The Brooklyn Nets have emerged as an early-season surprise, outperforming expectations with a 5-8 record. While not spectacular, this start is better than many anticipated, prompting some to question whether the team would be better served by focusing on securing a higher draft position.
This has led to speculation about the Nets potentially aiming to draft top prospects like Duke’s Cooper Flagg or Rutgers standouts Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper.
However, Nets General Manager Sean Marks has made it clear that the team has no intention of deliberately losing games. “We don’t use some of those words [like ‘tanking’], so it’s go compete, go compete and let the chips fall where they may,” Marks told NJ.com.
Marks emphasized that the season is unpredictable and insisted the team’s focus is on competing, rather than pre-determining their final position.
“I think you navigate the season as it goes, and you don’t go into a season saying this is where we’re going to be, this is how it’s going to end,” Marks explained. “There’s a lot of unforeseen things.”
He also praised the effort and determination shown by the players and coaching staff, expressing excitement over the identity and culture forming within the team.
“You’ve gotta give credit to these players, they’re playing with a chip on their shoulder, and the coaches are doing a helluva job, so that’s exciting to see. It’s exciting to see an identity being formed and a culture being driven. So who am I to push back on that?”
Marks added that if the Nets end up winning more games than expected, potentially taking them out of the running for a top draft pick, he would still view that as a positive outcome.
“Well, these guys have done something really right if that’s the case,” Marks said. “And I love that.”
Sean Marks Says Nets Don't Use The Word 'Tanking' https://t.co/FeSjgI8BcO
— RealGM (@RealGM) November 17, 2024
