TITLE: Nets eye lottery position despite league’s anti-tanking push
SLUG: nets-eye-lottery-position-despite-anti-tanking-push
CONTENT:
The Brooklyn Nets remain focused on securing a top spot in this year’s talent-heavy draft lottery, even as the NBA signals a tougher approach to tanking, according to the New York Post.
Brooklyn entered the All-Star break just one game shy of the No. 2 lottery position and, with a roster considered thinner than several other lottery contenders, front-office leaders view a high pick as critical to jump-starting the franchise’s rebuild.
Rookie progress remains mixed
First-year players Drake Powell, Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf are still fighting for consistent roles. Lottery selection Egor Demin has been the exception, hitting a three-pointer in 34 consecutive games to set an NBA rookie record. Since Jan. 23, guard Nolan Traore has averaged 13.1 points and 5.6 assists while shooting 51.1 percent overall and 39.3 percent from beyond the arc.
Marks’ decade under review
In a separate feature, general manager Sean Marks’ 10-year tenure drew praise from an anonymous assistant GM, who highlighted the returns Marks secured in major trades. “The [Kevin] Durant trade to Phoenix was a big win. The Mikal Bridges trade to the Knicks was a big win,” the executive said, adding that Marks’ refusal to lower his asking price maximized Brooklyn’s haul in both deals.
Upcoming slate could aid lottery push
The post-break schedule appears unforgiving: two games each against Eastern Conference leader Detroit, Cleveland and Miami, plus meetings with Oklahoma City, San Antonio and Boston within the Nets’ next 12 contests. The challenging stretch could keep Brooklyn’s win total in check as the club pursues optimal lottery odds.
Source: Hoops Rumors
