Main Takeaways From Brooklyn Nets’ End-of-Season Press Conference

Feb 19, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets new general manager Sean Marks speaks to the media during a press conference before a game against the New York Knicks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Brooklyn Nets General Manager Sean Marks and Head Coach Kenny Atkinson fielded questions from the media at the team’s end-of-season press conference.

At the press conference, Sean Marks and Kenny Atkinson answered questions about their first year with the Brooklyn Nets, the 20-win season and their plans for the offseason. The culture these two men are building in Brooklyn was a running narrative throughout the season as well as this press conference.

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Marks repeated that “the minute you think you’re culture’s there, you arrived, you’re wrong. So that’s continually got to be a work in progress.” It should be noted he said the same previously during an interview with WFAN’s Evan Roberts.

Atkinson, who currently lives in Brooklyn, told the media he has experienced very positive feedback from the fans.

"“People realize the culture that we are trying to establish. It’s the beginning, but we’re making strides, but we know we have a long way to go. We also understand that; we’re very realistic,” said Atkinson."

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Brooklyn’s general manager praised the coaching staff for being able to “love players and put their arm around them and support them, but at the same time hold them accountable.” Marks attributed this to the philosophy used by their mentors in San Antonio and Atlanta.

Both Marks and Atkinson spoke of the losses this season and seemed to turn it into a positive moving forward. Marks praised Atkinson’s coaching, and Atkinson said the struggle would only make them better.

"“Obviously, losses weren’t easy but, I did understand. I think we understood what we were getting into. I know in the long run the adversity we had to face, it’s almost like you deserve to face that, this is what it is and I think it made me a better coach. I think it made our players better players just to go through that struggle,” said Atkinson."