Adam Armbrecht here, the host of the daily Locked On Nets podcast, with your daily Locked On Nets newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Nets and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Brooklyn Nets’ Strategic Loss to Utah Jazz: A Tanking Triumph
Jan 12, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) is fouled by Brooklyn Nets guard Tyrese Martin (13) during the fourth quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray-Imagn Images
In a game that felt more like a strategic chess match than a basketball showdown, the Brooklyn Nets faced off against the Utah Jazz in what can only be described as a “Tankapalooza.”
Both teams seemed to be playing a game of “who can lose better,” and the Nets emerged victorious in their quest for a loss, falling 112-111 in overtime. This result, while seemingly disappointing, actually serves a greater purpose in the grand scheme of the Nets’ season.
The Nets and Jazz both fielded lineups that suggested a desire to lose, with key players like Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, John Collins, and Keyonte George absent from the Jazz’s roster. The Nets, on the other hand, showcased a lineup that left fans wondering about the team’s intentions.
The game was a spectacle of missed opportunities and questionable decisions, particularly in the final moments of regulation and overtime. Colin Sexton found himself isolated in the corner during a crucial Jazz timeout, while the Nets’ last play saw Nic Claxton attempting an underhanded shot from the three-point line.
This loss marks the fifth consecutive defeat for the Nets, a streak that couldn’t have come at a better time for their draft lottery aspirations. The Nets are now inching closer to the top four spots in the draft lottery, where the odds of landing a transformative talent increase significantly. Currently, the Nets have a 37.2% chance at a top-four pick and a 9% shot at the number-one overall selection. In comparison, the Jazz hold a 42.1% and 10.5% chance, respectively. The gap is narrow, but it could make all the difference on draft night.
The upcoming schedule presents further opportunities for the Nets to solidify their position near the bottom of the standings. With games against playoff contenders like the Clippers, Lakers, and Suns, the Nets could extend their losing streak to 12 or 13 games.
While tanking may not be the most thrilling strategy for fans, the potential reward of landing a generational talent like Cooper Flagg or Dylan Harper could make it all worthwhile.
While the focus is on securing a high draft pick, the Nets are also keen on developing their young players. Noah Clowney’s performance has been underwhelming, lacking defensive impact and struggles from beyond the arc. Claxton’s performance around the basket has also raised concerns, as he has not shown significant improvement this season.
On a brighter note, players like Tosan and Tyrese Martin have shown promise as potential rotation players. Tosan, in particular, has impressed with his versatility and ability to handle the ball, even stepping into a point guard role during overtime.
Martin, despite some shooting struggles, has demonstrated competence on the ball and the ability to create his own shot.
As the Nets navigate this challenging season, the focus remains on the future. The development of young talent and strategic losses are all part of a larger plan to rebuild and emerge stronger in the coming years.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Brooklyn Nets’ tanking strategy and player development, tune into the Locked On Nets podcast for this and much more.
Monday movers: Isaiah Collier and the resilient Pistons
Jan 12, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier (13) lays the ball up against the Brooklyn Nets during the fourth quarter at Delta Center. | Rob Gray/Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Isaiah Collier
If you thought tracking incremental improvements was just for teams, think again. Jazz rookie Isaiah Collier had himself a game on Sunday, with a career-high 23 points, seven rebounds and assists, plus a block, in 37 minutes on the floor. It was Collier’s longest sustained playing time this season.
I covered Collier over his McDonald’s All-American weekend in April 2023. As a USC signee he was in the shadow of Bronny James, also in the same “McDAAG” class. Collier was quiet, polite, and a little shy off the floor, on the floor, all those traits inverted. When I’ve circled around to check on how Collier’s been doing this season I haven’t been surprised to see him taking a secondary role. Sometimes the best thing for a rookie is to have a working balance between competitive pressure and developing at their own pace. What I have been surprised by is how much Collier, up to now, has been flying under the radar.
He had a sixth-sense for the game in high school, in his knack for passing, knowing where teammates would be, and dictating the pace of the game — a rarer thing for a young athlete. It showed it again in his single season at USC. The Jazz don’t necessarily want Collier to be the one deploying these things, they have Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, and Keyonte George as a backup for them, but when Collier’s been trusted by the team to handle the ball it’s paid dividends.
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
Watch Roundball Rock is (almost) back. Giannis, Jayson Tatum, and Wemby star in NBC’s NBA promo. (NBC Sports)
Analysis Amid struggles, what’s the end game for the Suns? (NBA.com)
Trade Bleacher Report looks at one trade each team should make. So who should the Nets target?
Analysis Cam Johnson has stepped up in a big way, filling the shoes of Mikal Bridges since he was traded to the Knicks. (Sports Illustrated)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Waiver Wire Wisdom: Navigating Fantasy Basketball’s Ever-Changing Landscape
Jan 12, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Noah Clowney (21) passes the ball away from Utah Jazz forward Cody Williams (5) during the first quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray/Rob Gray-Imagn Images
As we dive into Week 13 of the NBA season, it’s crucial to approach your fantasy basketball strategy with a keen eye on both the present and the future. The key is to play for the short term while keeping long-term potential in mind.
Donovan Clingan is an interesting addition. With Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams out, Clingan started and showed promise. However, his value may be limited when Ayton returns. This could be an opportunity to sell high on Clingan if you believe his current performance isn’t sustainable.
Noah Clowney and Nikola Jovic are two players with more long-term value. Clowney’s minutes may fluctuate, but he’s worth rostering for potential future gains. Jovic, despite coming off the bench, has shown promise and could see consistent minutes moving forward.
Click the button below to see which under-rostered players need to find their way onto your team.
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Noah Clowney shines with a huge scoring night but Brooklyn Nets lose to Pistons
The Brooklyn Nets played the Detroit Pistons at home as big underdogs without Cam Thomas, Cam Johnson, D’Angelo Russell, and more.
Cam Johnson trade market heating up? How much should Nets hold out for?
It looks like there will be multiple teams in on trading for Cam Johnson before the deadline and the Nets could hold out for a sizable trade package
