Brooklyn Nets Inch Closer to Top 3 NBA Draft Odds

GM Sean Marks discusses team's lottery positioning after recent loss

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:21am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp, overlapping shapes in navy, green, and orange, conceptually representing the Nets' strategic approach to the season.The Nets' strategic tank job has positioned them for a high draft pick, a crucial step in their rebuilding process.Brooklyn Today

The Brooklyn Nets have taken a major step towards 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

The Nets have struggled mightily this season, and securing a top-3 pick in the draft would provide them 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 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, Brooklyn Nets

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 Brooklyn Nets' strategy of tanking down the stretch of the season has put them in a prime position to land a top-3 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. This could be a crucial step in the team's rebuilding process, as a high draft pick could provide them with a foundational player to build around for the future.