We are not going to win a championship this year

[MrDollarBills]

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[3pt_chucker]

Looking at this trade more in depth reveals what Marks potential plan is for the Summer, especially the narrative that followed. Nets tried to package the picks with Claxton for another rotation player. Question will be come this off season, is Marks really going for "it" again by developing another monster? Here me out here, who is to say Marks does not have his sights set on Lillard? Thomas is looking like a nice asset, as is Edwards, the picks, Claxton and you factor Harris' contact. I think Marks will definitely make a run at Lillard this off season and I believe he had this in mind when making this trade. Those picks, unlike what many say, will be valuable.....And for anyone who says Lillard is this loyal type and Blazers are building around him, I don't believe that and just like the Harden situation, anything can happen. I don't think Lillard will want to play with a quitter like Harden in Philly. Yes I see it, Kyrie/Lillard/KD/Simmons/Drummond. Our own death lineup.

I actually agree with this except I think Lillard is a massive pipe dream.

I think Marks realizes that the win now window just get much longer with Ben. The Nets are no longer the favorites this season, so no need to make a panic trade ands give away assets. The Pistons must have been asking for multiple 1sts which I don't think Grant is worth. Probably smarter to see how Ben, Curry, Drummond fits on the roster(on and off the court) and fill in the holes/upgrade in the offseason when it's so much easier to make trades/moves.

I definitely think the Nets will be looking to add another AllStar/All-NBA type player. Anything can happen in the offseason. Who knows what other stars will want out?

Players I think Marks will target:
Karl Anthony Towns
Brad Beal
Donovan Mitchell
Jerami Grant
Myles Turner
DeAndre Hunter
Bogdan Bogdanovic
Dillon Brooks
Lu Dort
Buddy Hield

[NetsWorld]

Looking at this trade more in depth reveals what Marks potential plan is for the Summer, especially the narrative that followed. Nets tried to package the picks with Claxton for another rotation player. Question will be come this off season, is Marks really going for "it" again by developing another monster? Here me out here, who is to say Marks does not have his sights set on Lillard? Thomas is looking like a nice asset, as is Edwards, the picks, Claxton and you factor Harris' contact. I think Marks will definitely make a run at Lillard this off season and I believe he had this in mind when making this trade. Those picks, unlike what many say, will be valuable.....And for anyone who says Lillard is this loyal type and Blazers are building around him, I don't believe that and just like the Harden situation, anything can happen. I don't think Lillard will want to play with a quitter like Harden in Philly. Yes I see it, Kyrie/Lillard/KD/Simmons/Drummond. Our own death lineup.

I actually agree with this except I think Lillard is a massive pipe dream.

I think Marks realizes that the win now window just get much longer with Ben. The Nets are no longer the favorites this season, so no need to make a panic trade ands give away assets. The Pistons must have been asking for multiple 1sts which I don't think Grant is worth. Probably smarter to see how Ben, Curry, Drummond fits on the roster(on and off the court) and fill in the holes/upgrade in the offseason when it's so much easier to make trades/moves.

I definitely think the Nets will be looking to add another AllStar/All-NBA type player. Anything can happen in the offseason. Who knows what other stars will want out?

Players I think Marks will target:
Karl Anthony Towns
Brad Beal
Donovan Mitchell
Jerami Grant
Myles Turner
DeAndre Hunter
Bogdan Bogdanovic
Dillon Brooks
Lu Dort
Buddy Hield

Eh, never mind the off season, the buyout market is going to be one to behold, Schroeder, Harris, etc… Harris gives us even more shooting and Schroeder would fill a need at PG. if Nets get Schroeder, Simmons won’t be playing PG like many assume. Simmons will be a Green type but much better. As far as Lillard, again, i don’t believe in the word pipe dream anymore, today’s league is different and players control everything. KD has a good relationship with Lillard as he did with Simmons. KD is enough to get Lillard here and it’s a possibility. If there is a pipe dream, it’s Mitchell, no way is Utah trading him until at least another few years.

[Marvin Martian]

Looking at this trade more in depth reveals what Marks potential plan is for the Summer, especially the narrative that followed. Nets tried to package the picks with Claxton for another rotation player. Question will be come this off season, is Marks really going for "it" again by developing another monster? Here me out here, who is to say Marks does not have his sights set on Lillard? Thomas is looking like a nice asset, as is Edwards, the picks, Claxton and you factor Harris' contact. I think Marks will definitely make a run at Lillard this off season and I believe he had this in mind when making this trade. Those picks, unlike what many say, will be valuable.....And for anyone who says Lillard is this loyal type and Blazers are building around him, I don't believe that and just like the Harden situation, anything can happen. I don't think Lillard will want to play with a quitter like Harden in Philly. Yes I see it, Kyrie/Lillard/KD/Simmons/Drummond. Our own death lineup.

This top heavy approach was tried already with Harden and we know how that turned out; One injury away from being in the play in

[Jay555]

Looking at this trade more in depth reveals what Marks potential plan is for the Summer, especially the narrative that followed. Nets tried to package the picks with Claxton for another rotation player. Question will be come this off season, is Marks really going for "it" again by developing another monster? Here me out here, who is to say Marks does not have his sights set on Lillard? Thomas is looking like a nice asset, as is Edwards, the picks, Claxton and you factor Harris' contact. I think Marks will definitely make a run at Lillard this off season and I believe he had this in mind when making this trade. Those picks, unlike what many say, will be valuable.....And for anyone who says Lillard is this loyal type and Blazers are building around him, I don't believe that and just like the Harden situation, anything can happen. I don't think Lillard will want to play with a quitter like Harden in Philly. Yes I see it, Kyrie/Lillard/KD/Simmons/Drummond. Our own death lineup.

I actually agree with this except I think Lillard is a massive pipe dream.

I think Marks realizes that the win now window just get much longer with Ben. The Nets are no longer the favorites this season, so no need to make a panic trade ands give away assets. The Pistons must have been asking for multiple 1sts which I don't think Grant is worth. Probably smarter to see how Ben, Curry, Drummond fits on the roster(on and off the court) and fill in the holes/upgrade in the offseason when it's so much easier to make trades/moves.

I definitely think the Nets will be looking to add another AllStar/All-NBA type player. Anything can happen in the offseason. Who knows what other stars will want out?

Players I think Marks will target:
Karl Anthony Towns
Brad Beal
Donovan Mitchell
Jerami Grant
Myles Turner
DeAndre Hunter
Bogdan Bogdanovic
Dillon Brooks
Lu Dort
Buddy Hield

Eh, never mind the off season, the buyout market is going to be one to behold, Schroeder, Harris, etc… Harris gives us even more shooting and Schroeder would fill a need at PG. if Nets get Schroeder, Simmons won’t be playing PG like many assume. Simmons will be a Green type but much better. As far as Lillard, again, i don’t believe in the word pipe dream anymore, today’s league is different and players control everything. KD has a good relationship with Lillard as he did with Simmons. KD is enough to get Lillard here and it’s a possibility. If there is a pipe dream, it’s Mitchell, no way is Utah trading him until at least another few years.

I do not think Simmons is better than Green.. Simmons can never shoot the 3's like Green did in G7 of the 2016 final. Green can still drain a couple these days.

[Hello Brooklyn]

Searching for another all star is futile.

We have most of the pieces we need. We just need health, better coaching and chemistry.

No more big trades.

[Netaman]

So first time jumping into this thread and haven't read all of it but to me unfortunately there is a double edged sword of our current reality.

edge #1 Kevin Durant gives us the chance to win a championship as long as he is healthy
edge #2 Kevin Durant doesn't have the greatest judgement running a franchise

I think both of these things are as true today as they have ever been, and i think both of these realities are at the core of every big decision made from day 1 of this era of nets basketball.

he wanted kyrie, but kyrie is unreliable. both in terms of staying healthy and acting sane.
he wanted nash, who had zero experience and has made some unjustifiable mistakes.
he wanted the harden deal, and harden crapped on his doorstep.
he wanted to play as many minutes as humanly possible, and i dont think there's any argument that was smart even if his current injury was flukey.

so where does all of this leave us? same place we've always been. Marks has done a great job extracting value while implementing KD's playbook so there is still enough talent around him to win a championship if things go well. will it happen? maybe if the franchise got the trade deadline decisions right. and kyrie stays healthy/sane for a few months. and nash proves to be at least a little competent as a coach or at least keeping things harmonious in the lockerroom for a few minutes.

[ecuhus1981]

^
Good points, Netaman.

Durant kind of increases AND caps a team's potential. Fortunately for us, that potential is still way better than we would otherwise have. Unfortunately, it could be a bit higher, if Kevin would get out of his own way.

He wants to be the HNIC with personnel and even coaching oversight, but whenever it comes time to lead a locker room, bring folks together, or make tough decisions, he shrinks or puts up a "I just wanna hoop" wall. That leak about him not knowing about the rift between Kyrie and Harden until it was too late, was either a lazy lie to cover for his lack of decisive action, or willful ignorance. Either way, not the best leadership.

Understand, I'm grateful we have KD. Every superstar has their warts and blind spots. Hopefully, Kevin can outgrow his, and lead this team to a chip.

[Netaman]

^
Good points, Netaman.

Durant kind of increases AND caps a team's potential. Fortunately for us, that potential is still way better than we would otherwise have. Unfortunately, it could be a bit higher, if Kevin would get out of his own way.

He wants to be the HNIC with personnel and even coaching oversight, but whenever it comes time to lead a locker room, bring folks together, or make tough decisions, he shrinks or puts up a "I just wanna hoop" wall. That leak about him not knowing about the rift between Kyrie and Harden until it was too late, was either a lazy lie to cover for his lack of decisive action, or willful ignorance. Either way, not the best leadership.

Understand, I'm grateful we have KD. Every superstar has their warts and blind spots. Hopefully, Kevin can outgrow his, and lead this team to a chip.

yea i take KD on the team 100/100 times under any circumstances. i just assume for marks it's one of those situations where once in a while he's just like "help me help you".

[Hello Brooklyn]

Mandate has officially been dropped in DC.

https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2022/02/14/dc-ends-indoor-mask-vaccine-mandate?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_content=local-maskmandate

When will NYC do it? Its only a matter of time.

[MrDollarBills]

Mandate has officially been dropped in DC.

https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2022/02/14/dc-ends-indoor-mask-vaccine-mandate?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_content=local-maskmandate

When will NYC do it? Its only a matter of time.

I don't see why not. The numbers have fallen off of a cliff. The city is one of the highest vaccinated places in the entire country. I think its about time to end the mandate, but keep it in place for hospitals and care facilities. If you're not vaccinated and you think that heading into a sports arena unprotected is a good idea, that's your problem if you get sick and die, or have long covid issues.

I think Kyrie will be back full time no later than March 1st.

[Claud]

Kyrie being a full time player down the stretch of the season would be HUGE for our aspirations.

In an ideal world, we get the whole crew after ASW

Kyrie/Curry/KD/Ben10/Aldridge
Patty/Cam/Kess/Drummond

would be my 9 man rotation to finish the season.
No more Brown, JJ, Carter, Blake etc. These guys play hard but they are bad. One of the reason we've lost 11 straight.
The only one I'd consider playing is Clax if one of LMA/Drummond is injured.

[GTR11]

Kyrie being a full time player down the stretch of the season would be HUGE for our aspirations.

In an ideal world, we get the whole crew after ASW

Kyrie/Curry/KD/Ben10/Aldridge
Patty/Cam/Kess/Drummond

would be my 9 man rotation to finish the season.
No more Brown, JJ, Carter, Blake etc. These guys play hard but they are bad. One of the reason we've lost 11 straight.
The only one I'd consider playing is Clax if one of LMA/Drummond is injured.

I can guarantee you Cam will be out of rotation pretty soon, thinking he'll play during PO is kind of wishful thinking.

Kess, kid making case for himself each game. I'm not sure how Nash going to use him. 3 and D guy that keep making plays... not sure here.

Blake will definitely going to be in rotation. Dude got his 3 pt percentage to 38% past month. Add the fact he's versatile player, he might start.

LMA, JJ and Dre will split rest of them min for match ups reasons.

With all that said, we need Adam's to loft mandate soon. Middle of the March can hurt us.

[Marvin Martian]

Kyrie being a full time player down the stretch of the season would be HUGE for our aspirations.

In an ideal world, we get the whole crew after ASW

Kyrie/Curry/KD/Ben10/Aldridge
Patty/Cam/Kess/Drummond

would be my 9 man rotation to finish the season.
No more Brown, JJ, Carter, Blake etc. These guys play hard but they are bad. One of the reason we've lost 11 straight.
The only one I'd consider playing is Clax if one of LMA/Drummond is injured.

I see only 2 plus defenders in that rotation. That is a bottom 5 defense that won't make it past the 2nd round

[Prokorov]

Kyrie being a full time player down the stretch of the season would be HUGE for our aspirations.

In an ideal world, we get the whole crew after ASW

Kyrie/Curry/KD/Ben10/Aldridge
Patty/Cam/Kess/Drummond

would be my 9 man rotation to finish the season.
No more Brown, JJ, Carter, Blake etc. These guys play hard but they are bad. One of the reason we've lost 11 straight.
The only one I'd consider playing is Clax if one of LMA/Drummond is injured.

I see only 2 plus defenders in that rotation. That is a bottom 5 defense that won't make it past the 2nd round

We were better then bottom 5 with worse defenders last year. this team has high IQ and engaged Kyrie is a plus defender. Edwards is also a plus defender.

KD/Ben is a really dynamic defensive duo that can both hold their own on switches.

Our 2nd best defender, Claxton,was also left out.

KD/Ben/Claxton gives us 3 guys who can defend 1-5

[Prokorov]

Kyrie being a full time player down the stretch of the season would be HUGE for our aspirations.

In an ideal world, we get the whole crew after ASW

Kyrie/Curry/KD/Ben10/Aldridge
Patty/Cam/Kess/Drummond

would be my 9 man rotation to finish the season.
No more Brown, JJ, Carter, Blake etc. These guys play hard but they are bad. One of the reason we've lost 11 straight.
The only one I'd consider playing is Clax if one of LMA/Drummond is injured.

Center will be based on effectiveness/matchup.

-Its Blake or LMA. one of them will draw the short straw.
-Its Claxton, Drummond, or Sharpe... again all 3 i can see having a case for biggest impact.

Ben/KD/Claxton trio is a nightmare for opponents defensively... all have length and can defend 1-5. You can surround them With Kyrie/Curry and not have to worry too much about spacing.

The one benefit we have most teams dont, is that we have elite mid range shooters who can get their own shot. we saw this with KD/Kyrie last post season. its a huge advantage when defense tightens up and spacing goes away for KD to shoot over a double team for a mid range bucket or Kyrie create one off the dribble in traffic.

[NetsWorld]

Searching for another all star is futile.

We have most of the pieces we need. We just need health, better coaching and chemistry.

No more big trades.

Why is that? So you are telling me you would be opposed to say Lillard or Mitchell coming here, if all it takes are picks and one or two rookies plus a Harris contract, you do it.

[Hello Brooklyn]

Searching for another all star is futile.

We have most of the pieces we need. We just need health, better coaching and chemistry.

No more big trades.

Why is that? So you are telling me you would be opposed to say Lillard or Mitchell coming here, if all it takes are picks and one or two rookies plus a Harris contract, you do it.

Honestly I would be.

I'd rather just get some good role players around the Big 3.

I also think theres no shot we get either of those guys for 2 Sixers picks and rookies.

[NetsWorld]

Searching for another all star is futile.

We have most of the pieces we need. We just need health, better coaching and chemistry.

No more big trades.

Why is that? So you are telling me you would be opposed to say Lillard or Mitchell coming here, if all it takes are picks and one or two rookies plus a Harris contract, you do it.

Honestly I would be.

I'd rather just get some good role players around the Big 3.

I also think theres no shot we get either of those guys for 2 Sixers picks and rookies.

Eh... You don't know that, it's a players league and Portland pretty much gifted and made the Clippers better for next season. I wouldn't be surprised if come June/July they take that deal or Marks acquires more picks to sweeten the deal. You know when you see the breaking news logo of a Lillard to Nets on REALGM wiretap you will be salivating at it....Come on now.

[Hello Brooklyn]

Why is that? So you are telling me you would be opposed to say Lillard or Mitchell coming here, if all it takes are picks and one or two rookies plus a Harris contract, you do it.

Honestly I would be.

I'd rather just get some good role players around the Big 3.

I also think theres no shot we get either of those guys for 2 Sixers picks and rookies.

Eh... You don't know that, it's a players league and Portland pretty much gifted and made the Clippers better for next season. I wouldn't be surprised if come June/July they take that deal or Marks acquires more picks to sweeten the deal. You know when you see the breaking news logo of a Lillard to Nets on REALGM wiretap you will be salivating at it....Come on now.

Bro I promise Portland can do better than 2 Sixers picks, Joe Harris and Cam Thomas.

But we will see. I personally think Lillard or Mitchell are bad fits with Kyrie. Kyrie/Simmons is the perfect back court already.

If we add anything to me its elite 3 and D guys. That would complement our team much better than more of what we have.