Sean Marks
Sean Marks has just completed his 10th season as general manager of the Brooklyn Nets. In that time, the team has posted a winning record in only 4 of those 10 seasons and won just 44.9% of their regular-season games (340 wins, 417 losses as of the end of the 2024–25 season).
The Early Rebuild (2016–2019)
When Marks took over in February 2016, the Nets were in shambles—coming off a 21-61 season and without control of their first-round draft picks until 2019 due to the infamous 2013 trade with Boston. His first three full seasons produced win totals of:
- 2016–17: 20-62
- 2017–18: 28-54
- 2018–19: 42-40 (Playoff appearance, 1st round loss to Philadelphia)
While that 2018–19 season was praised as a culture reset under head coach Kenny Atkinson, the upward trend quickly flatlined.
The Superstar Era (2019–2022)
Marks made major splashes by signing Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in 2019. One year later, he mortgaged much of the team’s depth and draft capital to acquire James Harden in January 2021. On paper, the Nets had a title-worthy “Big Three,” but off-court issues, injuries, and internal tension doomed the project.
- 2020–21: 48-24 (2nd in East, lost in 2nd round in 7 games to Milwaukee)
- 2021–22: 44-38 (Swept by Boston in 1st round)
- 2022–23: 45-37 (Swept again by Philly in 1st round)
By early 2023, all three stars had either requested trades or been moved. Harden was traded for Ben Simmons. Durant and Irving were traded for packages centered around role players and future picks—no cornerstone return in sight.
Post-Superstar Collapse (2023–Present)
The Nets, without their stars, have been a mess.
- 2023–24: 32-50 (Missed playoffs)
- 2024–25: 26-56 (Missed playoffs, 12th in East)
They’re now a team without an All-Star, without an identity, and despite having multiple draft picks, they lack a clear direction.
2025 NBA Draft – A Missed Opportunity
Armed with five first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft—a chance to reenergize the franchise—Marks selected players widely projected as developmental projects. No trades, no aggressive moves to land top-tier talent or move up in the draft order. It was a passive approach in a moment that demanded boldness.
The Bigger Problem
Marks’ draft history has been inconsistent at best. Of all the players he has drafted since 2016, only Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert became legitimate contributors, and both were traded. His most recent picks—Cam Thomas, Noah Clowney, Dariq Whitehead—have shown flashes, but none have emerged as stars or reliable starters yet.
Financially, Marks has also prioritized flexibility over aggression, frequently avoiding long-term commitments in favor of cap space. But without a plan or star to spend that space on, the result is a middling roster that can’t compete with top-tier teams.
Where’s the Accountability?
The Nets aren’t prioritizing winning. Sean Marks has built a team that saves owner Joe Tsai money but fails on the court. And as long as fans keep buying tickets, jerseys, and streaming games, there’s no real pressure for change.
What Needs to Change
Brooklyn fans have endured a rollercoaster ride for a decade, with only two playoff series wins to show for it. It’s time to demand better. That starts with accountability, from top to bottom. If poor performance continues to be met with loyalty, there’s no reason for ownership or management to pivot.
The bottom line: Until fans stop supporting mediocrity, mediocrity will continue to be the standard.
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