Kenny Atkinson makes his first return to Brooklyn as a head coach.
Well, if it wasn’t clear before (it wasn’t), the Brooklyn Nets are tanking. They traded the tank-defier himself, Dennis Schroder, on Saturday for a pair of second-round picks. Not convinced? Here’s what Sean Marks said about the trade.
“Missing him is difficult, but these are the decisions when your ultimate goal is long-term sustainable success. So we’re weighing a lot of factors in here. It’s never easy to see one of your own leave. But, at the same time, looking at the big picture here, this is what’s best for our organization long term.”
This comes the same day Sean Marks sat courtside to watch top prospect Dylan Harper hit a game-winner against Seton Hall. It isn’t so much about the return, but more so the clear-cut decision to trade one of the team’s leaders and top scorers… for second-round picks.
Anyway… the Nets play the Cavs tonight. It’s Kenny Atkinson’s first game back in Brooklyn as a head coach. Safe to say, he’s feeling good at the top of the Eastern Conference with a 22-4 record.
WAVING TO OLD FRIENDS FROM THE TANK | Nets v Cavs
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Opponent: Cleveland Cavaliers (22-4)
Tune In: YES Network; WFAN Radio
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Game Preview | Jordan Greene
Injuries: Bojan Bogdanovic, Cam Thomas, and Ziaire Williams are injured. Reece Beekman is en route, Jaylen Martin and Dariq Whitehead are with Long Island and Tyrese Martin is questionable as he may spend time with Long Island, too.
For the Cavs, Emoji Bates (torn meniscus) and Max Strus (ankle) will be out.
The Game: In the first game of the ‘year of the tank,’ the Nets are going to have to defend if they want to keep this one close. With Cam Thomas still out and Dennis Schroeder now a Golden State Warrior, the Nets will look to the Keon Johnsons and Shake Miltons of the world to run around and keep up with the exciting backcourt of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell. You can also add in former Net Caris Levert as a catalyst who can stir up some trouble as well.
More from NetsDaily…
… Net Income on Brooklyn’s direction.
… Lucas Kaplan on the aftermath of the Dennis Schroder trade.
… Scott Mitchell on Reece Beckman, Jacky Cui.
… Net Income news story on the Dennis Schroder trade.
… Anthony Puccio on producer Frank DiGraci’s departure after the 2024-25 season.
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