{"id":74749,"date":"2024-04-24T18:46:30","date_gmt":"2024-04-24T22:46:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=74749"},"modified":"2024-04-24T18:46:30","modified_gmt":"2024-04-24T22:46:30","slug":"nets-sean-marks-provides-insight-offseason-strategy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/04\/24\/nets-sean-marks-provides-insight-offseason-strategy\/","title":{"rendered":"Nets General Manager Provides Insight Into Offseason Strategy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>On Wednesday, Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks addressed the media as Jordi Fernandez was introduced as <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/04\/16\/nets-lure-kings-jordi-fernandez-brooklyn\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">the new head coach<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>As is customary, the Nets\u2019 leading executive touched on both Fernandez\u2019s hire and the current state of the franchise. An organization that\u2019s constantly swinging for the fences by acquiring All-Stars, there\u2019s no doubt that Brooklyn is actually <em>trying<\/em> to win a championship. Nonetheless, the Nets have only advanced past the First Round of the NBA Playoffs twice since 2007-08. In that stretch, they\u2019ve missed the playoffs altogether nine times, including last season. With that type of luck, even the most coy executive would have some explaining to do.<\/p>\n<h2>Sean Marks Provides Insight Into Nets\u2019 Offseason Strategy<\/h2>\n<p>While Marks didn\u2019t give any excuses for the way the 2023-24 season turned out, he did provide insight into the Nets\u2019 plans moving forward.<\/p>\n<h3>\u2018No. 1 Priority\u2019<\/h3>\n<p>Brooklyn\u2019s \u201cNo. 1 priority\u201d is re-signing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/claxtni01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nic Claxton<\/a> (h\/t HoopsHype\u2019s Michael Scotto), a masterful defender at the pivot. Long, lithe and springy, Claxton averaged 11.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game in 2023-24. It\u2019s his second straight season averaging at least 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe hope he\u2019s a Net for a very long time,\u201d Marks says. \u201cWe hope we can continue to build around him and with him.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Nets GM Sean Marks on Nic Claxton: \u201cNic is the No. 1 priority for us, there\u2019s no doubt about that. We hope he\u2019s a Net for a very long time. We hope we can continue to build around him and with him.\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/Q8eUh2pGRj\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/Q8eUh2pGRj<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/MikeAScotto\/status\/1783179064041234565?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">April 24, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>As the Nets have Claxton\u2019s Bird Rights, they have the advantage of being able to offer him a higher salary figure than any other team.<\/p>\n<p>At this juncture, it seems more likely that Claxton returns to Brooklyn than not. However, at 25 years old, Claxton would be wise to at least hear what other teams have to offer. Whether that\u2019s more money, a larger role, or a better chance at winning, the Nets can\u2019t be sure that he\u2019ll re-sign until he puts his name on the dotted line.<\/p>\n<p>To that point, Claxton has <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/04\/18\/nic-claxton-linked-to-two-western-conference-teams-new-orleans-pelicans-memphis-grizzlies\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">been linked to<\/a> the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans in free agency.<\/p>\n<h3>Draft Strategy<\/h3>\n<p>Marks also revealed that the organization could acquire a first round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The Nets don\u2019t currently have any picks in the upcoming draft due to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hardeja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">James Harden<\/a> trade.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Sean Marks said he would not rule out acquiring a first round pick in June\u2019s draft.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 NetsDaily (@NetsDaily) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NetsDaily\/status\/1783166146331427231?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">April 24, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Despite this year\u2019s draft being unpopular, there are several under-the-radar prospects that could outplay their draft position. Marquette guard Tyler Kolek, Pitt guard Bub Carrington, and Providence guard Devin Carter are just a few that come to mind.<\/p>\n<p>Landing a late first-rounder likely requires the team to trade a prized defender, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/f\/finnedo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dorian Finney-Smith<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In any case, with former assistant general manager Jeff Peterson heading to the Charlotte Hornets, the Nets have to re-work their scouting department. In doing so, Marks alluded to senior scouting director BJ Johnson having a larger role moving forward. Johnson \u201cruns [their] draft and has for the last several years,\u201d (h\/t Nets Daily\u2019s Lucas Kaplan) so there may be little change in their draft approach without Peterson.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">In the wake of Jeff Peterson and Ryan Gisriel heading down to Charlotte, Sean Marks mentioned more responsibility (a promotion?) for BJ Johnson (scouting director).<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;BJ runs our draft and has done so for the last several years. So, there&#8217;ll be more pressure and more\u2026<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/LucasKaplan_\/status\/1783205912728994100?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">April 24, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Prior to joining the Nets in 2016, Johnson was the assistant director of Team USA Basketball. Since 2016, Brooklyn has had a great draft luck, drafting Claxton (31st overall), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/t\/thomaca02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cam Thomas<\/a> (27th overall) and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/a\/allenja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jarrett Allen<\/a> (22nd overall) outside out the lottery. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/clownno01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Noah Clowney<\/a> (21st overall) has also <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/04\/07\/nets-view-seldom-used-rookie-as-key-piece-moving-forward\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">flashed his potential<\/a>.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Sean Marks says the Nets expect Ben Simmons to be ready for training camp:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe expectations are certainly for him to be ready, there should be no reason for him not to be. The doctors and therapists have told us that he should be ready to go next season. Again, it\u2019s gonna be on\u2026<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Erik Slater (@erikslater_) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/erikslater_\/status\/1783164615863706106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">April 24, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Dariq Whitehead Plan<\/h3>\n<p>2022 No. 22 pick <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/whiteda01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dariq Whitehead<\/a> is another late first round pick of the Nets.<\/p>\n<p>The top-ranked high school recruit in the Class of 2022, foot injuries foiled Whitehead\u2019s plan to hit the ground running after leaving Duke. Limited to just two games in his rookie season, 2024-25 will be an opportunity for him to really get his feet wet on an NBA floor.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDariq should <a href=\"https:\/\/www.netsdaily.com\/2024\/4\/24\/24139470\/sean-marks-updates-media-on-ben-simmons-dariq-whitehead-and-yes-nets-plans-for-draft\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">play in Summer League<\/a>\u2026,\u201d Marks says, per Kaplan. \u201cWhether or not he plays the entire Summer League or not, that\u2019ll be [to be determined]. But the plan right now is he\u2019s in the gym every day.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A one-and-done, Whitehead averaged 8.3 points and 0.8 steals per game on 42.9 percent shooting from 3 while at Duke. The McDonald\u2019s All-American Game MVP and Naismith Prep Player of the Year before entering college, the only reason to doubt whether Whitehead can be a longtime NBA player his durability.<\/p>\n<h3>Ben Simmons\u2019 Outlook<\/h3>\n<p>Last not least, Marks addressed former No. 1 pick <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/simmobe01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ben Simmons<\/a>\u2019 status.<\/p>\n<p>Simmons is \u201cdown in Miami, rehabbing now from surgery. All signs point towards him being available for the start of next season.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWith Ben, it\u2019s very unfortunate,\u201d Marks says. \u201cWe looked like we were a completely different team when Ben was healthy out there. So it\u2019s paramount that we get him back and we get him healthy.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cAnd I think Ben wants it just as much, if not more than anybody else. But time will, time will tell on him and how he progresses through summer. There\u2019s no reason to think he won\u2019t be though.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>The principal return for the Nets in the Harden trade from a player standpoint, Brooklyn\u2019s desire to see Simmons do well is as much about his natural capabilities as their return on investment. A gifted ball-handler, facilitator, and defender at 6-foot-10, Simmons\u2019 potential has also been thwarted by injuries. Over the past three seasons, Simmons has played just 57 games due to myriad maladies, including a nagging nerve impingement in his lower back.<\/p>\n<p>As Simmons will be <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/03\/10\/5-teams-trade-ben-simmons-expiring-contract\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">on the final season<\/a> of his five-year, $177.2 million contract, this may very well be the last time a player once compared to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jamesle01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LeBron James<\/a> is ever seen on an NBA court again.<\/p>\n<p>Last season, Simmons averaged 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in 23.9 minutes per game. Per 36 minutes, he posted 9.2 points, 11.9 rebounds, 8.6 assists, and 2.1 stocks per game.<\/p>\n<p>Using his size, basketball IQ, and passing ability, Simmons simply made the game easier for his teammates. Furthermore, while he continues to be more passive than years past, he even attempted a couple of jumpers.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">\ud83d\udea8BEN SIMMONS JUMPER\ud83d\udea8<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/H4XBOtiwbF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/H4XBOtiwbF<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 The Brooklyn Way (@Jersey2Brooklyn) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Jersey2Brooklyn\/status\/1756485200043778289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">February 11, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>In a vacuum, that may not seem like much. However, considering that Simmons is so often inside his own head, it was a tremendous display of growing confidence.<\/p>\n<p>As Marks says, Simmons likely wants to prove what he\u2019s capable of more than anyone.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On Wednesday, Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks addressed the media as Jordi Fernandez was introduced as the new head coach. As is customary, the Nets\u2019 leading executive touched on both Fernandez\u2019s hire and the current state of the franchise. An organization that\u2019s constantly swinging for the fences by acquiring All-Stars, there\u2019s no doubt that [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5008,"featured_media":74763,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6,1608,62,556,3],"tags":[266,4801,98,297,4557,4581,235],"class_list":["post-74749","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nets","category-basketball","category-nba","category-nba-draft","category-news","tag-ben-simmons","tag-dariq-whitehead","tag-nba-draft","tag-nba-free-agency","tag-nba-offseason","tag-nic-claxton","tag-sean-marks"],"modified_by":"Quenton S Albertie","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74749","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5008"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=74749"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74749\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/74763"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=74749"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=74749"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=74749"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}