Nets Notes: Marks, Thomas, Watford, Tanking

This was supposed to be a rebuilding — or “tanking” — year for the Nets, but general manager Sean Marks told Adam Zagoria of NJ.com that no one associated with the franchise is using the T-word. Brooklyn has been surprisingly competitive to start the season, compiling a 5-8 record and playing close games even in the losses. That spirit was on display Friday when the Nets staged a late rally to take the lead over the Knicks before losing in the final seconds.

“I think you navigate the season as it goes, and you don’t go into a season saying this is where we’re going to be, this is how it’s going to end,” Marks said. “There’s a lot of unforeseen things. … You’ve gotta give credit to these players, they’re playing with a chip on their shoulder, the coaches are doing a helluva job, so that’s exciting to see. It’s exciting to see an identity being formed and a culture being driven. So who am I to push back on that?”

Marks is more concerned with building a strong foundation under new coach Jordi Fernandez than maximizing his draft pick, but he’s also aware of the upcoming opportunity to remake the franchise. Brooklyn has stockpiled 15 first-round picks over the next seven years, including four in 2025. Duke’s Cooper Flagg is considered the top prize in next year’s draft, and Marks has already been to multiple Rutgers games to watch Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper.

If the team misses out on those elite prospects because its pick isn’t high enough, Marks said he won’t be disappointed.

“Well, these guys [on the Nets] have done something really right if that’s the case,” he said, “and I love that.”

There’s more on the Nets:

• Cam Thomas is eager for another shot at the Knicks today after Friday’s narrow loss, relays Brian Lewis of The New York Post. Thomas had 43 points in that game, marking the second time he has reached the 40-point mark at Madison Square Garden in the past six months. “Yeah, he’s not afraid of the bright lights,” Fernandez said. “And I can tell you that from the first shot he took [on Friday]. … The good thing is you have another chance to do it again against the same team. They’re going to feel the same way and then he’s going to have to come back and perform again. So amazing performance by C.T., and very happy, because from the beginning, he kept us alive.” 
• Trendon Watford is off the Nets’ injury list and ready for his season debut, Lewis adds in a separate story. The fourth-year forward was expecting to be cleared in early November, but he experienced a setback in his recovery from a strained left hamstring. Watford re-signed with the team over the summer after averaging 6.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 63 games last season.
• In a subscriber-only piece, Lewis examines whether the Nets have too much talent to make tanking a realistic option.