With 5 victories for 9 defeats, the Nets are, however, above expectations at the start of the season, taking on the role of a “scratching” team. Exactly like the Blazers in the West, who have 6 victories after 14 matches. Like its successes earlier in the season against Milwaukee and Memphis (twice), and after pushing the Nuggets and the Celtics into overtime, Cam Thomas' Brooklyn enjoys playing spoilsport.
Under the leadership of a rookie coach, Jordi Fernandez, the Nets do not calculate, and give their all to compensate for the talent deficit. Enough to brush aside any idea of “tanking”.
“We don’t use these words, like ‘tanker,’ so we’ll go there and see where it takes us.” assures Sean Marks for NJ.com. The Brooklyn GM knows better than anyone that the worse the Nets' season is, the better placed they will be to recover nugget Cooper Flagg, promised first place in the 2025 Draft.
But the manager prefers to focus on the gentle uncertainty of sport. “I think you have to let yourself get caught up in a season, and not start it knowing in advance its beginning and its end. There are lots of unexpected things“.
Trust the players present
Ranked 10th in “offensive effectiveness” and 11th best team in shooting at 54.8% success, the Nets are currently navigating between 7th and 11th place in the East. With 24.6 points per game, Cam Thomas has established himself as the leader, and he is currently having the best statistical season of his young career.
At his side, Cam Johnson has regained his best level, and he is on the basis of one of his best career seasons. With 42.6% at 3-points for an average of 18 points, Dennis Schröder does good for the Nets and the German's experience compensates for the offensive timidity of Ben Simmons.
Little by little, automatisms are created and everyone adheres to the generous basketball of Jordi Fernandez. “You have to give credit to these players. The coaches also do a great job, it’s exciting to see. It’s exciting to see an identity form and a culture develop. So who am I to stop this? » asks Sean Marks.
What if the Nets win too many games this season, to the point of letting a big fish slip away in the next Draft? “Well, these guys will have done something really good. And I love it ». For the record, the last time the Nets had the first pick was in 2000 and they chose Kenyon Martin. Since 2010, and because of sensational transfers, they have never selected higher than 17th place…
