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OR THE Nets to pull off
this offseason heist, their
location mattered. For
months, Durant had been
agent classes in NBA history. “We
planned a couple years out that
we could have an opportunity
here,” he says.
He understood the undeniable
appeal of the city, but the
organization had to have some allure
as well. Tanking was off the table—
player development instead became
the priority. In April 2016, Marks
hired Kenny Atkinson, a Hawks
assistant and one of the NBA’s top
developmental coaches. Marks
invested in the analytics department
and training staff. Culture took on a
new importance. Inspired by how
the Spurs treated him when he
was just a bench player, he was
determined to bring that to
Brooklyn. Wives of incoming
players receive flowers.
Still, results matter, and that
feel-good vibe was threatened last
fall, during an eight-game losing
streak. Reports about Atkinson’s job
security filtered into the locker
room. Guard Caris LeVert,a blooming star, was lost until
midseason with an ankle injury.Brooklyn later shipped Allen
Crabbe to Atlanta, freeing up cap
space. The message was ready: If
you’re an elite free agent, come to
Brooklyn. And bring a friend.
The Nets were aware of Irving’s
discontent in Boston. What Durant
wanted was simple. A good team.
A strong, supportive environment.
The Nets checked all the boxes.I
N 2013 a big-market
franchise made a
blockbuster trade. Two
All-Stars were added to a
playoff team. Expectations soared.
Sports Illustrated put the five
starters, along with their coach, on
the cover. The headline: who
wants a piece of them? The
team was the Nets. The answer, it
turned out, was everyone.
It’s easy to look good on paper. The
risk in the signings extend beyond
Durant’s health—he’ll miss next
season with an Achilles injury. What
is the tone Irving will set in the
locker room even before Durant
enters it?
To Marks, the risk is worth the
potential reward. “Whenever you can
add this type of talent, you probably
should jump at the chance to do it,”
says Marks. “Especially them.”
Indeed, the team has come a long
way. Once a nonthreatening
neighbor, the Nets have become the
preferred New York destination.
A new beginning for Durant, for
Irving. And for Brooklyn. ±