The Nets have a 21-31 record after 52 games, which most fans did not expect since the team had plenty of talented players. Brooklyn’s struggles stem from the numerous injuries throughout the season. Ben Simmons sat out most of the season, and players like Day’Ron Sharpe have missed a large part of the campaign.
General manager Sean Marks spoke to the media after the trade deadline, preaching the value of flexibility coming into the 2024 offseason. Apart from the team’s transactions, Marks assessed Coach Jacque Vaughn this season.
“I see how he’s connecting with these guys both on and off the court. And I see the sweat equity from not only Jacque but from his coaching staff on a daily basis and that’s absolutely to be respected beyond belief,” Marks said in his post-trade deadline interview.
“You know he’s giving it all, he’s giving it everything he can… he knows what’s at stake, I think we all do here. Our jobs are here to go and put a sustainable product on the floor and give the fans something to cheer for and root for.”
The Nets are still in transition
Brooklyn made a major decision when the team traded Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in 2023 to start a new era with Mikal Bridges as the centerpiece. Despite Mikal’s brilliant first year with the Nets, the team is still retooling.
The organization is not rebuilding per se, but they are finding new players to build the team with and opening up space for the next star. However, three players have stood out as untouchables, with Mikal, Cameron Thomas, and Nic Claxton all proving themselves to be star players.
Moving on from an era filled with star power can be challenging, but the Nets have done well to recoup the losses from the KD and Kyrie era.
Marks and Vaughn will be around for the foreseeable future
The Nets have a vision in mind, and they plan to surround Mikal with the best talent possible without the draft picks. The organization does not have its draft picks until 2027, so building around the edges is the best option for the team.
Having foundational pieces is a big plus because the Nets would not need to make high-value draft picks in future seasons. Getting gems like Jalen Wilson and Claxton in the second round is a good sign that Marks is doing well with his trades, and Vaughn’s system is working since he can maximize the players.
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