The Brooklyn Nets have kicked off the 2024-25 NBA season with a surprising 4-4 record, having swept the season series with the Memphis Grizzlies in a 106-104 victory at Barclays Center Monday Night. 10% of the season gone, and the shocking question has become - Are the Nets too good to tank? The Nets fanbase who had settled into a the season long journey to the tank, suddenly have to grapple between the excitement of unexpected wins and the strategic implications for the future. More importantly, however, is how Sean Marks and the organization approach this early season development.
Heading into the season, expectations were low. Many, including myself, anticipated a rough start, especially on the offensive end of the floor. Yet, here we are, with the Nets sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference, and sitting closer to 20th than 1st in the NBA Draft odds. The team has shown resilience, managing to hang with teams like the Denver Nuggets and winning games against the likes of the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Nets’ current standing is a double-edged sword. Every fan wants to see their team win, even if the overarching goal is to be bad in the short-term. Cam Thomas is continuing to work on his craft, responding with on court play that reflects a strong understanding of what Coach Jordi Fernandez wants from his fourth year guard. Jalen Wilson in just eight games, has already significantly shifted what is role can be for this franchise in the years to come. Veterans like Dennis Schröder, Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith are providing leadership and production, traits which can be invaluable to establishing the right approach in the younger players on the roster.
The real question becomes whether this early success is sustainable and what it means for the Nets’ tanking agenda. The team has historically struggled with committing to a clear direction, and this season is no different. General Manager Sean Marks may reach the point of deciding between riding a wave of success and “good vibes” with the locker room, or pivoting to ensure they remain in the running for a top draft pick by jettisoning talent at the deadline. While the current roster is outperforming expectations, the long-term benefits of securing a high draft pick cannot be ignored. In true Nets fashion, even the most straight-forward premise entering the year, is already being tested just eight games in.
In the end, it is hard not to get caught up in the excitement of each game and fans should enjoy every victory. In the short-term, Brooklyn will face the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks twice and the Cleveland Cavaliers once over the next twelve days. Organizations can mitigate “risk” of success through trades, rotations, and rest - but the NBA schedule also has a way of balancing the scales over 82 games.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Brooklyn Nets’ season and strategic decisions, tune into the Locked On Nets podcast for this and much more.
