Brooklyn Nets 70th Press Conference

[RPF]

Thank you, everyone, for being here. This year's training camp was one of the best I've been a part of. The energy, the competitiveness, and the commitment from our players were phenomenal. We saw some outstanding performances, and I want to take a moment to highlight Jordan Hawkins, Supreme Cook, and Fly Williams, who really stood out. Their hard work and dedication were evident every single day. We knew we had a talented group, but the way Jordan, Supreme, and Fly have stepped up has been nothing short of remarkable. Their development and chemistry with the team have been exciting to watch. We're looking forward to an incredible season ahead. Let me also say that sometimes negativity from outside can have a surprising effect. Instead of letting it bring us down, we turned it into motivation. The players took it personally and used it as a driving force. Every drill, every play in practice, you could see the determination to prove everyone wrong and show what we're capable of. With that being said a few players would like to add to the press conference before turning it over to questions from the media.

Jordan Hawkins: Thank you, it's been an amazing experience. The whole team came together, and we pushed each other to get better every day. Personally, I focused on improving my shooting consistency and defense. The coaching staff and my teammates were great in helping me refine my skills. I feel ready to contribute at a high level this season.

Next up is Fly WIlliams:

Fly Williams: First off, I want to thank the coaching staff and my teammates. This training camp was a real grind, but it was also a lot of fun. I worked on my playmaking and defense, trying to become a more complete player. The support from everyone here has been incredible, and I can't wait to hit the court and show what we can do.

And lastly we have Supreme Cook:
Supreme Cook: This camp was intense, but in the best way possible. I worked a lot on my post moves and rebounding, and I think it paid off. The competition level was high, and it pushed me to elevate my game. I'm excited to bring that energy and effort into the season.

Thank you guys for your comments, now the floor is open for questions.

[garbageman]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: For a team that is so young and still years away from being competitive, the Nets are 100mm over the salary cap line. What do you do long term to make sure that by the time all these young players are ready to compete, you're not stuck having to reset for tax reasons? Who's part of the long term picture and who isn't?

[RPF]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: For a team that is so young and still years away from being competitive, the Nets are 100mm over the salary cap line. What do you do long term to make sure that by the time all these young players are ready to compete, you're not stuck having to reset for tax reasons? Who's part of the long term picture and who isn't?

Great question Sham. We have several strategies in place. First, we're closely monitoring our expiring contracts and evaluating potential trade opportunities to free up cap space. Second, we're exploring the development of our young core to maximize their potential, ensuring we don't need to rely heavily on high-cost free agents. Finally, we're being selective about long-term commitments, prioritizing flexibility to adapt as our young players mature.

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[drkavarga]

Where do you see this team in three seasons? Do you think this team will be a contender with the young players hitting their stride?

[K-100]

Do you see a future for Primo Spears in Brooklyn given his current contract?

[RPF]

Where do you see this team in three seasons? Do you think this team will be a contender with the young players hitting their stride?

Thanks for the great question Dr. In three seasons, we envision the Brooklyn Nets as a strong contender in the NBA. By then, our young players will have gained significant experience and development under their belts. We're confident in their potential and believe that with the right support and environment, they can lead us to be competitive at the highest level.

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[RPF]

Do you see a future for Primo Spears in Brooklyn given his current contract?

Absolutely. Primo has shown significant potential and fits well with our vision for the team's future. His current contract provides us with flexibility, and we're committed to developing his talent. As we continue to evaluate our roster and make strategic decisions, we see Primo as a valuable part of our plans moving forward.

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[greepleairport]

Financially and developmentally, you and I are in pretty similar positions: great future stars, presently not great, and a massive tax bill looming. Will this be a tax year for you no matter what? Or do you plan to make some cost saving moves this season to get out of the tax completely?

[RPF]

Financially and developmentally, you and I are in pretty similar positions: great future stars, presently not great, and a massive tax bill looming. Will this be a tax year for you no matter what? Or do you plan to make some cost saving moves this season to get out of the tax completely?

That's a great question. Financially, we're always trying to balance building a competitive team with maintaining fiscal responsibility. The luxury tax is certainly a consideration for us, as it is for many teams. However, our primary focus is on the development and performance of our players. We believe in the talent we have and are committed to giving them the best chance to succeed.

This season, we do expect to be in the luxury tax. That said, we're constantly evaluating our options to manage our finances effectively while still putting a competitive team on the floor. If there are opportunities to make moves that improve our financial situation without compromising our core vision and development of our young stars, we'll certainly consider them. But right now, our priority is ensuring that we're developing our players and competing at a high level.

It's a delicate balance, and we're mindful of the financial implications, but our commitment to building a strong, sustainable team is our guiding principle.

[Eazy P]

Is Richard Reed primed for a breakout season?