Kenyon Martin said it was time for a change. And as he was talking about that to the media in Denver, his new home, folks in his old stomping grounds of New Jersey were sorting through different scenarios. Suffice to say the post-Martin era for the Nets is beginning with small steps, not giant strides. With low-cost the key phrase, the team yesterday met with free agent swingman Rodney Buford, bidding to join his fifth team since 1999. Additionally, the Nets have an interest in free agent point guard Jacque Vaughn, who was with the Hawks for a second tour last season. But neither can fill the huge void created by Martin's absence. The Nets are looking at power forward options such as free agents Tractor Traylor of New Orleans and Rodney White of Denver. Eric Williams of Cleveland is a three-four type they like. And they'll probably revisit the Eddie Griffin experiment if the troubled forward stays sober. Shareef Abdur-Rahim makes the most sense. But also, the most money, so forget him. The Nets have eight players under contract and more belt-tightening is mandated. "It was a great run in Jersey but it was time for a change," said Martin, traded for three lottery-protected draft picks after signing a seven-year, $92.5 million contract. "In Denver, they're winning now. I wanted to be a part of a winning organization." The Nets' coaching staff, meanwhile, has one opening and quality candidates: Jim Cleamons, formerly of Phil Jackson's staff, ex-player Grant Long, former Bulls head coach Bill Cartwright and ex-Sixer head coach Randy Ayers (also drawing interest from Detroit) are vying for the final spot with Lawrence Frank, whose option has been picked up. He already has hired John Kuester from the world champion Pistons. Kuester joins Brian Hill and Tom Barrise.
