In his first comments since the Nets quiet deadline, Sean Marks talked about the simplest reason for keeping and not trading Cam Johnson. “We like Cam Johnson,” he said
In a short discussion of the trade deadline — part of the team’s Brooklyn Bridges video series, Sean Marks spoke about his rationale at the trade deadline, “stay pat” as he said. He simply offered praise for the player most involved in rumors and noted that beyond Cam Johnson, there was “a lot of interest” in a “lot of our guys.” No details though in the video, posted Thursday.
(The discussion begins at 8:22 in…)
“We’re enjoying seeing some of these young guys and this roster continue to grow under Jordi’s tutelage,” said the Brooklyn Nets GM. “So I think for us it was like… stay pat, we haven’t seen enough from some guys because they’ve been hurt and we made a few of our moves earlier on in the year.”
The Nets in fact traded two of their veteran players with a two-week period between December 15, the unofficial beginning of trade season, and New Year’s, getting packages of three second rounders each for Dennis Schroder from Golden State and Dorian Finney-Smith from the Lakers … plus a few expiring deals led by D’Angelo Russell.
Specifically regarding Johnson, Marks noted, “With Cam, there was a lot of interest in him just as there was with a lot of our guys but we like Cam and we think Cam fits multiple builds that we are doing. He’s a voice of reason. He’s well-respected within that locker room. He’s a pro’s pro. So if people can learn from somebody, they learn from Cam Johnson. That’s a great guy to pick up habits from.”
Marks didn’t detail any of the offers he might have received for Johnson or who else had attracted interest although in the weeks before the deadline, there were reports that the Nets wanted a baseline offer of two first rounders for Johnson which teams, particularly contenders, couldn’t meet either because they didn’t want to part with that much for Johnson and/or they were constrained by the more draconian aspects of the new CBA.
Later in the video, Marks added more accolades of Johnson that added to the suggestion that the GM and organization have developed a connection with Johnson on a personal level.
“I’m super impressed and happy for him, having the year he’s having and being rewarded for it.” Marks continued. “I mean the shooting, everyone knew he could do and going out there to represent Brooklyn in the 3-point shooting contest for him, the fanbase, the organization and his family. Fantastic.”
The video also includes a recent Jordi Fernandez comment post-deadline re Johnson.
“We obviously value Cam,” said the head coach. “He’s been great and he’s going to continue to be great. He’s not the type of person who’s going to relax, who’s going to say, ‘Okay, I’m here.’ He’s going to keep working, keep getting better, do what’s best for the team.
Although the Nets didn’t make any moves at the February 6 deadline, they have been active since, buying out Ben Simmons, waiving Bojan Bogdanovic and filling those slots by extending Tyrese Martin a standard contract and bringing up Killian Hayes on a 10-day deal. They may have other moves in mind as well.
In a subtle way, the video — which highlights the Nets recent run, the deadline and All-Star break featuring CamJ in the 3-point contest — may very well be a response to some fan sentiment that by winning games, six of seven before last night, Brooklyn has given up a chance at a high lottery pick.
At another point in the video, Fernandez is shown offering this to his team.
“We’re going to keep pushing, we’re going to get better,” said the head coach. “We’re going to be compete better and we’re going to have fun with it.”
The video also includes both locker room scenes and quotes from Fernandez and D’Angelo Russell pushing the team culture, reminding viewers of D’Lo’s comments on the coach and team culture.
“I wasn’t familiar with a lot of guys. I wasn’t familiar with the coaching staff, for them to welcome me with open arms and make it comfortable for me right away, and watch the genius Jordi is,” Russell noted.
“Watching him prepare for these games, not knowing who’s going to play, not knowing who’s gonna start, or who can finish, who can’t play, minute restrictions, et cetera. For him to still find a way to get straight wins and keep everybody’s energy and spirit high. I think the future’s bright here.”
Of course, we shall see about that.