Nets' Owner, Coach, send mixed messages on tanking plans

 Any organization needs full alignment and a shared vision starting at the top of the organization on down to the players. 

It should comes as no surprise that a rudderless organization for the better part of its existence is having trouble getting on the same page. 

Speaking with Brian Lewis of the New York Post, Nets owner Joe Tsai shared a few concise, but direct thoughts on the upcoming season. 

Joe Tsai: “We have one pick in 2026, and we hope to get a good pick. So you can predict what kind of strategy we will use for this season. But we have a very young team.” #nets #nba 👇🏾 https://t.co/tx6pV4GVmY

— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) October 10, 2025

 After a 2024-25 campaign where the Nets did not truly tank and drew the eight spot in the NBA Draft Lottery, it seems that the plan is clear. 

Well, maybe to everyone but head coach, Jordi Fernandez. 

Jordi on Joe Tsai saying #Nets want a good draft pick: "He says he wants a good draft pick because no matter where we pick, our front office is so good we're going to pick a very good player...So whatever we pick, that's why he's excited because we're going to pick right." #NBA

— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) October 12, 2025

 The Nets overachieved under Fernandez last season until ill-fated injuries became just too much to overcome. 

Brooklyn is expected to be among the NBA's bottom feeders, but an interesting dynamic will play out between the culture building and compete to the last whistle Fernandez, and the star-starved owner and front office that wants that next marquee young player to land in Brooklyn. 

While Tsai is not alone by declaring his team's intention to have one eye on the NBA Draft Lottery and tank,  his comments are likely fine-worthy as it flies in the face of the competitive landscape Adam Silver is trying to create. 

Perhaps Fernandez is trying to cover for his owner, but it's also possible the young coach loves taking on an immense challenge of taking a roster bereft of top tier talent and playoff experience into league relevance. 

Even large portions of the Nets fan base will root for losses to endure short-term pain for long-term gain. What Tsai and Marks may have overlooked is that folding is not in Fernandez's DNA. 

Good luck tanking with a coach that doesn't seem to be fully onboard with the marching orders from up top.