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Can Brooklyn Nets’ surprising start disrupt tanking plans?
Sep 30, 2024; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets General Manager Sean Marks (left) speaks to head coach Jordi Fernandez (right) during media day at HSS Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images|Wendell Cruz/Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
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.
Here’s something I love: The Detroit Pistons with a win record of 3-5, better than the combined record of the Bucks and the Sixers. Given Detroit’s slow start to the season, and that lopsided match against the Knicks last Friday, I thought we were in for another season where the best the Pistons could hope for was besting their last season record of 14-68.
Yes, there could still be a slump; yes, the play-in still feels like an aspirational goal for this team, but neither of those outcomes takes away from the truth of the matter which is, the league is better when the Pistons are competitive.
This is a franchise with a proud, hard-fought history, a winning history, and one that’s been hard to see these last few seasons under the tarnish of poor decision making and ill-timed coaching fits. Going back to Cade Cunningham’s rookie season, coached by Dwane Casey, that team and the iterations that followed were too good to be as bad as they appeared. Casey — who transitioned into a front office role with the team last season —is a great coach, if a touch old fashioned. Admittedly, I miss being more proximal to him for the Casey-isms alone he’d offer, e.g. More than one way to skin a cat. A front office, mentorship-driven fit was always the goal of Casey even as head coach, given the rebuilding stage the team was in and how in two years its median age of players dipped to one of the youngest in the league.
Skip to last season, Monty Williams’ brief tenure and that dismal aforementioned season record, and rather than treat it as an unfortunate blip, the Pistons young talent took it as a lesson. Cade is in his fourth season and has lost more than any of his five draft contemporaries he was in the running for Rookie of the Year with. Scottie Barnes, Evan Mobley, Jalen Green, Franz Wagner — these guys have certainly seen slumps, the nature of the Draft dictates likely being drafted to a struggling or rebuilding team, but they’ve also had their share of successes. Enough to keep them growing and developing. Cade has, in almost every way, had to take it upon himself to sift the lessons from the seasonal wreckage and keep his hope alive. That takes an incredible amount of discipline and fortitude.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Feel Good The Pistons had to take the subway to their game in Brooklyn because of the NYC marathon (ESPN)
Analysis Will the NBA pinpoint its 3 point problem? (TSA, Substack)
Rumor The Brooklyn Nets are reportedly linked to Jonathan Kuminga in potential trade discussions, aiming to bolster their forward lineup. (Sports Illustrated)
Personnel Nets coach Jordi Fernandez encourages Ben Simmons to increase shooting attempts, aiming to enhance team scoring dynamics. (Sports Illustrated)
Fans Excitement grows among Brooklyn Nets fans as they closely monitor top college prospects for future team potential. (Sports Illustrated)
Injury The Brooklyn Nets face lineup challenges with injury updates impacting key players ahead of the Memphis game. (Sports Illustrated)
Preview Brooklyn’s upcoming clash with Memphis highlights betting odds and strategic matchups crucial for a potential win. (Sports Illustrated)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Is It Truly A Zach Edey Fantasy Basketball Breakout?
Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) drives to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (14) and forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) and guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (1) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center.|Photo by Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Monday’s NBA action was packed with thrilling games and standout performances, offering plenty of insights for fantasy basketball enthusiasts. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key matchups and player performances that could impact your fantasy strategy.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Bucks faced off against the Cavaliers in a closely contested game, with Cleveland edging out Milwaukee 116-114. Giannis Antetokounmpo was sidelined with an adductor issue, which opened the door for Bobby Portis to shine. Portis delivered an impressive 21 points, 18 rebounds, and three blocks, showcasing his potential when given extended minutes. Damian Lillard also had a strong outing with 36 points and seven assists, while Brook Lopez contributed defensively with four steals and two blocks.
Golden State Warriors vs. Washington Wizards
The Warriors secured a road victory against the Wizards, 125-112. Stephen Curry returned to action, scoring 24 points in limited minutes. Buddy Hield continued his hot streak with 20 points, but his current shooting efficiency may not be sustainable. For the Wizards, Jordan Poole put up 24 points, but his high block and steal numbers suggest a potential sell-high opportunity.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Detroit Pistons
The Pistons pulled off a win against the Lakers, 115-103. LeBron James and Anthony Davis both had strong performances, with Davis scoring 37 points despite an ankle injury scare. Jaden Ivey impressed for Detroit, solidifying his status as a must-roster player with his improved play this season.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Nets podcasts.
Nets lose to Pistons. Cam Thomas needs more assists, Ben Simmons needs more shots, and more The Nets lost to the Pistons on Sunday after jumping out to a big lead early. Is the tank safe? Maybe for now.
Giannis Antetokounmpo a future Brooklyn Net? The Bucks have started poorly this season
Word came out yesterday that trouble could be brewing in Milwaukee paradise with Giannis Antetokounmpo possibly looking for an out at some point.
Nets blow past Grizzlies: Is Dennis Schröder too good for the tank?
The Brooklyn Nets are defying expectations with a strong start, thanks in part to Dennis Schroeder’s stellar performance. Ranking top 5 in assists and top 10 in 3-point percentage, Schroeder is a key player in the Nets’ surprising success.
