Should the Nets Aim To Make the Play-in Next Season?
· Yahoo Sports
General manager Sean Marks has accelerated the Brooklyn Nets' rebuilding timeline for multiple reasons: the new lottery rules and a June 2024 draft-day trade with the Houston Rockets.
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The NBA has implemented the "3-2-1" lottery reform to curb tanking efforts. It punishes teams in the "relegation zone" with lessened odds at the No. 1 pick (two lottery balls and a 5.4% chance of winning).
Brooklyn was in this spot last season with the third-worst record at 20-62. The bottom three teams had a 14% chance at earning the top pick.
The Nets likely would've continued tanking for a high draft pick without the new rules, but now they must compete. Teams with the fourth- to 10th-worst record have increased opportunities with three lottery balls and an 8.1% chance of winning the lottery.
That could've been the goal for the organization next season, but Houston is preventing that scenario. Houston owns Brooklyn's 2027 pick swap, and will absolutely swap if a better pick is available.
It calls into question whether the Nets should make the Play-In Tournament, and they should.
Ninth and 10th seeds earn two lottery balls with the same odds as the teams in the relegation zone. Seventh and eighth seeds receive one ball with even lower odds (2.7%).
Making the Play-In is a possibility next season despite the conference getting tougher. LeBron James joined the Philadelphia 76ers, who are in the Atlantic Division, and the Nets will face him four times a season.
Marks has strengthened the roster's talent pool to prevent Houston from swapping for a significantly better draft pick. He's infused a solid mix of veterans with the youth.
Mikel Brown Jr. is the young star of the offseason for Brooklyn. Selected with the sixth overall pick, he could become the franchise's next lead guard and is meshing well with second-year guard Egor Dëmin.
The former Louisville standout averaged 16.7 points, 4.0 assists, and 1.7 steals per game this past Summer League. Brown showcased his versatility to play on and off the ball, driving to the rim and setting up teammates, and nailing catch-and-shoot threes.
Brooklyn traded for Julius Randle from the Minnesota Timberwolves, adding an underrated playmaker. The 31-year-old has played point-forward, initiating the half-court and fast-break offense to create opportunities for teammates.
His veteran presence is much-needed on a young roster as the oldest player. He is embracing a leadership role returning to New York after two seasons in Minnesota.
Securing a Play-In spot should be the goal for the Nets. The last time they made the postseason was the 2022-23 season after trading Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns.
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