Brooklyn Nets: Top 10 Moments of 2016
By Tj Porreca
2. Nets Hire Sean Marks
When the Brooklyn Nets set out to begin the post-Billy King era, Brooklyn went through a thorough vetting process. The Nets were targeting San Antonio Spurs‘ assistant general manager, Sean Marks — a rising star in the front office ranks — but it was unclear if a deal would ultimately be reached.
Initial reports suggested Marks was leaning toward not taking the job. The Spurs reportedly made a big push to keep Marks within the organization. Finally, the Nets came with an offer that Marks deemed viable. An offer, and an opportunity, good enough to leave the ultimate stability in San Antonio, to take on a new challenge in Brooklyn.
On February 18, 2016, the Nets named Marks, 40, their general manager.
“After an exhaustive vetting process, we are delighted to have Sean as our general manager,” Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov said in a statement. “His experience on the court, in coaching and management gives him a 360 degree view of the job at hand. His background helping to build one of the greatest teams in the NBA gives him an unparalleled frame of reference.”
In a statement upon being hired, Marks said: “I am very excited to be named the General Manager of the Brooklyn Nets, and to become a member of the vibrant and dynamic organization that represents Brooklyn. I would like to thank the Nets’ ownership for giving me this opportunity, and I look forward to the challenge of creating a unified culture and building a winning team.”
Marks ranks second on this list because of his overall importance to the organization. Marks hired Kenny Atkinson. If the Nets are going to turn their fortunes around personnel wise, it’s going to be on Marks. If the Nets continue to add to their core in the coming years, it will be due to Marks calling the shots and pulling the strings.