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 Historic Loss to Clippers: The Ugly Side Of Tanking
Jan 15, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Tyrese Martin (13) dribbles against LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) during the third quarter at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio/Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
The Brooklyn Nets suffered a devastating 126-67 loss against the Los Angeles Clippers, marking one of the worst defeats in NBA history. This game will likely be remembered as a symbolic moment in the Nets’ tanking strategy for the 2023-24 season.
As a Nets fan, it’s hard to stomach such a lopsided loss, especially when it ties for the 10th-worst defeat in league history. The team’s inability to crack even 70 points is a stark reminder of the challenges faced when key players are sidelined. With D’Angelo Russell, Cam Thomas, and Cameron Johnson out of the lineup, the Nets struggled to generate any offensive momentum.
What’s particularly frustrating is the team’s inconsistency in executing their tanking strategy. Just days before this embarrassing loss, the Nets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, a direct competitor in the race for better lottery odds. It seems the organization can’t even tank properly, winning games they should lose and getting blown out in others.
The starting lineup of Ziaire Williams, Noah Clowney, Nicholas Claxton, Tyrese Martin, and Keon Johnson was outmatched. Their combined scoring output was abysmal, with no starter reaching double figures. This roster construction raises questions about the team’s simultaneous approach to player development and tanking.
A Closer Look at the Numbers
The Nets’ offensive ineptitude was historic. Since 2010, this game ranks 25th lowest-scoring performance in the NBA. It’s the lowest point total for any team in the last seven years. The starting lineup’s stat line is bleak:
Ziaire Williams and Noah Clowney: 4 points each, Nicholas Claxton: 2 points, Tyrese Martin: 8 points, Keon Johnson: 6 points
These numbers highlight the challenges of fielding a competitive team while prioritizing draft positioning. It’s a delicate balance that the Nets seem to be struggling with.
The Fan Experience
As much as we understand the long-term benefits of tanking, games like this are tough to swallow for the fanbase. It’s one thing to lose close games or show flashes of potential in defeat. It’s another to be completely non-competitive, especially when fans are still paying full price for tickets and merchandise.
The organization must be mindful of the fan experience during this rebuilding phase. While the end goal of securing a high draft pick is important, maintaining fan engagement and loyalty is crucial for the franchise’s long-term success.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Nets’ tanking strategy and its impact on the team and fanbase, tune into the Locked On Nets podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Nets Podcast:
• Noah Clowney’s ejection and its implications
• The importance of facilitators for big man development
Jan 4, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) greets Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) before a game at Frost Bank Center. | Scott Wachter/Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
I only get to write this column once per week, so while we’re still technically a game or two short of the halfway marker for most teams, I’m here with some second-quarter awards anyway!
These are honors for the second quarter and second quarter only; they aren’t predictive. Word count limitations mean I have no margin for a longer introduction. You get it.
Interior Defensive Player of the Quarter
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
When it comes to analyzing defense, it isn’t fair to lump wings and guards with bigs; it’s like comparing a sports car to a heavy-duty pickup truck when you can only buy one vehicle. Instead, I split Defensive Player of the Quarter into interior and perimeter editions.
My Interior Defensive Player of the Quarter won’t shock: it’s Victor Wembanyama. I could throw a bunch of advanced analytics at you to prove the case, but instead, I’d ask that you join me in prayer: Holy mother of basketballs, protect your children from the harm Wembanyama inflicts upon them.
Ok, fine, here’s one fun, if basic, number. In the season’s second quarter, Wemby had an outrageous 69 blocks. That’s 30 more than second-place Myles Turner, despite the fact that Turner played in three more games. Let’s not waste time here.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Trade As the trade deadline approaches, the Nets are evaluating both dream and realistic targets to bolster their roster. (Bleacher Report)
Analysis A re-evaluation of the 2021 NBA draft places a spotlight on Evan Mobley and Franz Wagner, challenging the initial draft order and providing insights into their impact. (Bleacher Report)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Nick Richards Traded to Phoenix Suns: Fantasy Basketball Impact and Analysis
Jan 12, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (4) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas/Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Suns have acquired center Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets in a trade that sent shockwaves through the NBA. While not a blockbuster deal, this move has significant implications for fantasy basketball managers.
In exchange for Richards, the Hornets received Josh Okogie and three second-round picks, while the Suns also got a second-round pick in return. At first glance, it might seem like the Suns got a steal, but let’s take a closer look at what this means for Richards’ fantasy value.
Richards has been averaging 21 minutes per game this season, putting up 9 points and 7.5 rebounds with 1.2 blocks. These numbers have him ranked 205th in category leagues, which is far from impressive. However, the change of scenery could potentially boost his value.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Nets podcasts.
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