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: Tank Now, Giannis Antetokounmpo Later?
Jan 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner/Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The Brooklyn Nets are officially in tank mode, and General Manager Sean Marks isn’t shy about admitting it. In a recent interview with the New York Post, Marks laid out the organization’s strategy moving forward, emphasizing that decisions may not always align with winning the next game or fielding the most talented lineup.
This candid admission is a refreshing departure from the typical executive-speak we’re accustomed to hearing. While it’s no secret that teams often prioritize long-term success over short-term gains, it’s rare to hear it stated so explicitly. Marks’ honesty, while potentially raising eyebrows around the league, provides clarity for fans and players alike.
The Nets’ approach isn’t without precedent. We’ve seen similar strategies employed by teams like the Philadelphia 76ers during their “Trust the Process” era. However, the Nets seem to be taking a more measured approach, balancing the need for high draft picks with maintaining a competitive culture.
For players like Ben Simmons, this presents an interesting dynamic. Simmons recently stated that the team needs to play to win regardless of front office expectations. This sentiment, while admirable, highlights the potential disconnect between player mentality and organizational goals.
The reality is that tanking, while controversial, remains one of the few reliable methods for acquiring top-tier talent in the NBA. With a deep draft class on the horizon, the Nets are positioning themselves to capitalize on potential franchise-altering prospects.
However, this strategy isn’t without risks. The NBA has implemented measures to discourage blatant tanking, and there’s always the possibility that ping pong balls don’t bounce in your favor come lottery night. Additionally, there’s the challenge of maintaining player morale and development during a losing season.
Looking ahead, the Nets’ flexibility with cap space and draft assets puts them in a prime position to pivot quickly if the opportunity arises. Rumors of pursuing a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo have already begun circulating, showcasing the team’s ability to shift gears rapidly if the right situation presents itself.
For Nets fans, this season may be a test of patience. But with a clear plan in place and the potential for a bright future, there’s reason for optimism. The key will be balancing the need for high draft picks with creating a culture that attracts and retains top talent.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Nets’ rebuilding strategy, tune into the Locked On Nets podcast for this and much more.
Jan 13, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles up court against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. | John E. Sokolowski/John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Something I realized last night at the Warriors-Raptors game, perhaps more pressingly than the last time the team was in town a season ago — this thing isn’t going to last forever.
You wouldn’t get that impression from Steph Curry, who takes his pre-game warmup last and happily engages with the fans who show up an hour before tip-off to watch him. Curry’s off-court presence, compared to his superstar contemporaries, has always been demure and private, but watching him revel and work within that outsized adoration is a privilege in itself. No fan in attendance watching him take feathery lob after feathery lob, or take a volleyball spike to the basketball so he could meet it mid-air for a dunk, was thinking about the finite nature of Curry — performer or competitor.
Even if the underlying desire of proximity to greatness stems from the understanding that one day that greatness will no longer exist, that reality doesn’t translate in the moment. In the moment, there’s just Curry, laughing with his coaches, signing the backs of jerseys, going through footwork, prepping for the night’s game.
Where the impression of a dynasty in its final stages becomes more pronounced is through the words of Warriors coach, Steve Kerr. Asked about how difficult it is to maintain a dynasty, and Kerr reverted to Curry.
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.
Analysis TheDetroit Pistons are emerging as a serious surprise story this season. (TSN)
Biz Explosive court documents show co-conspirators and other shocking details in Jontay Porter’s ongoing betting scandal. (The Athletic)
Draft The 2025 NBA Draft is only a few months away. So who will the Nets pick? (Bleacher Report)
Preview The Nets head west to take on the Trail Blazers tonight at 10:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
NBA Injury Update: Key Players Sidelined and Return Timelines For Fantasy Basketball
Jan 12, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier (13) attempts a three point basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the third quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray/Rob Gray-Imagn Images
As we approach the midpoint of the NBA season, injuries continue to play a significant role in shaping team dynamics and fantasy basketball strategies. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most impactful injuries across the league and their potential implications.
The Utah Jazz are once again at the forefront of injury-related drama. Lauri Markkanen’s back spasms and John Collins’ hip issue have raised eyebrows, with many speculating about potential load management strategies. Keyonte George’s heel soreness has kept him out for five consecutive games, while Jordan Clarkson’s plantar fascia injury could potentially end his season. The Jazz’s injury situation is one to monitor closely, as it could lead to increased opportunities for players like Kyle Filipowski and Isaiah Collier
In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid’s knee injury has kept him out for four consecutive games. This absence highlights the risks associated with drafting Embiid in the first round of fantasy drafts. With a busy schedule ahead, including back-to-back sets, Embiid’s playing time could be limited even upon his return.
For more insights and a deeper dive into NBA injuries and their fantasy implications, tune into the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
• Portland Trail Blazers injury updates
• Phoenix Suns roster changes and injury concerns
• Orlando Magic’s lengthy injury report and fantasy implications
3peat (ICYMI)
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Nets podcasts.
Brooklyn Nets lose a tank-off in Utah, overtime loss against the Jazz In a hilarious game in Utah, the Brooklyn Nets lost to the Jazz on Sunday. The game ended up going to overtime when it was all said and done, with some wild end-of-game sequences.
Would a Cam Johnson trade to the Thunder include Nikola Topic?
Cam Johnson looks like he’s going to be dealt before the trade deadline. And it looks like the Oklahoma Thunder will be in the mix when it’s all said and done.
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.
