The Deconstruction of the Nets
A number of exciting developments are underway near the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. While plans are moving forward for a new “green roof” atop the arena, Nets’ minority owner Bruce Ratner will breathe new life into the residential modular building on Dean Street and several other towers in the larger Pacific Park area.
In the fall, Barclays will also welcome new tenants, the New York Islanders, and accommodate them with a state of the art “Islanders Campus” — which will include an avant-garde locker room. Additionally, there are plans to establish a new practice facility for the Nets in Industry City, renovate the Nassau Coliseum, and restore the historic Brooklyn Paramount Theater.
With all of this going on, Nets’ owners remain focused on downsizing the team in an attempt to cut costs and not exceed the salary cap. Having the NBA’s highest payroll for the past two seasons meant that the Nets paid a record $90 million luxury tax bill last year and are in grave danger of paying the dreaded repeater tax — an add-on tax for teams that go over the luxury tax threshold for four consecutive seasons. Brooklyn will look to move players such as Joe Johnson and Jarrett Jack in the hopes of trimming costs and potentially replenishing the team with young players and draft assets. One ominous move, however, foreshadows the looming changes this offseason — the departure of long-time, respected assistant general manager Bobby Marks. Not to mention the rumors swirling about the possible sale of both the team and arena by majority owner Mikhail Prokhorov.
Much excitement and uncertainty surround the Nets, and the road ahead may prove to be turbulent. General Manager Billy King must try to make the most of the upcoming NBA draft and try to add players or assets for the future. In the upcoming free agency period, King must decide on the long term futures of key players Brook Lopez, Thaddeus Young, and Mirza Teletovic. The team must continue to further develop young players such as Bojan Bogdanovic, Markel Brown and Mason Plumlee, and possibly revisit the opportunity to reestablish a D-League team in Brooklyn.
In the coming weeks and months, the Nets will be faced with challenging questions to answer and choices to make. With the help of head coach Lionel Hollins and his staff, Brooklyn fans hope that management seizes upon these moments to create opportunities for the Nets to create long lasting success. The foundation of the Nets’ future is at stake.