash from the Philadelphia 76ers for a conditional 2006 second-round draft pick.

What does it give the New Jersey Nets
A little help in their power-poor frontcourt. The Nets have lots of talent in the backcourt but are possibly the NBA's weakest team in the paint, desperate for a wide body who can rebound. Jackson gives them that and although he isn't much of a defender, he can certainly grab his share of boards and score down low. He isn't exactly Shareef Abdur-Rahim (whom the Nets earlier had a deal for saw it fall through due to concerns about his knee), but Jackson will likely be much better options than the aging Cliff Robinson and the weak-rebounding Jason Collins.

What does it give the Philadelphia 76ers
A little financial breathing room and a decent draft pick. Jackson was entirely expendable after the Sixers signed centers Samuel Dalembert and Steven Hunter, and while both don't score quite as well as Jackson they each have much more upside and are superior rebounders and defenders. All their signing moves this off-season didn't leave much financial flexibility for Philly, so the trade of Jackson--even though it's to a division rival--made sense.

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