Brooklyn Nets Aim for Top 3 NBA Draft Odds

GM Sean Marks says strategic losses have positioned team for high lottery pick

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:21am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp planes of color representing the strategic maneuvering of the Nets' season.The Nets' calculated losses have them poised to land a top draft pick, a pivotal move in their rebuilding efforts.Brooklyn Today

The Brooklyn Nets have taken deliberate steps to improve their chances of securing a top-3 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft Lottery, according to comments from general manager Sean Marks. The Nets' recent loss to the Indiana Pacers has put them in prime position to clinch one of the top three lottery odds, a crucial outcome for the franchise as it looks to rebuild through the draft.

Why it matters

Securing a top-3 pick in the draft would provide the Nets with a valuable asset to help accelerate their rebuilding process. Landing a high draft pick could allow the team to select an impact player who can be a cornerstone for the franchise going forward.

The details

The Nets' loss to the Pacers on April 9, 2026 was part of the team's strategy to improve their lottery positioning. By purposefully losing games down the stretch, the Nets have increased their chances of landing a top-3 pick, which would give them the opportunity to select a potential franchise-changing player in the upcoming draft.

  • The Nets lost to the Pacers on April 9, 2026.
  • The NBA Draft Lottery is scheduled for May 2026.

The players

Sean Marks

The general manager of the Brooklyn Nets, who has discussed the team's strategy of positioning themselves for a top-3 draft pick.

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What they’re saying

“We're in a good spot right now, but we can't let up. We need to keep pushing and do everything we can to secure one of those top picks.”

— Sean Marks, General Manager

What’s next

The Nets will continue to focus on losing games in the final weeks of the season in order to improve their lottery odds. The NBA Draft Lottery will take place in May 2026, where the Nets will find out their exact draft position.

The takeaway

The Nets' strategic tank job has positioned them for a high draft pick, a crucial step in their rebuilding process. Securing a top-3 selection could allow the team to add an impact player who can help turn the franchise around.