[1] The Nets had the seventh overall pick in the 1997 NBA draft, and selected Tim Thomas out of Villanova University,[2][3][4][5][6] but soon traded him to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for top draft pick Keith Van Horn from the University of Utah, Lucious Harris, Michael Cage and Don MacLean,[7][8][9][10] then signed free agent Sherman Douglas on the first day of the regular season, which began on October 31, 1997.
[15][16] A youth movement began to pay off as the Nets won their first four games, and played above .500 for the entire season, holding a 27–21 record at the All-Star break.
[17] At mid-season, the team traded David Benoit, Kevin Edwards and Yinka Dare to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Rony Seikaly, and second-year forward Brian Evans.
[18][19][20][21] Despite a 7-game losing streak between February and March, the Nets made the playoffs by finishing in third place in the Atlantic Division with a 43–39 record.
[35][36] In the Eastern Conference First Round of the playoffs, the Nets faced off against Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and the 2-time defending champion Chicago Bulls.
However, due to injuries to Cassell (groin), Williams (thumb), and Van Horn (stomach virus),[37][38][39] the Nets were swept by the Bulls in three straight games.
Cassell ranked second on the team in scoring, behind Van Horn at 19.6 ppg, and led the Nets in assists with 8.0 apg.