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Brooklyn Nets: ESPN Ranks Nets’ Roster as Third-Worst in Sports

By Sandy Mui

Oct 11, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson looks on during the second half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson looks on during the second half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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ESPN recently released its 2016 Ultimate Standings for all sports teams. They ranked the Brooklyn Nets‘ roster the third-worst in sports.

ESPN did not have much faith in the Brooklyn Nets during the offseason, projecting the team to win just 29 games. It wasn’t any different with the recently-released 2016 Ultimate Standings. Mike Mazzeo of ESPN had the scoop on where the Nets stood in the standings.

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There weren’t significant changes in most of the categories (overall, title track, ownership, coaching, players, fan relations, affordability, stadium experience, bang for the buck, and change from last year) compared to the prior year. Where the biggest gaps lie are in affordability, bang for the buck, and change from last year. The Nets jumped 35 places in affordability (105 to 70), dropped from 81 to 110 for bang for the buck, and went up from -35 to +1 for change from last year.

Next, ESPN goes into the good, the bad, and what’s new.

Beginning with the good, it’s all about money. Exactly how affordable is it to see the Nets, and how well do fans enjoy the experience?

"For starters, ticket prices are down — at an average of $66, they are half the price of admission at the other New York team’s arena — but that’s also a product of the team’s rebuild (still, affordability, at 70th, represents the Nets’ best showing in these standings). Fans aren’t too hard on the team’s stadium experience, at 81st overall. The Nets have solid infrastructure in terms of facilities — including a $1 billion arena and brand-new practice facility on the Brooklyn waterfront — and staff."

As for the bad, Mazzeo reminded us yet again of the god-awful draft pick situation former general manager Billy King got us into. He also brought up the Nets’ biggest signing, Jeremy Lin, as the player who can propel the Nets back to relevancy, but won’t be enough.

"Jeremy Lin‘s addition has brought relevance to a franchise that is tradition-rich in irrelevance, but that isn’t enough to help the Nets’ player ranking out of the basement (only the Suns and the Kings rank worse in the NBA). There’s reason to worry: After owner Mikhail Prokhorov’s failed five-year championship plan (Prokhorov ranks 107th here) and former GM Billy King’s failed transactions, the Nets don’t have total control over their own first-round pick until 2019."

What’s new: pretty much everything, but Mazzeo focused on Lin’s fan base and what Sean Marks is attempting to build in Brooklyn.

"This year, the Nets are hoping to right the ship, beginning with Lin. His fans are rabid, as is his media following overseas. The Nets are preaching culture now that Marks has had a chance to make his mark. The highlight of his influence might be Brooklyn’s performance team — fitness, wellness, sports science, the whole ball of wax — which will be guided by Zach Weatherford, formerly with the U.S Navy SEALs."

Next: Why We Shouldn't Be Worried About Nets' Preseason Woes

Folks, we’re coming down to the wire, with just four days left until the regular season. All these projections and rankings will end soon enough.