RSS Nets Team Notes

[Brooklyn Nets]

Brooklyn Nets can’t get past Cleveland Cavaliers, lose 106-102

BROOKLYN, NY - MARCH 1: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on March 1, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Kenny Atkinson promised pregame that the Brooklyn Nets would one day “break through.”

“You’re just waiting for that, like ‘When is that gonna happen?’ And you look at it like, ‘Man, is it ever going to happen?’ I’m sure Jordi is going, ‘Man, everyone is saying it’ll happen,’” he said in answer to our Lucas Kaplan’s question. “They play so hard. It’s eventually going to happen with the talent…They got really good coaching, good coaching staff, good front office, it’ll break through.”

Sure, it’s easy to say that when you’re at the helm of a 37-win team, but Atkinson knows what he’s talking about. A billion years ago when he was at the helm for Brooklyn, the Nets lost 62 and then 54 games during his first two seasons. Then, in his third year, they snatched the sixth seed in the East with a 42-40 record.

“That third year when we broke through and made the playoffs, it was almost doubly rewarding, because you went through these real struggles and tough times,” he went on. “Man, I’ll never forget when we clinched the playoffs, it was like you’re winning the championship.”

Atkinson’s words should provide some comfort for Nets fans. It’s been a rocky, uncompetitive season, but it hasn’t been a waste.

However, today’s game was another reminder of how far they still need to go to get that “championship” feeling…and get in the same stratosphere of an fighting for an actual one.

The Nets started this one with their usual group but with Terance Mann in for the resting Egor Dëmin and Day’Ron Sharpe in for Nic Claxton. Clax sat this one out with a right thumb sprain.

Brooklyn also went up against the Cavs without their top rim defender a little under two weeks ago, surrendering 58 paint points in the process. The repeat formula rendered and a similar result, at least early on. The Cavs went ahead on the scoreboard quickly with 10 points inside less than five minutes into the game. Brooklyn exes James Harden and Jarrett Allen collectively picked on the Nets again, combining for 12 first period points while shooting 5-of-7 from the field and 2-of-2 from deep.

However, the Cavs weren’t the only ones to benefit from Claxton’s absence. After a slow first few minutes of play from both teams, Grant Nelson and Danny Wolf came in looking to disrupt the contest in more ways than one.

Seeing the chemistry and effective play of this unexpected paring was anything but for Jordi Fernández.

“Yeah, I mean, you already can see the chemistry between Ben [Saraf] and Grant, and even Grant and Danny,” Fernández said. “They played summer league together. He’s been part of the club, you know, the extension of our coaching staff in Long Island, working with them. He’s familiar with what we’re doing, and he’s just a very good basketball player, high IQ, he’s got a great feel for the game, and plays extremely hard. So, you put all those things together, and you know he’s played very well in the two chances.”

In five minutes of first period burn, Nelson and Wolf were +6 and combined for 14 points, two steals, and two assists…

Grant Nelson gets up to finish off this oop. Getting the first opening quarter minutes of his career today. pic.twitter.com/t9GDCymnCD

— Collin Helwig (@collinhelwig) March 1, 2026

In what was his second career game, Nelson finished with 11 points, four rebounds, three blocks, a steal, and an assist in 20 minutes. Nelson, 23, had been on a minutes restriction in Long Island for the last 16 games he played there. Nelson had missed seven weeks earlier as the Nets performance team treated knee soreness he had suffered since his freshman year at North Dakota State. Those restrictions appear to an end. Since Wednesday, Nelson has played 83 minutes over four games in five days, two for Long Island, two for Brooklyn.

Wolf ended up having quite the afternoon as well. He finished with a 23/5/9 line, topped off with a buzzer-beating three at the end of the first, and some closing minutes with the starters. He even defended the rim well during a few sequences. It was his best outing since the Washington punt game in early February.

Cutting MPJ takes up all the attention here. Danny throws off the last defender with a nice ball fake.

Splashes it at the buzzer… pic.twitter.com/V8OB1KvVmN

— Collin Helwig (@collinhelwig) March 1, 2026

But aside from rookie highlights, the Nets also had more pep in their step than Cleveland, and frankly, that mattered more than anything else.

Brooklyn’s newfound length via Nelson stalled the Cleveland offense midway through the second, and after a corner three from Nolan Traoré, Brooklyn went ahead with about four to play in the half. With each stop, the Nets gave themselves a chance to get out and push against a Cleveland team at the tail end of a road trip and looking like it. They grabbed eight fast break points in the second, and a 52-46 lead at halftime. Even with just two points to his name, Ziaire Williams was also a game-high +15 at that point.

“You said the length, but it’s also how locked in they were in communication,” Fernández said. “I think Z [Ziaire Williams] was the one right there defensively, got so many deflections. Just being disruptive. We’re disruptive…So great job by that second unit.”

Allen and Harden again put in Cleveland’s first nine points of the next half, but this time, Brooklyn managed to keep pace with a flurry of threes from Porter Jr. and Noah Clowney. The Nets didn’t give up their lead until the 5:10 mark of the third after Sam Merrill nailed his first triple of the game.

Wolf also returned with more highlights in the second half…

Wow. What a dime by Danny Wolf. pic.twitter.com/IrcfULMjYS

— Collin Helwig (@collinhelwig) March 1, 2026

But Brooklyn’s second unit couldn’t pack the same punch it had in the first half. The beard had an easier time burrowing through Brooklyn’s defense. Saraf’s lack of spacing hurt the Nets at the other end as well. He even had a Ben Simmons moment near the end of the third. He couldn’t hit the wide open three the Cleveland defense dared him to take, but at least he shot it, right?

Seven lead changes in the final period’s opening minutes teased a fun finish few, if anyone, expected us to get. However, the suspense could only last so long. The back-and-forth action ceased in the frame’s latter half as Brooklyn’s offense ran out of answers after Harden got back to dicing up the Net defense. Evan Mobley, who seemed to be the tiredest of Cleveland’s snoozy crew this afternoon, woke up in the period as well, working his way to eight points in the post.

But even as the Cavaliers slowly sailed to a win, the Nets kept the pressure up. Traoré pitched in four points in the fourth, including two via a tough fend-off and turn around finish. MPJ added 10, hitting some of the most “MPJ” shots you’ll ever see. Traoré finished with 17 points and two assists while shooting 7-15 from the field. Porter Jr. tallied 26 points, grabbed five boards, three steals, and two assists while shooting 5-8 from deep.

The Nets even had the ball while down three with 22 seconds to go after Cleveland committed an eight second violation. However, the Cavs opted to foul while up three every chance they had. Then, while playing the free throw game, they sank just enough looks to eventually ice the game.

That’s eight loses in a row. It’s not the “break through,” but we’ll settle for progress.

“I mean, we competed,” Fernández said. “That was our main goal, to give ourselves a chance, and I’m proud of the way we played. We played like a basketball team. I’m proud of the group. Now, it’s go tomorrow, watch some film, clean out some stuff that we could have done better. Right now, it’s night and day, compared to what we went through.”

Final: Cleveland Cavaliers 106, Brooklyn Nets 102

Milestone Watch​

• With 11 points, four rebounds, one assist and three blocks in tonight’s game, Grant Nelson became the first player in franchise history with 10+ PTS, 5+ AST and 5+ BLK across their first two career games.
• Nelson also became the second Net to record multiple blocks in consecutive games to begin their career (Brook Lopez, three straight in 2008) and the second Net with 5+ blocks through two career games (Jarrett Allen, 2017)
• Danny Wolf had a season-high 23 points against Cleveland with nine rebounds, five assists and two steals, becoming the fourth rookie in franchise history to reach such minimums in a game (Chris Morris: 1x in 1988-89, Mike O’Koren: 2x in 1980-81 and Bernard King: 4x in 1977-78).
• Danny Wolf’s 12 points and three 3-pointers in the first half were both the second most in a half in his career, trailing only his highs of 17 points and four 3PM in the first half on 11/29 at Milwaukee.

Injury Report​

As mentioned above, Nic Claxton missed tonight’s game with a right thumb sprain. We know he’s been dealing with that for a while now, but Jordi Fernández mentioned pregame that he got hit against the Spurs.

“He’s going to be out tonight, and then we’ll see how he feels after, so there’s no timetable,” Fernández also added.

Next Up​

Brooklyn is back in action on Tuesday evening, playing the first of two straight vs the Miami Heat. This is Brooklyn’s last baseball-like series of the season. The Nets have lost four of their last five vs the Heat. This one tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET.

• Boxscore: Cleveland Cavaliers 106, Brooklyn Nets 102 – NBA
• Game Highlights: Cleveland Cavaliers 106, Brooklyn Nets 102 (Video) – NBA
• Jordi Fernandez PostGame Interview (Video) – YES Network
• Danny Wolf PostGame Interview (Video) – YES Network
• Harden scores 22 points with broken thumb, leads Cavaliers over the Nets 106-102 – AP
• Kenny Atkinson confident rebuild will pay off as former Nets team suffers tight loss to Cavaliers – Brian Lewis – New York Post
• Danny Wolf and Grant Nelson step up, but Nets’ skid hits eight in 106-102 loss to Cavaliers ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• For young Nets, Terance Mann provides the pro’s blueprint ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Nets’ Michael Porter Jr. drops 26 in 106-102 loss to Cavaliers – Sharif Phillips-Keaton – USA TODAY

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-scor...and-cavaliers-106-102-danny-wolf-james-harden

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

After a long winter, Jordi Fernández can see brighter days ahead

Nick Cammett/Getty Images

“We really like where we are. We have a process and a plan in place, and everything is going to — like, you cannot control everything, because there’s things that are… you know…”

Jordi Fernández’s voice trails off for a moment, but I do know. We all know. Fernández, near the end of a two-minute answer, is pleading with his eyes: This is as direct as I can be. Eventually, he lands the plane: “Obviously, I want to win every single game, but playing these 25 to compete and then, this summer and how we structure this summer is the best thing. It’s the biggest summer of our lives.”

Fernández used that line last season, but it still hits home. This is, after all, the summer that the Brooklyn Nets are supposed to transition from tanking to ascending, making one high draft pick and scouring the free agent/trade market for win-now players. Now 30 games under .500 in March, there’s no question that continuing to lose games is in Brooklyn’s best long-term interest, but it won’t be for long.

That’s all Jordi Fernández is trying to say, reassuring Nets fans that the team can get blown out by 30 once a week and still be on track, particularly if you mix in some close losses and flashy performances from the rookies. But he’s probably reassuring himself too.

Kenny Atkinson can relate. He posted a 48-116 record in his first two seasons as Nets Head Coach (Fernández is currently 41-101): “You love to stay process-oriented and stick with the process. But you’re going home and you’re taking that L, after the game, it’s hard, especially when they start stacking up. Everybody says, ‘Well, don’t worry.’ Of course you worry if you’re a competitor.”

Atkinson’s first Nets teams were certainly devoid of talent, but the franchise famously didn’t own their draft picks either. There was zero upside to the losing, though it’s not like Fernández takes any immediate solace in ping-pong balls either…

Jordi Fernandez about to blow a gasket, meanwhile most of the Nets fanbase is ecstatic #NetsWorld pic.twitter.com/7jlKd2rxrT

— Mike (@Mike_NYY) February 25, 2026

But Atkinson sees the silver lining: “Once you break through, even that third year, when we broke through and made the playoffs, it was almost doubly rewarding, because you went through these real struggles and tough times. And I was like — man, I’ll never forget when we clinched the playoffs, it was like you’re winning the championship. It was crazy, because you can look back at year one, I think we lost like 27 of 29 … it was, like, insane: ‘Are we ever gonna win another game?’”

Things aren’t that bleak this time around. Players and coaches won’t (can’t) admit it, but pressure dissolves when you’re expected to lose. Consider the locker-room reaction to Danny Wolf’s poorly missed free-throw at the end of the loss to Atkinson’s Cleveland Cavaliers…

“Maybe he’s in the weight room too
much, but that miss was crazy” https://t.co/kKOWiUQtgL pic.twitter.com/3MJ8UdFczz

— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) March 2, 2026

Of course, it helps when the veterans (MPJ, Claxton, Mann) feel confident in their contract situations, while the rookies and second-chance warriors are starving for a chance to simply get on the court.

Danny Wolf, despite the rough attempt at an intentionally missed free-throw, was in a jovial mood after his career-best 23/9/5 statline on Sunday afternoon. Perhaps that helped him find silver linings in the loss: “I don’t want to say we’re losing team. Obviously, our record is 15-45 but we’re the youngest team in the NBA, and there’s a lot of valuable lessons. And I hate saying you can learn from a loss, because it stinks and it sucks, and losing as a competitor is one of the worst feelings, but with such a young group, I think just the resilience, the fight when you lose to a team by four that you lost to by 40 a couple weeks ago speaks volumes to improvement.”

Now that’s a player who, in the era of player-podcasts, has heard ad nauseam and now understands that the NBA is a business. Sometimes, the business entails losing. It’s also a player in lock-step with his head coach, at least in terms of public messaging.

“Coming here and feeling that we can go up against anybody has to be very important,” said Fernández. “And if you’re up ten, you want to be up 20. If you’re down 20, you want to be down ten. And those things have to matter. We have to be competitive. And it’s not — we’re not gonna, you know, turn a switch and all of a sudden we’re gonna be there. It’s gonna be a process.”

Playing the NBA Draft Lottery probabilities remains the priority, but it’s easy to see where Fernández is coming from. The young players on this roster are expected to contribute to winning next season. When you’re 15-45, executing ATOs may not be as important as the difference between the first and fifth overall pick, but it matters a little.

For all the incessant hand-wringing over the NBA’s tanking “problem,” I quite enjoy this time of year, full of low-stress hoops where a 23-year-old on a 10-day contract like Grant Nelson can stir excitement:

That was a *seriously* impressive first half from Grant Nelson, the defensive activity more than anything.

Sinking down form the wing to block a cutter on the other side of the basket (last play) is something else: pic.twitter.com/pUmH40k592

— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) March 1, 2026

Michael Porter Jr. explained it well: “The motivation to make the playoffs might not be there, but the motivation individually, as a player, as a person, to go out there and work on my skills, my leadership skills, and my individual things within the team, that’s still there. So you can’t just throw away a season because you’re not making the playoffs.”

The 2025-26 Nets have six weeks remaining on their schedule, six weeks where Noah Clowney’s 3-point shooting, Drake Powell’s ball-handling, and Egor Dëmin’s driving — among other individual skills — are far more important than the scoreboard. Though I contend that this isn’t as depressing as it’s often made out to be, Jordi Fernández and the Nets want you to know that it’s almost over, that the next chapter is almost here, and they can’t wait to get it started.

“It’s very exciting, and everybody should feel the excitement of the next step: a big 25 games for everybody, and a big, big, big summer.” — Jordi Fernández

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-feat...nandez-can-see-brighter-days-ahead-danny-wolf

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Drake Powell’s grit, Chaney Johnson’s hops give Long Island win in Battle of the ‘Burbs’

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 2: Chaney Johnson #31 of the Long Island Nets stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Cleveland Charge on January 2, 2026 at Cleveland Public Auditorium in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Long Island Nets came into Sunday with a whole new brand look. With Grant Nelson earning a 10-day contract, Ben Saraf getting recalled, and Drake Powell getting assigned to Long Island, this was a completely new look squad. They even just signed a 6’7’ wing, Jahlil White, who grew in Whitesboro, a Jersey suburb of Philadelphia and is a LaSalle product..

Regardless, Long Island still got it done as they powered past the Westchester Knicks in the Battle of the ‘Burbs, 117-111.

The starters on Sunday changed quite a bit from the last game on Thursday night. Sunday’s game saw Malachi Smith get the start at point guard, followed by Tyson Etienne, Drake Powell, EJ Liddell, and Tre Scott. This wound up being a very good starting five for Long Island, despite the head-scratching move of starting the 28-year-old Scott instead of two-way player Chaney Johnson, the team’s youngest player at 23.

For Brooklyn fans looking to the future, the game was a view of the future with both Powell, on assignment, and Johnson, the Nets youngest two-way providing some highlights and some promise. Both spoke exclusively with NetsDaily post-game about their development.

Starting things off with the latest Brooklyn assignee. Drake Powell had a characteristically aggressive game. Powell’s aggressiveness on defense and his athleticism have gotten him to the NBA, taken at No. 22 in the Draft. He’s not afraid to get after the ball, and that was on full display Sunday. On the stat sheet, Powell’s game reads 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and a steal. After the game, Powell spoke with NetsDaily about his performance.

Drake Powell on tonight’s performance, his development, time on Long Island, the Flatbush 5, and his goals.@NetsDaily #StrongIsland #NetsWorld pic.twitter.com/njeHnWrBma

— Scott Mitchell (@Scott44Mitchell) March 2, 2026

“Just to go out there and have fun,” Powell told ND. “I spent some time down here in the past, two games, it’s just a great group of guys to be around. Ultimately, I’m just happy we came out with the win.”

This marked Powell’s third game on Long Island this season. He has spent the majority of his time up in Brooklyn. When asked where he feels like he’s developed the most, Powell said, “I think, just trusting myself with limited dribbles, and to eat up space. I think my first step is pretty quick; that’s just something I want to continue to get better at.”

Now with Powell assigned to Long Island, for who knows how long, he gets to develop under head coach Mfon Udofia. Udofia has a proven track record of developing some of the Nets bright young stars like Drew Timme, Killian Hayes, Noah Clowney, Jalen Wilson and now Nolan Traore. Powell was asked what it’s like to learn under Udofia.

“It’s a great relationship with him,” Powell explains. “He’s always telling me to just be confident in myself, and that’s really all a player wants, is for a coach to have confidence in them.”

For this season, all eyes have been on the Flatbush 5, the five rookies drafted by the Brooklyn Nets in the 2025 NBA Draft: Egor Demin, Nolan Traore, Danny Wolf, Ben Saraf, and, of course, Powell. When asked about his connections with the other rookies, Powell told ND, “No special connections, but Danny Wolf and I did pre-draft together, so we’re in the same ages.”

Powell keeps his goals and development targets short and sweet. “Just to compete. That’s the main thing,” Powell says, “And to ultimately become a two-way player.”

Brooklyn’s youngest and newest two-way, Chaney Johnson, continued his big-time performances. There was certainly a case for him to be the fifth starter with Nelson called up to Brooklyn but that didn’t stop Johnson from going off from the bench. Indeed, his skillset and mentality spells sixth man.

Johnson had another double-double, his second in four games tallying 15 points and hauling in 10 rebounds and handing out three assists. Over the last three games, the 6’8” hyperathletic forward is averaging 21.3 points a game on 74/62/70 shooting splits while averaging 8.3 boards. He spoke with ND after the game about his performance…

Chaney Johnson on his performance tonight, learning under Mfon Udofia, his development, physicality, and his goals.@NetsDaily #StrongIsland #NetsWorld pic.twitter.com/UUSu0y4yS1

— Scott Mitchell (@Scott44Mitchell) March 2, 2026

“Credit to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, he woke me up today,” Johnson said. “Just praying to him before the game. Keeping me grateful. Allowing me to always have fun and not to be too hard on myself because there are people that are wishing they could have these opportunities. Everybody in the G League has to play the game, the sport they love, and get paid for it. So, it’s just a testament to my faith in him and continuing to fall in love with what I do.”

“I feel like my three-ball is getting there,” Johnson told ND. “I feel like I’m having to think a little bit more on defense, so I’m learning and getting more acclimated to the NBA-style of defense. From team-to-team, it’s different, but it’s similar at the same time. Even though it’s different, the principles and where I was with the Cleveland Charge, it’s kind of the same thing, just learning. I’d say just playing a lot more freely.

“Obviously, at the Charge, I was playing a lot more short roles. Here, he’s allowing me to do everything. Coming off ball screens now, long close-out drives, short roll, pick-and-pop, he’s just allowing me to get better in a lot of things.”

One of the most fun parts of watching Johnson play is the physicality of his game. He’s a legitimate 6’8” with a 6’11” wingspan and max vertical approaching 40 inches, according to his former Auburn teammates.

He isn’t afraid to get up there for strong dunks and lay-ups in traffic, as well for blocks. When asked about this part of his game, Johnson said, “It’s very important,” Johnson tells ND. “God’s blessed me with a strong frame. It’s also a testament to the work I put in in the weight room with just everyone on the staff. Someone who has the frame I have, sometimes, I’m not really used to using it, so I’m still learning ways to use my frame and play as physically as I can without getting charges or blocking fouls. It’s a part of the learning curve. So, just getting used to playing, physical, because it is a physical game.”

When speaking off the camera, Johnson told ND that he’s sure he has at least a 40-inch vertical, but when he’s sprinting, he’s positive he gets well over 40 inches in the air. Watching him play, it’s very easy to see why he thinks that. He can get up there with the best of them to contest shots, and oftentimes sending opposing offensive players packing.

“I still want to be a lot more confident from the three-point line,” Johnson explains. “If I’m caught catching the ball, ready to shoot every time, teams are going to have to respect it. It opens up drives, and it will open up teammates. So, to be able to shoot a lot more confidently. A little bit better on defense. Sometimes I get beat on close outs, and just making sure to continue to get in shape. I’m not used to playing 30 minutes a game. It’s fun though, so just all of those things.”

Malachi Smith led the team in scoring, tallying 22 points. He connected on seven of his 15 shots, including hitting both of his tries from deep. Smith also had three rebounds, four assists, and a steal to go with it. Smith has been continuously putting other teams on notice that he may at least be worth a 10-day contract to have a tryout with a team. Kind of like Grant Nelson is doing now with Brooklyn.

Tyson Etienne and EJ Liddell, the other two Brooklyn two-way players in this one, had a total of 14 points each. This was a great turnaround for Liddell, who only notched four points on Thursday night. He once again flirted with a double-double, hauling in nine rebounds. Trevon Scott, the fifth and final starter, picked up 13 points and had five rebounds, five assists, two steals, and a block to go with it.

The Nets began the game on a 21-7 run over the first 7:09 in the first quarter. Long Island ended the first quarter with a 34-18 lead after shooting 57.1 percent (4-for-7) from long range and holding the Knicks to 26.3 percent (5-for-19) shooting from the field in the first. Long Island extended the advantage to 20 points with a 21-9 run from 2:58 in the first to 8:47 in the second, but Westchester went on a 14-6 run from 6:50 to 3:52 in the second to close the gap. The Nets finished the second quarter without committing any turnovers and took a 63-52 lead into the halftime break.

The Knicks cut the deficit to a single point with a 15-2 run from 9:23 to 5:34 in the third, but Roberts responded by scoring or assisting on 13 of the team’s final 15 points in the third. Long Island’s defense limited the Knicks to 30 percent (3-for-10) shooting from deep in the third to enter the final quarter with an 83-76 lead. The Knicks started the fourth on a 15-6 run and took a five-point lead before the Nets responded with a 10-0 run to regain the advantage. Long Island pulled away down the stretch with a 19-7 run from 5:04 to 1:35 in the fourth to secure a 117-111 victory. The Nets shot 47.8 percent (11-for-23) from deep and grabbed 15 offensive rebounds in the win.

Next Up​

The Long Island Nets (16-11) now hit the road for their next four games before they finally come home again on March 19th for Brooklyn affiliation night. Now, Long Island gears up for its next game as they travel to North Carolina to take on their old friend, Tosan Evbuomwan, and the Greensboro Swarm. The game tips off at 11:00 a.m. ET and can be watched on the G League website, as well as on the NBA app.

• Boxscore: Long Island Nets 117, Westchester Knicks 111 – G League
• Game Highlights: Long Island Nets 117, Westchester Knicks 111 (Video) – G League

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/longislan...s-give-long-island-win-in-battle-of-the-burbs

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Nets vs. Heat preview: Back on the road

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 26: Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat dribbles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on February 26, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

A brief stop at home before getting back on the road. The Brooklyn Nets came home for an afternoon matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday afternoon. The Nets put up a heck of a fight, but ultimately fell short. The losing streak is at eight.

The opponent tonight is in the all too comfortable position of the play-in tournament. The Miami Heat are firmly in the middle of the pack and hope that they do enough to get back to the postseason and go on a miracle run. They helped their cause with an impressive home win against the Houston Rockets on Saturday afternoon.

Where to follow the game​

YES Network on TV. WFAN on radio. Gotham Sports on streaming. Tip after 7:30 PM.

Injuries​

Egor Demin is out. The three two-ways are still with Long Island and both Ben Saraf and Grant Nelson remain with the big club.

Norm Powell is out. Andrew Wiggins is probable. Terry Rozier… yeah he’s got a whole bigger problem to worry about.

The game​

Miami won the first meeting in December.

These teams do it again on Thursday to wrap up the season. Bam does a touch of everything well on the court and that versatility allows him to fill a variety of roles for Erik Spoelstra’s club. With Nic Claxton back in action, the Nets frontcourt will get some reinforcements to contest the former All Star and Gold Medalist.

This sentiment from Bam after a Heat loss to the Utah Jazz certainly applies to the next two games:

“We’ve got to find a way to win even against teams trying to lose.”

Not that Jordi Fernandez is trying lose, but… you know.

With Demin out for the time being, Nolan Traore gets even more minutes to get comfortable. He’ll get the lion’s share of the minutes at point with Ben Saraf serving as the backup. Nolan has done well in his time as a starter while Ben is struggling off the bench.

The key to any great defense is to defend without fouling, and the Heat are one of the best in the league at it. Miami has the third lowest opponent’s free throw rate and is fourth in defensive efficiency. You can always survive with a good defense, so that gives the Heat a leg up as they try to escape the play-in vortex.

Player to watch: Tyler Herro​

The Heat must see something in Herro that I don’t. This is year seven for the Heat two guard and he’s… ok? Like he’s not actively bad or anything like that, but I doubt he can be the lead perimeter scorer on a team that has serious playoff aspirations. Either way, he’ll be out there tonight and looking to poke holes in the Nets defense. Brooklyn has the worst 3-point defense in the league while Herro has been a good three point shooter throughout his career. It’s a recipe for a big night if things break in Herro’s favor.

Terrance Mann figures to start once again as Demin is out with injury. Brooklyn will count on him for some playmaking, but mostly, his job will be to chase Herro around the court and limit any easy opportunities for him. A two game set is a great chance for Mann and the Nets to see what’s working against the Heat offense and adjust for the rematch on Thursday.

From the Vault​

My mic is sounding bugged, Bob Power you there

More reading: Hot, Hot Hoops, SB Nation NBA, New York Post, New York Daily News, Clutch Points, Nets Wire, Steve’s Newsletter

• Brooklyn Nets Game Notes – Brooklyn Nets
• Miami Heat Game Notes – Miami Heat
• Brooklyn faces Miami, looks to break road skid – AP
• Nolan Traore’s growth as Nets point guard has the NBA taking notice ($) – Brian Lewis – New York Post
• Nets’ Nolan Traoré’s February by the numbers: 67 assists and a new role ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Victor Wembanyama praises potential Olympic teammate Nolan Traore amid encouraging start with Nets – Erik Slater – Clutch Points

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-game-previews/106729/nets-vs-heat-preview-back-on-the-road

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Brooklyn Nets overwhelmed by the Miami Heat, lose 124-98

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 03: Ben Saraf #77 of the Brooklyn Nets drives to the basket against Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat during the first quarter of the game at Kaseya Center on March 03, 2026 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Brooklyn Nets have reached the part of the season where their games fade before the final buzzer. You sit through it. You register the score. And then, after a few days, it’s gone. By this summer, you probably won’t even remember you watched it. There’s no reason for it to linger in your memory.

It’s especially easy for things to blur when you play a team two times in a row, right at the beginning of the home stretch in a lost season, and that’s exactly what the Nets dealt with tonight. They played their first game in their last baseball-esq series of the year against the Miami Heat. It came and went like a passing breeze.

Most teams will match up well against this inexperienced, rebuilding Brooklyn squad, but the Heat felt like a unit built to torment them. No team has played at a greater pace than Miami this season. The Nets, with the youngest roster in the league, naturally prefer to play at a school-zone speed limit, moving at the fourth slowest pace through 60 games.

As expected, the Heat got their way early. They jumped out to 7-0 start and stayed up by six into the second period. They earned seven points on the break and baked seven Brooklyn turnovers into four extra points.

But despite their limited impact on the scoreboard, Brooklyn’s early efforts were admirable. The Nets were mainstays on the offensive glass via Day’Ron Sharpe (of course), Ziaire Williams, and Ben Saraf in the first half. It only translated to six extra chance points, but the focus was evident.

However, Danny Wolf was once again the star amongst the reserves this evening. After a career game vs the Cavaliers on Sunday, he seemed to flash all of his offensive capabilities in a quick sequence down the stretch of the first. He could be seen throwing alley-oops to Day’Ron Sharpe at one point and hitting deep threes the next. Wolf even finished over the 7’0” Kel’el Ware at one point, putting up a 7/1/1 line in the frame while shooting 3-3 from the field.

Lot of Danny Wolf's best moments this year have come with another big on the floor.

Great vision by Day'Ron to find him after he gets free here on the baseline. pic.twitter.com/2RUDW6q5Z8

— Collin Helwig (@collinhelwig) March 4, 2026

Miami got its lead up to 10, a game-high at the time, roughly halfway through the second. While the Nets fed their opponent a taste of their own medicine with five early fast break points, the Heat played a clean seven minutes of ball to open the period. Brooklyn also went roughly four minutes down the stretch of the frame without a made field goal.

While we know these Nets are accustomed to cold stretches like that, the Heat defense deserves all the credit. They were relentless fighting around screens and their length quickly clogged lanes through the paint.

“A very good defensive team.” Fernández remarked. “Number four, I believe they rank. So, you know, got to be better, and I know our guys are way better than this. So that’s on me.”

Consequently, the Nets went into the break down 69-54, but here’s a Nolan Traoré highlight for your viewing pleasure…

Really tough take from Nolan Traoré against one of the games better guard defenders in Davion Mitchell pic.twitter.com/Bkyd0A5Jiw

— Collin Helwig (@collinhelwig) March 4, 2026

Traoré led the Nets at halftime with 12 points while shooting 4-9 from the 2-2 from deep. That’s a spot usually occupied by Michael Porter Jr., yet his inconsistent shooting swung in the wrong direction tonight. Through two, he had just seven points while shooting 2-9 from the field and 0-5 from deep.

Things didn’t get any better for him or the Nets once play resumed. MPJ started the second half with four quick misses, and even though the last one was high quality shot, Fernández subbed him out for Williams at the 9:33 mark of the third period. A 7-4 start to it also pushed the Miami lead up to 18 points.

“I want Mike and the first group to play as hard as they can,” Fernández said. “I want to challenge them to do it, because I’ve seen them doing it, especially on the defensive end. If that happens, I can live with whatever happens. If that is there, then you’re being selfless. You’re playing for the team. And, you know, just good things happen. I’m trying to just challenge every guy in different ways.”

However, and once again, the B-side of Brooklyn’s rotational record had all the hits in the second half. The bench scored 14 of the Nets’ 21 points in the third period, with six coming from Williams despite a 1-5 shooting stretch. Sharpe got into double figures with four in the period while Wolf added another pair of assists.

“The second group went in, and they did a really good job,” Fernández said. “They won their minutes, they fought…That’s what I want to see.”

Williams, who as mentioned, came in a bit earlier than everyone, finished the period as a +1. Wolf, Saraf, Sharpe, and Josh Minott managed to break even as well.

That group might’ve made it game, but Tyler Herro, Simone Fontecchio, and Davion Mitchell preferred a the other kind of ending. They mixed in a flurry of threes down the stretch of the third and Miami remained up 15+ heading into the fourth. From there, the Nets only continued to stumble, all the way into their ninth straight loss.

Miami kept poking and pushing the ball down the other way, eventually snagging 20 points off 19 Brooklyn turnovers for the game. They slowly but surely, they stacked points like a tired bricklayer while the clock ran down. The Nets also finished shooting 18.8% from deep, which ranks as their third worst mark in a contest this year.

While things went further off the rails, Grant Nelson got some run in garbage time, though his minutes were more like those of a recent G-League graduate this time around. That being said, the rook did finish with three points, all of which came at the free throw line. Noah Clowney led all Nets with 17 points while shooting 4-8 from the field, 1-4 from three, and 8-9 from the charity stripe. Ziaire Williams finished right behind him with 16 points, also getting the bulk of his points via an 8-9 performance at the line.

Brooklyn’s rookie ball-handlers weren’t so efficient. Traore added 14 points and splashed two threes on four attempts, but also turned it over six times without any assists to counter things out. Saraf managed four dimes, but also had six turnovers.

“They need to grow, watch it and learn from it,” Fernández said. “I know they’re better. There’s not an excuse if their young, I’ve watched them play, and they’re way, way better than 12 turnovers to zero assists. The assists — sometimes if the shots don’t go in, it’s hard to get assists. I don’t know about the potential assist. I have to look at it, but the turnovers for sure, like how they organize the team, how vocal they are, all that it’s important.”

The Nets, collectively, lost by double digits for the sixth time in their last eight. But again, at least it’ll be an easy one to forget.

Final: Miami Heat 124, Brooklyn Nets 98

Milestone Watch​

• With his second block of the night against Miami, Nic Claxton (599 career blocks) has tied Mike Gminski for the fourth-most rejections in franchise history.

Over at Tankathon, the Nets are closer to the overall No. 1 slot than they have been this late in the season during the tank. They’re now tied for the second best odds and a game and a half out of the top spot. Mission accomplished?

Injury Update​

While Dëmin technically sat with “injury management” tonight, Jordi Fernández made it seem like this is a situation where there’s actually something bugging him rather than one where the team is just taking a precaution.

“Right now, he’s not good to go,” he said. “We’ll see what the next step is. It’s important that we manage them. As rookies, they come in, and usually when they do a lot of draft workouts their summer is not perfect because they go through a lot. It’s almost like they’re missing a summer. They do play summer league, but it’s not a real summer. Then you get into training camp, and it feels like you go into playing right away. You see it sometimes; a lot of people talk about the rookie wall. Mentally and physically, there’s a lot of things that still we got to do better to help them overcome the adversity of how and different the NBA schedule is. It’s important that we do what’s best for his body and moving forward for him.”

We’ll continue to provide updates as we hear more about Dëmin’s health status. For what it’s worth, he did travel with the team to Miami.

Next Up​

Let’s run it back. The Nets will play the Miami Heat once again on Thursday evening, also at Kaseya Center. After this one, the Nets will have just 20 games left in the 2025-26 campaign. The game tips off at 7:30 p.m ET.

• Boxscore: Miami Heat 124, Brooklyn Nets 98 – NBA
• Game Highlights: Miami Heat 124, Brooklyn Nets 98 (Video) – NBA
• PostGame Show (Video) – Chris Shearn & Frank Isola – YES Network
• Adebayo and Herro lead Heat to 124-98 victory over Nets in the opener of a two-game series – AP
• Listless Nets handled by Heat as losing streak hits nine with tanking race tightening – Brian Lewis – New York Post
• Cold second quarter buries Nets in Miami as losing streak stretches to 9 ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-scor...s-vs-miami-heat-124-98-danny-wolf-tyler-herro

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

LIVE DISCUSSION: Brooklyn Nets at Miami Heat, 7:30 PM ET

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 01: Danny Wolf #2 and Ziaire Williams #1 of the Brooklyn Nets high-five during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Barclays Center on March 01, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Most games haven’t been pretty since returning the All-Star break. Brooklyn’s lost eight straight — seven since the break — in which they’ve lost by an average of 17.7 points. They broke the blowout spell and made a close one out of a four-point loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, but that won’t do the trick.

Better off losing… or get a W for Egor’s birthday. Happy 20th!

---

KEY INFO​

Who: Brooklyn Nets (15-45) vs Miami Heat (32-29)
When: 7:30 PM ET
Watch:YES Network

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Prospect watch​

MATCHUP	TIME (ET)	TV	PROSPECT
Tennessee @ South Carolina	6:00 PM	SEC Network	Nate Ament
Alabama @ Georgia	6:30 PM	ESPNEWS	Labaron Philon
Clemson @ North Carolina	7:00 PM	ESPN	Caleb Wilson, Henri Veesaar
Oregon @ Illinois	9:00 PM	Peacock	Keaton Wagler
Kansas @ Arizona State	9:00 PM	FS1	Darryn Peterson

---

Tuesday's status report pic.twitter.com/D9moNJ4w9m

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) March 3, 2026

UPDATE: Davion Mitchell is available to play in tonight’s game vs the Nets. https://t.co/D1lXxzkYe9

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) March 3, 2026

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DISCUSSION​

Share your thoughts and react, but please be respectful. NetsDaily prides itself on being a safe space for Nets and basketball fans alike to have healthy conversation. Reach out to Anthony Puccio or Net Income with any issues.

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-disc...cussion-brooklyn-nets-at-miami-heat-730-pm-et

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

The Long Forecast: Momcilovic rises, Peat falls as Daniels’ brother takes center stage

AMES, IA - FEBRUARY 28: Jaylen Petty #11 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders takes a shot as Milan Momcilovic #22 of the Iowa State Cyclones defends as Christian Anderson #4 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders watches on in the second half of play at Hilton Coliseum on February 28, 2026 in Ames, Iowa. The Texas Tech Red Raiders won 82-73 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to The Long Forecast on NetsDaily.

With March officially here, every game continues to matter a little more. Conference tournaments are around the corner, and for many prospects, this is where they make their name known.

Where do the Nets’ picks sit?​

The Nets currently own the NBA’s second-worst record at 15-46, while their two second-round selections are currently slotted at Nos. 33 and 42 overall.

The Nets would have had a third pick, but the Nets traded it for a 2032 Nuggets pick in the Hunter Tyson deal. It is important to keep in mind, though, that with the youngest roster in the NBA, by far, another second-rounder might have had a hard time making the team.

Here are the latest mock drafts from Tankathon and Bleacher Report.

Risers​

Milan Momcilovic, Iowa State

Momcilovic continues to trend upward as one of the more intriguing scoring forwards in this year’s class.

Against Texas Tech on Sunday, Momcilovic poured in 20 points while shooting 50% from the field and 40% from 3-point territory.

I have a crush on Milan Momcilovic pic.twitter.com/fpbm29oao2

— Top Tier Iowa State (@TopTierIowaSt) February 14, 2026

The 6’8”, 220-pound wing is currently averaging 17 points per game this season at Iowa State while shooting a whopping 50.2% from 3-point range.

Iowa State star Milan Momcilovic against Colorado:

22 MIN
16 PTS
1 AST
6-9 FG
3-6 3PT
1-2 FT

Best shooting big in the nation this season?? pic.twitter.com/JP44xb4oyt

— MBB Performances (@mbbperformances) January 30, 2026

He possesses a high basketball IQ and can score at all three levels, making him a player that talent evaluators will fall in love with as June inches closer.

Fallers​

Koa Peat, Arizona

This one is largely injury-related.

Peat suffered a lower leg muscle strain during the Wildcats’ loss to Texas Tech on Feb. 14, sidelining him for three games before returning on Feb. 28.

Peat has remained productive overall, averaging 13.8 points and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 53.4% from the field this season; however, since his return, he has struggled to reach those same heights.

Since his return, the 19-year-old has played in two games, where he has averaged eight points and three rebounds in 26 minutes.

As March Madness approaches, Peat will look to regain the momentum he had built before the leg injury.

Spotlight of the week​

Dash Daniels, Melbourne United

Daniels is one of the more interesting long-term prospects in this year’s draft.

The 6’6” Australian guard, and younger brother of Atlanta Hawks guard and reigning MIP Dyson Daniels, is developing through the NBL Next Stars program with Melbourne United while flashing elite defensive instincts and positional versatility.

Brooklyn’s interest is notable. Nets general manager Sean Marks flew to Australia to scout Daniels in person, showing that the Nets are tracking the young guard’s development in the Land Down Under.

While Daniels is still very early in his professional career, averaging 4.2 points and 2.3 rebounds this season as a capable 3-point shooter, evaluators remain drawn to his defensive upside and playmaking upside, along with his physical tools.

Sleepers​

Alex Karaban, UConn

Currently in his fourth season under Dan Hurley, Karaban has been an impactful player for UConn.

Standing at 6’8” and 210 pounds, the senior is averaging 13.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game while shooting 48.8% from the field and 41.5% from 3.

Calm, cool, and collected.

Alex Karaban is the real deal.

What a stellar first year as a Husky.

pic.twitter.com/8C6oAtzYRD

— Barstool UConn (@BarstoolStorrs) March 9, 2023

Karaban’s appeal lies in his versatility and feel. He moves well without the ball and thrives as a floor spacer while providing a competent presence on the defensive side of the ball.

Be an energy giver like Alex Karaban

This dude is a warrior and back to back national champion for a reason

He will be an NBA player because he gets it at the highest level

Talented player, but more than anything the ULTIMATE winner and energy giver

pic.twitter.com/1ecTaHBqEn

— Hoop Herald (@TheHoopHerald) July 30, 2024

With effective shooting splits and strong decision-making, averaging less than one turnover per game this season while playing at one of the NCAA’s top programs for four seasons, Karaban fits the mold of an undervalued role player who could ultimately be one of the best second-round picks in this year’s draft.

This week’s watch guide​

Here is a list of NCAA games that fans should be tuned into this week:

• March 4, 7:00 PM tip-off: Texas @ Arkansas
• March 4, 9:00 PM tip-off: Baylor @ Houston
• March 5, 8:00 PM tip-off: Rutgers @ 8 Michigan State
• March 7, 12:30 PM tip-off: UConn @ Marquette
• March 7, 2:00 PM tip-off: Kansas State @ Kansas
• March 7, 4:00 PM tip-off: Florida @ Kentucky
• March 7, 6:30 PM tip-off: UNC @ Duke
• March 7, 8:30 PM tip-off: Auburn @ Alabama
• March 8, 4:30 PM tip-off: Michigan State @ Michigan
• March 8, 5:00 PM tip-off: Iowa @ Nebraska

Date	Tip-off (ET)	Matchup	Top Prospect
March 4	7:00 PM	Texas @ Arkansas	Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas)
March 4	9:00 PM	Baylor @ Houston	Kingston Flemings (Houston)
March 5	8:00 PM	Rutgers @ 8 Michigan State	Tariq Francis (Rutgers)
March 7	12:30 PM	UConn @ Marquette	Braylon Mullins (UConn)
March 7	2:00 PM	Kansas State @ Kansas	Darryn Peterson (Kansas)
March 7	4:00 PM	Florida @ Kentucky	Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky)
March 7	6:30 PM	UNC @ Duke	Cameron Boozer (Duke)
March 7	8:30 PM	Auburn @ Alabama	Labaron Philon (Alabama)
March 8	4:30 PM	Michigan State @ Michigan	Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan)
March 8	5:00 PM	Iowa @ Nebraska	Bennett Stirtz (Iowa)

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-draf...ises-peat-falls-as-daniels-takes-center-stage

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Nets vs. Heat preview: One more in Miami

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 3: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat shoots the ball during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on March 3, 2026 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The streak rolls on. The Brooklyn Nets began a three game road trip on Tuesday night against the Miami Heat. The Heat were too hot to handle and handed the Nets their ninth straight defeat, 124-98. Fortunately for the Nets, they didn’t have to travel between games. Unfortunately for the Nets, they have to play the Heat one more time.

Where to follow the game​

YES Network on TV. WFAN on radio. Gotham Sports on streaming. Tip after 7:30 PM.

Injuries​

No Egor Demin. Drake Powell and the three two-ways are with Long Island. Grant Nelson remains with Brooklyn on a 10-day.

Norman Powell is out.

The game​

Miami won the first two meetings. This is the last meeting between the teams this season.

Michael Porter Jr is looking to bounce back tonight. He tied a season low with nine points and Tuesday was only the third time this season he’s been held below ten points. When he doesn’t play well, Brooklyn’s slim chances of victory drop all the way to zero.

Every game is a lesson for the Nets, and without Demin for the foreseeable future, Nolan Traore and Ben Saraf will have plenty of chances to learn on the job. They had respectively terrible games against the Heat defense, and Jordi Fernandez wants them to be a lot better this time around:

“I know they’re better. There’s not an excuse if their young, I’ve watched them play, and they’re way, way better than 12 turnovers to zero assists. The assists — sometimes if the shots don’t go in, it’s hard to get assists. I don’t know about the potential assist. I have to look at it, but the turnovers for sure, like how they organize the team, how vocal they are, all that it’s important.”

No time better than the present to learn and grow.

Player to watch: Bam Adebayo​

Adebayo has been one of the better, more versatile defenders in the league throughout the 2020s. However, he doesn’t have as much hardware as you’d think. He’s never finished higher than third in Defensive Player of the Year voting and has only made 1st Team All Defense once. Although he hasn’t gotten love from the voters, Bam knows that everyone sees his value:

“From my peers and the people who play against me and understand that you’ve got to put me in the corner, so I don’t mess up your offensive schemes, that’s what matters more… that’s real in basketball. A lot of people who are doing surveys wouldn’t know that. They just think because, ‘Oh, he’s a DPOY because he has five blocks a game.’”

An inspired closing run by the Heat could cause voters to change their mind. As it stands, he’s leading one of the best defensive units in the NBA this year.

Nic Claxton and Day’ron Sharpe have the assignment of slowing down not just Adebayo, but Kel’el Ware off the bench as well. It seems like the Heat still have reservations about Ware, but he fills up the box sheet every night he gets real minutes. And for a team that’s older than you think, they need some youth somewhere.

From the Vault​

30 years ago, we received a blessing

More reading: Hot, Hot Hoops, SB Nation NBA, New York Post, New York Daily News, Clutch Points, Nets Wire, Steve’s Newsletter

• Brooklyn Nets Game Notes – Brooklyn Nets
• Miami Heat Game Notes – Miami Heat
• Miami puts home win streak on the line against Brooklyn – AP
• Jordi Fernandez calls out Nets starters following humiliating Heat defeat – Bridget Reilly – New York Post
• Egor Dëmin to miss third straight game vs. Heat as Nets seek cleaner rematch in Miami ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Possession game swings hard as Nets’ rookies struggle with Heat pressure ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Jordi Fernandez’s Michael Porter Jr. benching comes with direct ‘challenge’ – Erik Slater – Clutch Points

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-game-previews/106923/nets-vs-heat-preview-one-more-in-miami

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Nets drop 10th straight loss to Miami Heat, lose 126-110

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 5: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat smiles at an opposing coach after a dunk as Day'ron Sharpe #20 of the Brooklyn Nets walks by in the first half at Kaseya Center on March 5, 2026 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Brooklyn Nets played the Miami Heat for a second straight time tonight. It was honest remake. The same characters appeared. There were a few creative spins on the script and plot. However, we got the same, predicable ending.

Much like in the Tuesday game, the Nets struggled to protect the rock this evening, once more turning it over 19 times. Seven of them came on their first 11 possessions of the game.

The other night, when the wasted trips down the floor began to stack, Brooklyn’s rookie ball-handlers shouldered most of the blame. It was fair criticism, and Jordi Fernández agreed with it postgame, as Ben Saraf and Nolan Traoré combined for 12 of those turnovers.

But this time, the kids were innocent, at least in the first quarter. Both Traoré and Saraf played squeaky clean opening frames. It was yet another instance of Fernández challenging his young talent and getting the desired response.

“I think today we we got better,” Fernández said. “Obviously, not what we want, coming out with a loss, but a lot of good things. And starting with the first group, the way they competed, and that’s what I like to see.”

Traoré was especially better early, and in more ways than one. He opened the game with a 7/2/2 line while shooting 3-4 from the field and 1-1 from deep. He only scored two more points after that, struggling to handle Miami’s zone, but Fernández brushed it off postgame.

“It’s understanding the game,” he said. “They were in a zone, and he was trying to call the plays against the zone, and I thought we got good shots. He thought that he saw something different than what it was, and you know, a couple of turnovers here and there… I trust that he’s very smart. He has a good feel, he’s got a good voice, but it doesn’t happen overnight, that he can control everything. So I’ve got keep helping him with games like this…There was a little bit of struggle, but I’m not concerned, because he’s going to keep growing and getting better.”

“They just played zone, and we struggled a little bit at the end, but we’re going to get better,” Traoré added. “Next time, it’s going to be way better. Just got to do what we know, execute what we learn, and we’ll be alright.”

Saraf also had two strong takes in the first and showed what positional size can do for you even when you don’t have the quickest feet…

Nets second unit again looking better on defense vs Miami.

Timely paint help, active hands + nice job by Saraf to recover and closeout with control. pic.twitter.com/zgeMFC9Cty

— Collin Helwig (@collinhelwig) March 6, 2026

That production also helped the Nets stay within reach after the first, even while throwing a possession giveaway sale.

But then, like they did in the first game, the Heat started doing what playoff-hungry teams are supposed to do to basement dwellers. Dru Smith, who appeared in 10 games for Brooklyn as a tw0-way player in 2023, gave Miami five points in less than four minutes to help his team establish a double digit lead. Kel’el Ware also started doing what seven footers are known to do, rejecting three shots in the period to help him earn a career-high seven for the game.

However, Fernández has said multiple times this year he doesn’t want his team to quietly concede games. He wants to see “the fight.”

It doesn’t seem like the message always sticks, but tonight, in the humid 305, it did.

The Nets closed the second on a 14-5 run, making this a two possession game at halftime. After being -7 in turnovers in in the first, they finished +3 in the second. Ochai Agbaji, Ziaire Williams, Terance Mann, Claxton and Clowney were all in on the action with a steal each.

“Man, we just tried to play with a little extra effort, one more charge, one more closeout, just a little more effort than we had last game,” Williams said. “Still came up short, but I thought our guys were fighting back.”

Michael Porter also flipped things after a rough game on Tuesday. Benefitting from the space created off those turnovers, he sprayed two threes in the period to give himself 11 points by halftime. He finished the game with 27 points, 13 rebounds, and three assists while shooting 9-24 from the field and 7-13 from three. He also snagged two steals and blocked a shot.

“You just look at the rebounding, 13 rebounds, and then winning plays,” Fernández said. “Like, he sprinted in transition defensively and got the deflection towards the end of the third quarter. Just things like this, when I see Mike so engaged, and then when he thinks about rebounding, about cutting, and playing as far as he can defensively, then shots go in. I thought he was aggressive. I was very happy with the game he played. That’s the Michael that the group needs, because he brings so much good energy and the level of play of a very, very, very good player, a top player in the NBA.”

Porter Jr. lifted the Nets to 7-13 shooting from three by that point. The Nets only made six threes all game on Tuesday.

Understandably, Brooklyn kept pressing those buttons when play resumed. They hit another two threes to begin the second half, cracking it open with an 8-0 run that gave them their first lead since the opening minutes. Porter Jr. also added another 13 points in the third. The basket began to look like the ocean in South Beach…

Sagging off MPJ to cover Ben Saraf beyond the arc certainly is choice here by Davion Mitchell pic.twitter.com/JPBjndG1kd

— Collin Helwig (@collinhelwig) March 6, 2026

After Bam Adebayo picked up his fourth and fifth fouls just 30 seconds apart from each other halfway through the third, the thought of an upset victory started to creep in.

However, that intoxicating and foreign feeling quickly faded. Tyler Herro became exactly that for all fans in attendance and Brooklyn’s greediest tank commanders hoping for a 10th straight loss. Herro scored a dozen in the frame to weigh against Porter Jr.’s production and carry the load with Adebayo handcuffed to the bench. With Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Pelle Larsson each pumping in five points during the period too, Miami reinflated its lead to 12 by the start of the fourth.

Then, in their eighth straight quarter with the Nets on their plate, the Heat refused to play with their food. Miami outscored Brooklyn 19-7 to open the period while shooting 7-8 from the field, rendering a 20+ point advantage in the process.

Welcome to the show pic.twitter.com/hFF2uNToX3

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) March 6, 2026

The Nets did respond one more time with a 9-0 punch back, but never brought the game back within single digits. They certainly tried their best, ravaging the offensive glass and keeping their starters in until 2:20 remained on the clock.

“I like the fight even when the game went to over 20, got it to 15, and they called a timeout,” Fernández remarked. “And to me, that means the world. That means that’s the right mindset — keep fighting no matter what. I’m proud of the guys, especially the first group tonight.”

But as the Nets fought on, the basket refused to cooperate. Their jump shots looked flat. They started missing short, and even on a few occasions, everything.

Eventually, there was nothing else standing in the way of Brooklyn and its 10th straight loss.

Final: Miami Heat 126, Brooklyn Nets 110

Milestone Watch​

• Michael Porter Jr. had 27 points and 13 rebounds tonight against the Heat for his 10th 20-point double-double of the season, which breaks a tie with 2020-21 for his most in any career season.

Jordi on Cam​

Jordi Fernandez had his first chance to respond to Cam Thomas’ comments to the Post’s Stefan Bondy that the Nets as an organization didn’t believe in him and “they don’t believe in anybody.”

The Nets coach who was generally positive about his shooting guard both last season and until he was finally waived at the deadline was predictably diplomatic but made his point nonetheless.

“We wish Cam the best,” he said. “We loved him while he was here. We hope that he does very well where he is. I don’t know if he has the right to speak about others. We’re happy with the guys we have here. I believe that everybody here can help us with what we have planned.”

Meanwhile, Erik Taylor posted a this item about Thomas’ defense…

Stat I came across while writing my article on this:

Cam Thomas has posted a +16.9 defensive rating swing (points allowed per 100 possessions with a player on vs. off) since joining the Bucks.

That's the worst number by any player in the entire NBA this season. https://t.co/tiXAJYP70D

— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) March 6, 2026

Injury Report​

Fernández reiterated that Egor Dëmin doesn’t have a timetable for a return tonight. He missed his third straight game this evening with plantar fasciitis.

“He’s struggled with his plantar fasciitis,” Fernández said. “The soreness has increased lately. We’re being cautious and trying to figure out what’s the best way for him moving forward.”

For anyone wondering, there isn’t a 65-game requirement for all-rookie teams, so if Dëmin’s in a running for a spot at the end of the year, these or any future games out shouldn’t affect him.

Next Up​

The Nets will play the conference-leading Detroit Pistons for a final time this year on Saturday afternoon. This one could get ugly quick, so get there soon. The game tips off at 6:00 p.m. ET.

• Boxscore: Miami Heat 126, Brooklyn Nets 110 – NBA
• Game Highlights: Miami Heat 126, Brooklyn Nets 110 (Video) – NBA
• Jordi Fernandez PostGame Interview (Video) – YES Network
• Ziaire Williams PostGame Interview (Video) – Meghan Triplett – YES Network
• Nolan Traore PostGame Interview (Video) – Meghan Triplett – YES Network
• Heat surge past the Nets 126-110 as Brooklyn’s skid reaches 10 – AP
• Nets’ turnover problems haunt them again against Heat in 10th straight loss ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Nets’ Michael Porter Jr. drops 27 points in 126-110 loss at Heat – Sharif Phillips-Keaton – USA TODAY

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-scor...miami-heat-126-110-michael-porter-tyler-herro

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

LIVE DISCUSSION: Brooklyn Nets at Miami Heat, 7:30 PM ET

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 01: Nolan Traore #88 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Barclays Center on March 01, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The tanking has been bad. Really bad. The Nets have lost nine straight entering Thursday’s home-and-home with Miami. They aren’t the only tankers… tanking. The Pacers have lost seven straight, Wizards six straight, and the Jazz seven straight. One win and it can all be thrown off. The Draft Lottery can’t come soon enough.

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KEY INFO​

Who: Brooklyn Nets (15-46) vs Miami Heat (33-29)
When: 7:30 PM ET
Watch:YES Network

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Prospect watch​

Game	Time	Watch	Prospect
Tennessee @ South Carolina	6:00 PM	SEC Network	Nate Ament
Alabama @ Georgia	6:30 PM	ESPNEWS	Labaron Philon, Amari Allen
Clemson @ North Carolina	7:00 PM	ESPN	Caleb Wilson
Oregon @ Illinois	9:00 PM	Peacock	Keaton Wagler

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DISCUSSION​

Share your thoughts and react, but please be respectful. NetsDaily prides itself on being a safe space for Nets and basketball fans alike to have healthy conversation. Reach out to Anthony Puccio or Net Income with any issues.

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-disc...cussion-brooklyn-nets-at-miami-heat-730-pm-et

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Chris Carrino, Mike Fratello named to Naismith Hall of Fame

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 18: Voice of the Nets Chris Carrino speaks on stage during T.J. Martell Foundation's 41st Annual Honors Gala at Gustavino's on October 18, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for TJ Martell Foundation)

Two broadcasters familiar to Nets fans in both New Jersey and Brooklyn will be enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame this summer as winners of the Curt Gowdy Award. provided to journalists who’ve covered the sport. The Hoop Hall announced Friday that Chris Carrino and Mike Fratello were among four recipients selected for the Gowdy Award.

The two appear to be the first Gowdy winners who spent much of their careers covering the Nets…

Congratulations to Chris Carrino on being the recipient of the Curt Gowdy Electronic Media Award. #GowdyAward pic.twitter.com/aRuliYk8hE

— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) March 6, 2026

Chris Carrino has served as the Brooklyn Nets’ radio play-by-play announcer since 2002, having joined the organization in 1992 as a studio producer and feature reporter. He steadily worked his way up to studio host, backup play-by-play announcer, and ultimately the team’s lead radio voice. Over more than two decades on the call, Carrino has narrated many of the franchise’s defining moments, including consecutive NBA Finals appearances and the Nets’ historic first game in Brooklyn.

A respected national basketball broadcaster, Carrino has called men’s and women’s basketball for NBC at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympic Games, and serves as Westwood One’s national radio voice of the NCAA Tournament.

A graduate of Fordham University and former standout on WFUV, Carrino was mentored by legendary broadcaster Marty Glickman and was later inducted into the Iona Prep Hall of Fame. In 2023, he was honored with the NBA’s Values of the Game Award, recognizing his excellence on-air and his impact within the league community.

Congratulations to Mike Fratello on being the recipient of the Curt Gowdy Electronic Media Award. #GowdyAward pic.twitter.com/U35UBhL4Qe

— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) March 6, 2026

Fratello was often paired with Ian Eagle and Marv Albert on YES Network broadcasts during his decade covering the Nets, often with his famed Telestrator….

Mike Fratello is an Emmy-winning basketball analyst and former NBA and FIBA head coach, widely known as “Czar of the Telestrator” for his innovative use of on-screen play diagramming. In the early 1990s, Fratello began his national broadcasting career with NBC Sports, working alongside legendary play-by-play announcer Marv Albert to call NBA games for three seasons. Albert and Fratello also called all the games of the “Dream Team” at the 1992 Summer Olympics.

Fratello’s broadcast contributions have earned him a 2015 New York Emmy Award for Best Sports Analyst and four consecutive nominations (2012-15). His relationship with Turner Sports spans decades, including NBA playoff coverage (1994-96), regular-season work (1999-2004), and Thursday night NBA coverage alongside Marv Albert, Steve Kerr, and Reggie Miller (2009-13). He later joined NBA GameTime Live (2014-19) and appeared on select NBA on TNT telecasts.

Beyond national broadcasts, Fratello served as color commentator for the Nets on YES Network for 10 seasons (2008-18), the Cavaliers on Bally Sports Ohio from 2016-23, and currently serves as analyst for the Clippers. His nine-season YES Network run with play-by-play announcers Marv Albert, Ian Eagle, and Ryan Ruocco contributed to the broadcast team’s 2014 New York Emmy for Best Live Sports Series.

Congratulations to the duo for all their work and all the enjoyment they’ve given us over the years.

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-news...-mike-fratello-named-to-naismith-hall-of-fame

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Nets vs. Pistons preview: Best vs. worst in the East

DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 27: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons celebrates during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 27, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The streak continues. The Brooklyn Nets completed their two game mini series against the Miami Heat on Thursday night. The Nets put forth good effort, but it wasn’t nearly enough to get the win as Miami handed Brooklyn their tenth consecutive defeat.

The opponent tonight is sitting on top of the Eastern Conference for the first time in a long time. The Detroit Pistons have been one of the biggest stories of the NBA season as JB Bickerstaff’s club has exceeded every expectation possible. They have a beeline on the number one seed in the East come postseason time and have an outside chance of capturing best overall record. They didn’t help their cause after losing to the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night.

Where to follow the game​

YES Network on TV. Gotham Sports on streaming. WFAN on radio. Tip after 6 PM.

Injuries​

Egor Dëmin is out. The three two-ways and Drake Powell remain with Long Island. This is the last game for Grant Nelson under his initial 10-day contract. The Nets can renew him for another 10 days.

Ausar Thompson is out. Cade Cunningham is questionable while Jalen Duren is probable.

The game​

Detroit won the first meeting in November and second in February. These teams wrap the season series up next week.

Cade Cunningham is in a bit of a slump. The star guard has shot under 50 percent from the field in each of the past three games. It happens to everyone over the course of 82 games, so I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Cade can make his life a bit easier by getting back to the free throw line. He’s getting to the free throw line at the highest rate of his career and remains one of the league leaders in drives to the rim. When games slow down and get choppy late, being able to get points any way possible takes on even more importance. Having a guard who can get their own shot and make something happen every time they have the ball is so valuable, and Pistons fans are lucky to have a franchise guard as good as Cunningham.

Although Michael Porter Jr isn’t competing for a championship for the first time in a good while, his habits and effort stand out. He’s got a fan in Jordi Fernandez, and the way MPJ is conducting himself is part of what makes a winning franchise once they return to contention:

“… when I see Mike so engaged, and then when he thinks about rebounding, about cutting, and playing as far as he can defensively, then shots go in. I thought he was aggressive. I was very happy with the game he played. That’s the Michael that the group needs, because he brings so much good energy and the level of play of a very, very, very good player, a top player in the NBA.”

Effort is all you can ask for, and as long as you’ve got that, you’re off to a good start.

The Pistons have a roster of bruisers, which has helped them to the best offensive rebound rate in the Eastern Conference. When your guys can consistently get second and third chance opportunities, you wear the opponent down and get easy opportunities to score. Possessions become even more valuable in a close game, and being able to create a bunch more by outworking your opponent on the boards can demoralize them.

Most concerningly for the Nets, the Pistons have a propensity to force a bunch of turnovers. Detroit is first in opponent’s turnover rate and Brooklyn has the second worst turnover rate this year. One bad stretch can turn a close game into a blowout in a hurry.

Player to watch: Jalen Duren​

When you enter title contention, the questions you face are different. It’s no longer a question of if you’re good, but now you have to ask how far your team can go. And that is answered in part by how good your secondary star is. We know Cunningham is going to get his shots and make plenty of noise in the playoffs. For the Pistons, Jalen Duren’s play will determine how far they can go. He made the All-Star game for the first time in his career, and it was an incredibly well deserved honor. What’s different about his game this year is he’s more involved in the offense and is stretching his game out to around 10 feet. He’s evolved to being more than an elite rim running big, and that desire to get better combined with his success makes him someone to keep an eye on.

We mentioned the new questions the Pistons face now that they’re contenders, and Duren’s ability to be a good secondary option is something on our mind. From Austen Flores of Detroit Bad Boys:

“We saw how defenses sold out to stop Cunningham in last year’s playoffs, and he’ll be an even bigger focal point this time around. If Duren can consistently punish that attention — not just as a finisher, but as someone who can initiate offense — it changes Detroit’s ceiling.

The challenge? There aren’t many bigs who can truly function as a No. 2 without any perimeter game. Whether Duren can bend that rule may end up being one of the defining questions of Detroit’s postseason run.“

It’ll be fun to see how he and the team does.

Nic Claxton will have to do his best to keep Duren off the glass. Duren is fourth in the NBA in offensive rebounding this season, and will consistently create trouble on the inside. For Claxton, a game like this will provide a great test and work as a measuring stick of sorts. As Brooklyn works to find its place in the future, knowing that you have a good center that can match up against some of the league’s best will make roster building a lot easier for Brooklyn.

From the Vault​

Shouts to an underrated WrestleMania classic

And I turn 36 tomorrow, so let’s vibe out a lil bit

More reading: Detroit Bad Boys, SB Nation NBA, New York Post, New York Daily News, Clutch Points, Nets Wire, Steve’s Newsletter

• Brooklyn Nets Game Notes – Brooklyn Nets
• Detroit Pistons Game Notes – Detroit Pistons
• Brooklyn plays Detroit on 8-game road skid – AP

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-game...-vs-pistons-preview-best-vs-worst-in-the-east

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Brooklyn Nets work miracle against Detroit Pistons, win 107-105

Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images

It’d be nice to simulate to the end of the Brooklyn Nets’ season by adding 20 losses to their ledger and populating social media with a few Nolan Traore highlight reels here and there. Alas, they do have to play the games, and on Saturday evening, the Nets faced the East’s #1 seed — the Detroit Pistons — on the road.

However, much like Brooklyn’s narrow loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers last week, this one seemed like a trap game for their opponent. Maybe “trap” is the wrong word considering the Pistons were missing Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson to injury, but throw in the weird 6:00 p.m. tip-off time and their most recent, hard-fought loss to the San Antonio Spurs, and it felt like the Nets could make it sweaty.

The first few minutes were promising. Michael Porter Jr. — chased through screens not by Thompson but by Duncan Robinson — got free for a couple early threes, and Jordi Fernández even threw out a funky double-big lineup to reward the faithful Brooklyn viewers that tuned in.

Then the Pistons went on an 18-4 run, taking a 16-point lead into the half as old friend Caris LeVert helped destroy a turnover-prone reserve unit…

YEA RONALD pic.twitter.com/YGaHZHeBi2

— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) March 7, 2026

Another Nets loss, huh? Not even the were providing enjoyment, with Egor Dëmin sitting to manage his plantar fascia injury again, while Traore (15 minutes) and Ben Saraf (four minutes) combined for five turnovers and two total points. Danny Wolf was better, finishing with a tidy eight points and four assists, but the team was down 23 points soon after the third quarter started. Autopilot, right?

And then it all changed. Jordi Fernández rode the veterans to a wild, wild comeback, ending a ten-game losing streak. Foolish or not, nobody can accuse this team of tanking, not on Saturday night in Detroit.

Michael Porter Jr. never really caught fire, but shot 10-of-25 to end up with 30/13/1 , leading all scorers. Likewise, Noah Clowney shot just 1-of-5 from deep, but frequented the free-throw line en route to 16 points. Terance Mann brought the ball up the floor for much of the second half and stabilized the group, while Ziaire Williams continued to play some of the best ball of his career…

From the YES broadcast: pic.twitter.com/tMeBzFShFv

— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) March 8, 2026

“I was just flowing, just taking what the defense gives me, not forcing anything,” said Williams. “My mama, she from D-town, so shoutout to the fam in the arena watching. I had a little extra spirit with me today.”

Williams scored 23 points, making five threes and eight free-throws, but it didn’t stop there. Day’Ron Sharpe, who fought Jalen Duren tooth and nail in the paint, closed over Nic Claxton. Fernández even went offense/defense down the stretch, showing some faith in Danny Wolf to get buckets.

The Pistons, yukking it up in the first half as Kevin Huerter shot heat-checks and Daniss Jenkins took everybody off the dribble, looked mortified in the second half, running into a brick wall without Cunningham. They shot a grotesque 9-of-27 from TWO after halftime, with the Nets racking up five blocks in that span.

“I think we found energy at the right time,” said Fernández. “I think defensively, when you look at 43 points allowed in one half, you give yourself a chance to win.”

Well, that’s the truth. Here’s Ziaire Williams’ take: “We just never gave up. Shoutout Day’Ron, big minutes down the stretch. It was a team win, just glad we got it done.”

Detroit’s 23-point lead approached single-digits, but a quick run at the start of the fourth quarter pushed it back to 17. It wasn’t safe. Ziaire Williams hit two huge threes, Detroit couldn’t stop fouling, and it set up a stupid, wacky ending that both teams, quite frankly, deserved to lose. (Maybe more the team that blew the big lead…)

Don't even know what I watched at the end of this Nets-Pistons game. Couldn't tell you.

Here's how Brooklyn came back from 23 down: pic.twitter.com/wpaBCosWM6

— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) March 8, 2026

I still can’t make sense of it. My best guess is that Noah Clowney got out over his skis trying to put the game away with a dunk instead of catching the ball, which set up another Nets blunder on the ensuing defensive possession: Up two points, they lost track of…Duncan Robinson. Who missed. Brooklyn’s fourth-quarter execution was splendid, but uh, that real late-game execution? It might need some work heading into next season.

Duren, however, missed the fadeaway jumper over Sharpe to seal what I would otherwise consider a devastating outcome for both sides if I hadn’t seen the emotion on Brooklyn’s sideline…

5TH BIGGEST COMEBACK IN FRANCHISE HISTORY! pic.twitter.com/o2aUMLSmGW

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) March 8, 2026

Will this be 2026’s version of the Nic Claxton game-winner in Philadelphia? I don’t know about all that. Jordi Fernández may have gone balls to the wall to snag the fifth-largest comeback in franchise history, but the team is still just 16-47 after this foxtrot of a win, good for the third-worst record in the league.

“The last time we was here, they broke a franchise-record for their largest record win ever … it’s all about how you respond,” said Day’Ron Sharpe.

Well…if the Nets are gonna win…it might as well be like this. I’m still sweating.

Final Score: Brooklyn Nets 107, Detroit Pistons 105

Milestone Watch​

More milestones — especially team-focused ones — than we’ve had in a minute!

• Porter Jr. had 27+ points and 13+ rebounds for the second consecutive game. It’s the first time in his career he’s put up such numbers in back-to-back games.
• Saturday night also marked MPJ’s 11th 20-point double-double of the season, the most he’s ever recorded in one season.
• This is the first time in Ziaire Williams’ career he has scored 15+ points in three consecutive games. His 23 points is the second-most he’s scored this season, and five made 3-pointers is tied for the third-highest total of his career.
• Brooklyn defeated the East’s #1 seed on Saturday, the first time they’ve done so since a 12/23/22 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
• As mentioned, that 23-point comeback ties the fifth-largest comeback win in franchise history. How many do you remember?

Where does this one rank Nets fans on your list of greatest comebacks?

Via @YESNetwork pic.twitter.com/XcjT8z9F2I

— Nets Insider (@notoriousbknets) March 8, 2026

Next Up​

The Nets return home for a back-to-back, starting with the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

• Boxscore: Brooklyn Nets 107, Detroit Pistons 105 – NBA
• Game Highlights: Brooklyn Nets 107, Detroit Pistons 105 (Video) – NBA
• Ziaire Williams Highlights (Video) – YES Network
• Jordi Fernandez PostGame Interview (Video) – YES Network
• Day’Ron Sharpe PostGame Interview (Video) – YES Network
• Nets end 10-game losing streak by rallying from down 23 points to stun Pistons 107-105 – Dave Hogg – AP
• Nets snap 10-game skid with stunning comeback win over shorthanded Pistons – Brian Lewis – New York Post
• Nets storm back from 23 down, stun East-leading Pistons to snap 10-game skid ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Nets push Drake Powell out of his comfort zone with G League stint ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Nets end 10-game losing streak with 107-105 comeback win at Pistons – Sharif Phillips-Keaton – USA TODAY

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-scor...stons-107-105-ziaire-williams-cade-cunningham

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

LIVE DISCUSSION: Brooklyn Nets at Detroit Pistons, 6:00 PM ET

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 5: Noah Clowney #21 of the Brooklyn Nets looks to pass the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on March 5, 2026 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Nets are looking to avoid their 11th straight loss, but it won’t be easy against the best team in the East.

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KEY INFO​

Who: Brooklyn Nets (15-47) vs Miami Heat (45-16)
When: 6:00 PM ET
Watch: YES Network

Nets prospect watch here.

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DISCUSSION​

Share your thoughts and react, but please be respectful. NetsDaily prides itself on being a safe space for Nets and basketball fans alike to have healthy conversation. Reach out to Anthony Puccio or Net Income with any issues.

Saturday’s status report pic.twitter.com/7A3VNuY3WK

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) March 7, 2026

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-disc...on-brooklyn-nets-at-detroit-pistons-600-pm-et

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Prospect Watch: Peterson, Boozer & Dybantsa lead Saturday’s slate — Who are you watching?

SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 24: Cameron Boozer #12 of the Duke Blue Devils walks up court during the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Purcell Pavilion on February 24, 2026 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Brooklyn Nets are 15-47. They missed on Cooper Flagg last year but the losing has been more intense this year. They’ve lost 10 straight and it might be 11 after a bout with Detroit on Saturday.

With March Madness approaching and Tankathon being a constant resource, we decided to lean into the prospects we watch and talk so much about (yet, know so little about! see: Egor Demin).

Here’s Saturday’s packed slate from Tankathon’s mocked first-round picks:

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Early window​

Time (ET)	Matchup	TV	Prospects to Watch
12:00 PM	Houston @ Oklahoma State	CBS	Kingston Flemings
2:00 PM	Kansas State @ Kansas	CBS	Darryn Peterson

Afternoon window​

Time (ET)	Matchup	TV	Prospects to Watch
4:00 PM	Florida @ Kentucky	ESPN	Thomas Haugh (probable)
6:30 PM	North Carolina @ Duke	ESPN	Cameron Boozer

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Later window​

Time (ET)	Matchup	TV	Prospects to Watch
8:30 PM	Auburn @ Alabama	ESPN	Labaron Philon, Amari Allen
10:30 PM	Texas Tech @ BYU	ESPN	AJ Dybantsa
11:00 PM	Arizona @ Colorado	ESPN2	Brayden Burries, Koa Peat

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Join the Discussion​

If the Nets are picking in the top 5… who are you taking and why? NetsDaily’s Tyler Carmona makes a case for Cameron Boozer.

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-disc...tsa-lead-saturdays-slate-who-are-you-watching

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

LIVE DISCUSSION: Memphis Grizzlies at Brooklyn Nets, 7:30 PM ET

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 5: Nolan Traore #88 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on March 5, 2026 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The day didn’t get off to a great start, as the Nets announced that Egor Demin will miss the remainder of the season with plantar fascia. Otherwise, Nets fans are looking at development for the others and lottery odds.

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KEY INFO​

Who: Memphis Grizzlies (23-39) at Brooklyn Nets (16-47)
When: 7:30 PM ET
Watch: YES Network

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DISCUSSION​

Share your thoughts and react, but please be respectful. NetsDaily prides itself on being a safe space for Nets and basketball fans alike to have healthy conversation. Reach out to Anthony Puccio or Net Income with any issues.

Monday's status report pic.twitter.com/5CWatByNZ6

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) March 9, 2026

Status Report: @memgrizz at @BrooklynNets, March 9: pic.twitter.com/rybhFl9p1D

— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) March 8, 2026

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-disc...-memphis-grizzlies-at-brooklyn-nets-730-pm-et

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Michael Porter Jr. talks …again

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 01: Michael Porter Jr. #17 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Barclays Center on March 01, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images) | Getty Images

In an interview with podcaster Emily Austin last week, Michael Porter Jr. spoke about how he’s enjoying his time with the Nets … which he’s said before. He also spoke about his relationship with Andrew Tate, accused sex trafficker and self-described misogynist, which he’s also done before … unfortunately.

Here’s all 73 (not necessarily) fun minutes:

MPJ, having the best season of his career, has been criticized before by pundits as well as the league for his comments about women. The Nets — specifically Sean Marks — have said they’ve had discussions with Porter about his remarks this summer, on both his own podcast as well as others. In particular, team officials (plural) discussed his remarks about how he would play audio of Tate’s most misogynist comments to dates to see how they’d react.

“Those conversations that myself and a group have had with Michael will remain internal,” Marks said on Media Day. “I think this is, as Jordi [Fernández] alluded to, a new environment for him, a new market, new expectations, new roles, both on the court and in the locker room for him. So, I think he’s finding his way.”

At the time, Marks said that he didn’t anticipate speaking with Porter again on the subject.

In the discussion with Austin, MPJ recalled those comments regarding Tate but seemed to go a bit further, indicating a personal connection with the former kickboxer, referring to Tate as “my dawg.”

“They put my dawg in jail with no proof he did any of that,” referring to charges against Tate, particularly in Romania. “They tried to say he trafficked them, but we don’t know. We know that they will put allegations on the people that are speaking too much facts… But his underlying message, like now, when I watch any of his stuff, he just likes to speak pretty true. Now he has has a platform; he’s not doing all that wild stuff.”

MPJ also told Austin that women make unfounded rape allegations “all the time,” saying, “You should get mad at females for doing that. Women do that all the time and ruin men’s lives.”

Porter also attempted to compare a situation he faced during COVID to Tate’s situation, accusing an unknown “they” of trying to poison his reputation. Like Kyrie Irving, Porter declined the COVID vaccine. Before that he had suggested that the epidemic might be used to “control the masses.”

“When I didn’t get the vaccine, all of a sudden they started talking crazy about me,” he told Austin. “They tried to make me sound I’m slow or stupid because I didn’t get the vaccine. Now you fast forward a couple years later, now everybody wishes they didn’t get the vaccine,” he said echoing an unproven conspiracy theory.

He continued, claiming inaccurately that the vaccine was the product of only six months of research: “All this research coming out about why it was harmful for you all, a lot of scientists have come out and said there’s no way clinically that they could be out a safe vaccine within six months. The vaccine was not safe to take, and it caused a lot of harm. I didn’t want to put it in my body for my own reasons, but when I didn’t, they started putting all this crazy labels on me that just weren’t true. So I have experienced it personally that they can literally create any narrative they want about someone.”

COVID vaccinations was one of two areas where MPJ seemed to echo Irving. In response to an Austin question on whether the earth is flat, Porter said he wasn’t sure of Earth’s shape.

“I’ve just seen so many theories on like the structure of Earth, and I don’t know where I land on that,” said Porter, before Austin follows up by asking him if he believes his home planet is round: “Might not be. Hate to break it to you.”

As for his comments on the Nets, Porter re-emphasized his happiness with the Nets organization and his place in it. MPJ is under contract with the Nets for $38.8 million this season and $40.3 million next. As he noted, though, there’s a big difference between his time in Brooklyn and his first five years in the league with Denver, contending every year and winning the NBA championship three years ago, and this season with Brooklyn, which is rebuilding. He also reiterated his desire to stay with the Nets.

“I’m enjoying my time here. It’s obviously different than Denver, but um, you know, I’m 27 now. And to have this time of my life to embrace this different opportunity. I’m I’m all about it. So, I’m excited um for not only the remainder of this year, but going forward hopefully with Brooklyn,” he said.

“It’s the first time in my life that I’ve ever like consistently lost. And so the goal right now is to not get like apathetic to, you know, to to losing. I want to continue to feel that that that hurt and not just kind of become numb to it cuz that’s not me. I’ve always been a guy that loves to win and loves to um you know lead my team and things like that,”

Porter also expressed his feelings about tanking. The Nets deny they’re tanking and MPJ doesn’t directly accuse the organization of such, but he does admit he doesn’t like the idea.

“They’ve got to do something about this tanking situation. I don’t like how teams are deliberately trying to tank to get a good draft pick. I think throwing full NBA seasons down the drain is not the way to go. It’s not very ethical to the game, and people pay a lot of money to watch the best players in the world compete.

“You want to see teams competing to their fullest ability every single night. When teams are doing some of the stuff they’re doing nowadays, it can be tough. I’ve seen people share different ideas about how that should change, but the thing is, you may tank for a whole season and still not get the draft pick you want. Even if you do get the draft pick you want, that player might not pan out the way you thought he would, and now you’ve set your program back years and years.”

Finally, Porter told Austin that he has mixed feelings about rooting for the team that traded him.

“I’d love it, and hate it, if Denver won. I’d love it because those are my friends. But I’d hate it because that means they got better without me,” Porter Jr. said while smiling. “I’m like a toxic ex. “I would love it for all my individual teammates, but selfishly, that human nature part of me is like, dang, they shipped me off and then they got better and won a championship.”

“I’m going to say my prediction is that if everyone gets healthy on the Nuggets — Peyton Watson broke out this year and Aaron Gordon is a difference maker — once they get healthy for the playoffs, it’s going to be really, really hard to beat them in seven games,” Porter Jr. contended. “I’m going to go with Denver.”

And that about covers it. We listened to it (on International Woman’s Day, no less) so you don’t have to!

Michael Porter Jr.’s next on-court appearance comes on Tuesday, when the Nets face the Detroit Pistons at home. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-news/107123/michael-porter-jr-talks-again

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

LIVE DISCUSSION: Detroit Pistons at Brooklyn Nets, 7:30 PM ET

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 09: Day'ron Sharpe #20 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Barclays Center on March 09, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 126-115. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Alright! Right..? The Nets, winners of two straight, were the talk of the NBA after a 23-point comeback in the second half on Saturday. It was their fifth-largest comeback in franchise history. Then, the Grizzlies out-tanked them in the first half of this back-to-back.

Fourth-worst-record in the league. 18 games remaining.

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KEY INFO​

Who: Detroit Pistons (45-18) at Brooklyn Nets (17-47)
When: 7:30 PM ET
Watch: YES Network

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DISCUSSION​

Share your thoughts and react, but please be respectful. NetsDaily prides itself on being a safe space for Nets and basketball fans alike to have healthy conversation. Reach out to Anthony Puccio or Net Income with any issues.

Tuesday's status report pic.twitter.com/Q2q4wbUpmu

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) March 10, 2026

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-disc...on-detroit-pistons-at-brooklyn-nets-730-pm-et

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Brooklyn Nets destroyed by Detroit Pistons, lose 138-100

Ishika Samant/Getty Images

Not that it needs repeating, but the six-month, 82-game NBA regular season feels impossibly long. For every national TV nail-biter, or the performance art of Bam Adebayo sloshing his way to 83 points, there are five forgettable games and a road trip where the days all blend together, for both good and bad teams.

There are levels, of course. Rooting for Victor Wembanyama to continue playing extraterrestrial ball in March is still more exciting than rooting for a tanking team on the first day of the season, but 4,000 minutes of regular-season basketball numbs us all. For the Brooklyn Nets, that means a 40-point blowout is rather routine.

The Detroit Pistons visited Barclays Center on Tuesday evening — the second game of a back-to-back for Brooklyn — and the game was decided almost immediately…

Nets' defense has not shown up yet. Detroit has two threes, a free-throw, and 18 paint points pic.twitter.com/Ez7FXlMJiV

— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) March 10, 2026

Plenty of stats to choose from, but here are just a couple: The Pistons outscored the Nets 64-24 in the paint. The Nets missed all 14 of their 3-point attempts in the first half.

It was inevitable that the East’s #1 seed would take revenge on Brooklyn, who, on Saturday, came back from 23 points down to secure a wild upset win. Particularly with Cade Cunningham, who put up 21/3/15 on 8-of-10 shooting with the ease of an offseason workout, back in the fold. The strange part was that this was the game Brooklyn tanked. Not Saturday’s visit to Detroit, not Monday’s smooth victory over a depleted Memphis Grizzlies squad, but a game against the best team in the conference.

Sure, Michael Porter Jr. played on Tuesday after resting the previous day, shooting 7-of-14 to score 19 points, but the two main heroes of Saturday’s comeback victory sat: Day’Ron Sharpe with a thumb injury, and Ziaire Williams with illness. But let’s not question the severity of those ailments; let’s instead look at the bench lineup Jordi Fernández deployed vs. Detroit…

The Nets' second unit tonight:

Ben Saraf
Jalen Wilson
Chaney Johnson
Josh Minott
Danny Wolf

Playing this rotation against the East's best team instead of the depleted Grizzlies during a tanking season is an interesting decision, to say the least.

— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) March 11, 2026

The Nets are very bad, by design. Now 17-48, they will likely finish with the fourth-worst record in the league, if not higher. But do they know how to tank, and are they willing to get as shameless as some of the other bottom-dwellers? It appears the answer is no.

Anyway, the game. Despite the Pistons playing on cruise control for all 48 minutes, we did have some character in this one, some sign that the Nets were playing for something slightly more than fulfilling contractual obligations. Josh Minott played 21 minutes, his career-high as a Net, scoring nine points on eight shots, the most memorable of which was this poster…

REV IT UP JOSH MINOTT?!?! pic.twitter.com/8lvLAPXXbN

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) March 11, 2026

In the span of 15 seconds in the second quarter, Nolan Traore committed a flagrant foul against Ron Holland, then Noah Clowney received a technical foul for another infraction against Holland…who in turn received a technical foul for flopping.

Among the real positives (of which, in a tanking season, there tend to be even as the blowout losses pile up) was Ben Saraf. The #26 overall pick put up 10/2/6 on 2-of-2 shooting and 6-of-6 from the line, and while Jordi Fernández admonished him for his two early turnovers, Saraf showed some of the ball-handling poise we’ve been waiting to see from him all season…

Saraf up to 10/2/6 with two turnovers. Not a ton of flashy plays but very consistently getting to two feet, making kick-outs: pic.twitter.com/5ROJnbNcbL

— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) March 11, 2026

“Even though sometimes he’ll make a mistake, he’s got to go back, do it again, and learn,” said Fernández of the lefty point guard postgame.

Two-way player Chaney Johnson got his first extended run with the big-league club, playing 22 minutes and shooting 2-of-3, including a corner trey. Drake Powell, making his second consecutive start, hit a pair of triples in the third quarter as well as a nice floater off a drive. For a player just re-called from the G League, it certainly could have been worse, as he finished with 10/0/1 in his 23 minutes of play.

Jalen Wilson and Danny Wolf also reached double-digit points, while Nic Claxton shot just 0-of-2, overwhelmed by Jalen Duren and his game-high 26 points.

Postgame I projected my own feelings onto Wilson, who has been on three very bad Nets teams thus far in his career and experienced only a few stretches of sunlight, and asked him if he yearns for brighter days in the midst of such consistent losing.

The response: “I think my mindset and the team’s as well, from what we know, is just taking it game by game. Of course, we all want to win, but when we was starting out, you know, the next game we played, we had to start those habits. It’s not just going to come in the blink of an eye, and people aren’t just going to let us win the NBA. Everybody’s good. And we have to take advantage of the games we have now, this season. If we want to look forward, it has to start now.”

Now that’s a professional answer. Indeed, it does have to start now for the Brooklyn Nets. For the time being, that means continuing to rack up the losses.

It was 70º in Brooklyn today. Spring is almost here.

Final Score: Detroit Pistons 138, Brooklyn Nets 100

Milestone Watch​

Were there any? Nope.

As for the standings and that rumor of tanking, nothing much changed: The Nets remain in fourth with the Wizards a half game ahead (behind?).

Injury Report​

Three Nets made the injury report on Tuesday evening: Egor Dëmin, of course shut down with season-ending plantar fasciitis, Ziaire Williams, stricken with illness, and Day’Ron Sharpe, out with a left thumb sprain.

Pregame, Jordi Fernández said that there was no timeline for Sharpe to return from his thumb sprain, only “whatever time it takes for him to feel good to play again.”

Next Up​

The Nets hit the road for two games against Eastern Conference opponents, beginning with the Atlanta Hawks. Tip-off is scheduled for Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. ET.

• Boxscore: Detroit Pistons 138, Brooklyn Nets 100 – NBA
• Game Highlights: Detroit Pistons 138, Brooklyn Nets 100 (Video) – NBA
• Jordi Fernandez PostGame Interview (Video) – YES Network
• Ben Saraf PostGame Interview (Video) – YES Network
• Pistons snap season-worst 4-game skid with 138-100 win over Nets – Adry Torres – AP
• Nets get back to tanking after getting blown out by elite Pistons – Brian Lewis – New York Post
• Grading Egor Demin’s injury-shortened rookie season with Nets ($) – Brian Lewis – New York Post
• Michael Porter Jr. has become the face of the Nets — now comes the hard part ($) – Brian Lewis – New York Post
• Cade Cunningham returns, Pistons roll past Nets 138-100 to snap Brooklyn’s streak ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Nets keep fighting as win streak fuels fan frustration and locker-room pride ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Nets suffer disappointing 138-100 loss to Pistons to end back-to-back – Sharif Phillips-Keaton – USA TODAY

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-scor...-vs-pistons-138-100-cade-cunningham-ben-saraf

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Revisionist history or worthy counter-narrative? Sean Marks is getting kudos

Oct 29, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets General Manager Sean Marks looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

It may not have seemed so in the early hours of February 9, 2023, but the Nets’ trade of Kevin Durant in February 2023 is increasingly seen by many as a big positive for the Brooklyn franchise. Sean Marks & co. ultimately wound up with 11 first round picks and swaps when all the by-products of the deal are accounted for. It is indeed the foundation stone of their current rebuild.

Of course, the trade dashed all hopes that the “Clean Sweep” and “Big Three” era would lead to a title. Now though, in some quarters particularly at the HSS Training Center, it’s seen as a sunk cost, not something to dwell on. But even outside those halls and behind the Great Window, there’s a new take. It may not be unanimous and Marks’ position with the fanbase remains tenuous, but it’s there.

Call it revisionist history or worthy counter-narrative, but in recent weeks, we’ve started to see a new appraisal of Marks tenure, nowhere more effusively than on a little noticed discussion last week between the two hosts of the “Third Apron” podcast co-hosted by Sam Quinn of CBS Sports and Yossi Gozlan on his “Third Apron” podcast. The two are known for their attention to detail and insight.

In that discussion, Quinn not only called the Durant trade a “historically great trade” in NBA annals and “the home run of home runs,” but he and Gozlan said it was the first of several deals in which Marks secured a much better deal that he had initially been offered, whether for Mikal Bridges or Cam Johnson, whose trades Quinn described as “awesome” and “killer”, respectively. Quinn even suggested that one of the fire sale trades that preceded Durant — those of Kyrie Irving and James Harden — also deserve some praise. For his part, Gozlan said he believed the Bridges trade alone warranted him consideration as Executive of the Year in 2024-25.

The two also offered critiques of Marks, particularly on the loss of the “Big Three” but in general that stand firmly on the side of NBA punditry that think Marks may be about to turn the corner again … with the support of the team’s owner, Joe Tsai.

“They’ve consistently done very well when trading away their own players,” said Quinn with Gozlan nodding in agreement. “Think about what the market was for Kyrie when hey traded him away to Dallas Getting what they got for Kyrie was a win.

“The Kevin Durant trade?!? The home run of home runs. Other than the Paul George trade, maybe the best selling away trade of a player in NBA history. I guess they didn’t get Shai Gilgeous Alexander (as OKC in the 2019 Paul George trade.) That’s why the Paul George trade has to be better. but you get the point. It was a historically great trade.”

The two officially were discussing Quinn’s February 17 analysis of all 30 NBA front offices on Gozlan’s “Third Apron” podcast (starting at about 42:00 in) but wound up going more in depth. That analysis was published coincidentally on the 10th anniversary of Marks hiring by the Nets. It ranked the Nets F.O. 15th. Quinn has admitted, including in talking with Gozlan, that he now thinks Marks deserves even a higher grade, that his analysis may have been colored by pushback he received after ranking Marks 17th last year! Gozlan said that he had voted for Marks as Executive of the Year in 2024 based mainly on the biggest off-shoot of the deal, the subsequent trade to Mikal Bridges to the Knicks!

“They have held on to their players throughout good offers in search of great ones and that has worked out very very well for them. Like how many offers did they get for Mikal Bridges that would have been fine. Like if they had traded him to Memphis for all those picks (in the aftermath of the KD trade) that would have been a decent trade. I think the Rockets came in with an offer at one point. I don’t know what it was. They waited and got the historic haul for Mikal Bridges, that now looks like an awesome trade for him.”

As Adrian Wojnarowski reported at the 2024 trade deadline, the Nets had offers of four or five firsts that they turned down. Brian Lewis subsequently wrote that the Rockets offer mentioned by Quinn would have retuned two firsts and other assets to Brooklyn and there was a rumor that the Trailblazers would’ve offered the rights to Scoot Henderson.

“They waited on Cam Johnson too. It might have cost them draft position in 2025. I think Egor Demin looks good. I’d be very excited to have him. Maybe they could have gotten higher up in that lottery, who’s to say. BUT they get an unprotected pick for Cam Johnson plus Michael Porter Jr. who’s better than Cam Johnson. That’s a killer trade”.

“I don’t think you can fault them for holding on to their guys. It’s worked out for them,” Quinn added. (One league source told ND that indeed that policy of waiting for a better deal has been a criticism of Marks. Quinn also said that the Nets have succeeded in some lesser deals areas have some big if less tangible assets.

“They’ve done pretty well on the margins. Day’Ron Sharpe is one of the better back-up values in the NBA,” the CBS Sports writer added, speaking of the two-year, $12.5 million contract Sharpe signed last summer. The second year of that contract is a team option making it even more favorable to Nets.

“Jordi Fernandez … awesome coaching hire,” Quinn added. “I think that’s going to manifest in the enxt couple of years. And by the way we don’t think about them because they’re not the Knicks, but they ARE in New York, they ARE a big market team. Guys want to live there. By the way, I don’t know if casual fans know this, when you play for the Knicks, you don’t live in New York City. Their practice facility is in in Westchester, They’re an hour away. When you play for Brooklyn, your practice facility in sin Brooklyn. You get to live in New York It’s a very desirable place to be.”

His bottom line: “They’re loaded with draft picks right now. They’re in an awesome position. They’re going to be good again in two or three years.”

Gozlan echoed Quinn in many ways.

“I had Sean Marks as my big vote for Executive of the Year mainly because of the Bridges trade,” he noted. “I thought that if those rumors were true that the Nets declined four picks for Mikal Bridges from the Grizzlies in 2023 as soon as soon as they got him. If that was true, I thought it was they declined these trades. and yet to worked out.

“You’re right. They are so good at valuing players on the market. and knowing how long that value could sustain I really can’t think of a situation where that lost value on a guy although maybe if you want to say Kyrie.That was Kyrie destroying his own value.”

Quinn countered by arguing that the Nets “lost a ton of value with Harden.” (Internally the company line on the deal centered on Harden-for-Ben Simmons is that neither the Nets nor the 76ers won that trade.)

“As an organization you have to bear some blame for what went wrong for Kyrie and Durant and Harden, like when a player quites on you like James Harden did, that’s a red flag,” Quinn argued, reiterating the single biggest criticism of the Nets front office, its inability, at least in the hires before Fernandez, to choose the right coach.

“I think the Steve Nash coaching hire. I think it showed some promise early. They just thought we’re not going to need an experienced coach. Oh now, you did need an experienced coach,” said Quinn. “I think they let the players have a little bit too much control over the roster and therefore there was nobody to put their hands on the wheel when things went south. Trading Jarrett Allen to appease Kyrie and Kevin Durant? Not looking great.”

“I think there are some organizational things they should be dinged for but mostly I’m thinking I should have ranked them a little bit higher. and maybe let backlash from previous rankings get to me.

Gozlan agreed.

“But when you think of all the things they do on the margins … they’re excellent at free agency, not just getting KD and Kyrie, but getting all these good players to come on the minimum. There’s so many good assets that they good in the buyout market,” he said, referring primarily to Blake Griffin and Lamarcus Aldridge, even getting Paul Milsap and Goran Dragic,“ admitting ”they really didn’t work out.“

“Theyre pretty good at the draft,” Gozlan, editor of capsheets.com, said ticking off the 20 and 30-something values they got: Jarrett Allen, Caris LeVert, Nic Claxton, Day’Ron Sharpe, even contending that while Cam Thomas wound up wanting out, they got good value for him at No. 27.“

Gozlan’s one big criticism is big contracts. Not so much superstars but stars.

“Negotiating below maximum contracts leaves a lot to be desired,” he added. “The Claxton deal is okay. The Joe Harris deal was pretty bad. the D’Andre Jordan deal was pretty bad. The one deal that I thought was a pretty good value was the Dinwiddie one from like six seven years ago when they got him at the midlevel at the time.”

Gozlan said he also has questions about the 2025 Draft.

“The strategy going into last year’s draft is pretty hard to evaluate,” he said of the five first round picks. “It just seems so weird that they took all these picks. They don’t have one pick that has real value. You can’t point to anyone there so far that can really turn things around. It’s still early to see if anyone there that can at least become an All-Star. But that’s the kind of thing if they can get only one guy to really pop, that would set them back.”

He, like Quinn, pointed to the failure of the “Big Three” and still less-than-fulsome explanation of what happened.

“Why did all those stars just lose faith in the organization. and we still don’t know what it really is. it just imploded … There’s clearly more than went wrong with that team and until we see them turn the corner with a new group i think it’s reasonable to hold it against them.”

Quinn agreed. “There’s clearly more to the story about what went wrong for that team and until we see them turn the corner with that team, the new group, I think it’s reasonable to hold that against them BUT if in two or three years, they’re really good, it’s going to pretty easy to push them up because we can just look back at it and say, Kevin Durant has had a checkered few years since he left and Kyrie is Kyrie. It speaks for itself. Harden is now four trades and multiple trades since then. It may have been a weird cocktail of personalities.”

As for the immediate future, Quinn and Gozlan debated whether the Nets exchange of first round picks with the Rockets the same night of the Bridges trade was worth it. In that deal, Marks retrieved the 2025 and 2026 first round picks they lost in the trade that brought Harden to Brooklyn. In return, the Nets gave up picks and swaps between 2027 and 2029 they got from the KD and Kyrie deals.

Quinn was more the skeptic, asking if “the lottery balls they got in 2026 was worth the assets they gave up in the Rockets trade that they ultimately had to give up just to get a pick in the 2026 lottery. I think that’s something that’s going to have play out over time and if they jump up to No. 1 or No. 2, yeah of course The 2026 draft is maybe so good, maybe it’s still worth it but I’d be holding my breath on that.”

Gozlan sees that trade and the Bridges trade as “one big trade,” and believes the Nets “had to do it.”

“I think you still have to do it knowing what we knew at the time that the Nets were so bad in 2024 and with the Suns … no one thought they’d implode as bad as they did.” he said. “I just think it’s better to have control of your draft. That trade doesn’t work without the Mikal Bridges trade. You really have to factor that in as one big mega-trade because the other element is that they’ve got all these Knicks picks in the future. They have control over their destiny and that could come into play whether they get some good picks of value or maybe they could leverage some type of trade in the future with the Knicks.”

We are approaching what Jordi Fernandez confidently described as, “the summer of our lives” and what they do in the off-season is going to tell the tale of just where Marks will stand when Quinn and Gozlan speak again a year from now. Internally, the Nets seem confident in what they have built and where they’re headed.

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-feat...counter-narrative-sean-marks-is-getting-kudos