Brooklyn Nets Fireside Chat: Season 72

[RPF]

Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for coming out today as we get ready to tip off the 2062 season for the Brooklyn Nets. We’re excited, the fans are excited, and most importantly, the team is ready to build on last season’s success. We’ve got a lot to talk about, so let’s get into it.

First off, we’re coming off a season where we finished 40-42. While that might not look impressive on paper, we fought tooth and nail, defied expectations, and earned ourselves a playoff spot. It was a season where we learned a lot, grew a lot, and proved that this team has the grit and determination to compete in the league. We believe this season will be the one where we take it to the next level.

Our roster continues to evolve, and we’re anchored by some phenomenal talent. Let’s talk about the core of this team.

Bones is the heart and soul of our team, no question. As our small forward, he’s been the definition of versatile. He’s always pushing the pace, locking down on defense, and leading by example. We saw last season that when the game is on the line, Bones can deliver. This offseason, he’s been working on his perimeter shooting, and you’ll notice an even more dangerous three-point shot this season.

Jordan has really come into his own as the leader of our offense. His basketball IQ is off the charts, and as our point guard, he’s the floor general we need. Last year, he showed incredible poise under pressure, guiding us through those clutch moments. This season, you’ll see him taking even more command of the court, pushing the tempo, and setting the pace for our offense.

We’re fortunate to have Richard as our anchor in the paint. At center, he’s been a dominant force, both offensively and defensively. He led the team in rebounds and blocks last season, and he’s been working on expanding his offensive game in the post this offseason. Expect some new moves from him down low. Richard’s presence makes a huge difference in the paint, and we’re counting on him to be a defensive powerhouse this season.

Tyler’s been phenomenal. The redshirt year was tough for him, but it’s paid off. He’s more mature, both mentally and physically. He’s been working closely with the coaching staff and our strength and conditioning team, and he's itching to get out there and contribute. His versatility is going to be huge for us. He can play inside and out, has a high basketball IQ, and fits perfectly with our up-tempo style. I think fans will be very impressed with how polished he looks coming in.

Last season’s playoff appearance was just the beginning. We’re not satisfied with just making it—we want to go deeper, and we believe we have the pieces to do that. The guys have been grinding all offseason, working on the small things that can take us from being a solid team to a great one. We’re focused on improving our consistency, minimizing turnovers, and making sure our defense is as tight as it can be.

With that being said, I will now open the floor for questions and please fix some smores on the way out.

[pennpanther1]

Do you have plans to reduce your tax bill by moving contracts like Supreme Cook and Paolo Banchero or do you feel comfortable with your tax bill as is?

[garbageman]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: The Brooklyn Nets roster looks largely the same as it did with last year's 40-42 squad. I know Supreme Cook is on the block, largely for tax reasons, but with your division looking weaker than even last season thanks to the ultra-bad teams becoming only slightly better and the Wizards looking to tear down for tax reasons, is there any chance the Nets make moves to try and get the division crown?

[RPF]

Do you have plans to reduce your tax bill by moving contracts like Supreme Cook and Paolo Banchero or do you feel comfortable with your tax bill as is?

Great question. Managing the salary cap and luxury tax is always a delicate balance, especially when you're building a competitive team. We’re aware of the financial implications of having contracts like Supreme Cook and Paolo Banchero on the books, but we believe that the talent they bring to the court justifies the cost. That being said, we constantly evaluate all our options to maintain flexibility. Right now, we feel comfortable with our tax situation, but we’re always open to moves that make sense both competitively and financially. Our focus is on building a team that can contend now and in the future, and we’ll continue to make decisions that align with that vision.

[Eazy P]

Tyler Kolek looks ready to play significant minutes. Are you excited about his quick growth and do you plan on inserting him into the starting lineup or be a super 6th man?

[RPF]

Tyler Kolek looks ready to play significant minutes. Are you excited about his quick growth and do you plan on inserting him into the starting lineup or be a super 6th man?

Tyler’s development has been really exciting to watch. Even during his redshirt year, he was fully engaged—learning, improving, and putting in the work. He’s come into camp ready to contribute in a big way, and his versatility makes him a real asset for us. As far as his role goes, we’re still evaluating how he’ll fit into our rotations. Whether he starts or comes off the bench as a sixth man, he’s going to play significant minutes, no question. He’s the type of player who can impact the game in multiple ways, and we’re thrilled to see how he handles that challenge. The important thing is that he’s ready to help us win, and we’ll put him in the best position to do that.

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[RPF]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: The Brooklyn Nets roster looks largely the same as it did with last year's 40-42 squad. I know Supreme Cook is on the block, largely for tax reasons, but with your division looking weaker than even last season thanks to the ultra-bad teams becoming only slightly better and the Wizards looking to tear down for tax reasons, is there any chance the Nets make moves to try and get the division crown?

You’re right—the core of our roster is largely intact from last season, and we’re confident in what this group can achieve. While Supreme Cook is on the block for tax reasons, we’re also keeping an eye on opportunities to improve the team. With the division looking more open than last year, we absolutely see a chance to make a push for the division crown. That being said, we’ll only make moves if they’re the right fit, both competitively and financially. We want to strike a balance between maintaining our flexibility and staying aggressive, so if the right opportunity presents itself, we’re ready to go for it. The goal is to build a team that can not only win the division but go deep in the playoffs.


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