Jarrett Jack pleased by trade to Nets

Jarrett Jack was sitting in class, the final one he needs to complete his college degree, when a very important call came in on his cellphone.

It was Jack's agent, wanting to deliver an update that even included a little version of "New York, New York.'' No doubt that triggered a much better reaction than anything his professor may have said.

"I'm tremendously excited because a lot of guys I have admired from afar, I actually get to be teammates with now,'' Jack said Thursday on a conference call after being officially acquired by the Nets in a three-team trade with the Cavaliers and Celtics. "I think that's the most intriguing part.

"But I definitely think we have the capability to do some damage in the East and be the force that people expected Brooklyn to be last year.''

Jack replaces Shaun Livingston, whom the Warriors signed. He already has chatted with new Nets coach Lionel Hollins and Deron Williams, whom he's known since high school thanks to crossing paths in the recruiting process.

Jack, 30, is trying to get a feel for his new situation. It's uncertain whether the 6-3 guard will start alongside Williams, but no matter what his role is, he's confident he can carve out a sizable niche with the Nets.

"I think I can be someone who can relieve Deron at times with the ballhandling responsibilities,'' Jack said. "Pushing the tempo, trying to create opportunities for myself or for my teammates.''

Jack didn't flourish during his lone season with the Cavs after signing a four-year, $25-million deal. He averaged 9.5 points and 4.1 assists and shot only 41 percent.

"I was more of a facilitator and had less scoring punch than I was accustomed to,'' he said, "and I think that was more the cause of it than anything.''

The Nets have had their eyes on Jack for a while, and they finally have him. So those seemingly nonstop whispers about a possible trade can cease.

"I heard rumblings, but I'm not a person that actually believes it until it happens,'' Jack said. "And now that it's come to fruition, I'm very, very happy about it and excited.''

Pierce awaiting deal. Paul Pierce, playing at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, told pokernews.com that he's still unsure where he'll play next season. He also said he's spoken with Clippers coach Doc Rivers, his former coach in Boston, since free agency began.

"I had a great time in Brooklyn,'' Pierce said. "Even though we started off slow, we turned it around. Unfortunately, we didn't get to our ultimate goal, but I enjoyed the experience.''