‘Happy’ Harden wants to keep Clippers core intact

The Brooklyn Nets have been an early-season surprise. Brooklyn’s 5-8 record is better than many expected at this point in the season. That’s got some asking Nets GM Sean Marks if the team would be better off tanking.

“We don’t use some of those words [like ‘tanking’], so it’s go compete, go compete and let the chips fall where they may,” Marks told NJ.com.

Marks understands that many think the Nets should be putting themselves in position to draft Cooper Flagg of Duke. Or Ace Bailey or Dylan Harper, who are both playing for Rutgers. But Marks also knows it’s a long season and a lot can happen for Brooklyn before it ends.

“I think you navigate the season as it goes, and you don’t go into a season saying this is where we’re going to be, this is how it’s going to end,” Marks said. “There’s a lot of unforeseen things.

“You’ve gotta give credit to these players, they’re playing with a chip on their shoulder, the coaches are doing a helluva job, so that’s exciting to see. It’s exciting to see an identity being formed and a culture being driven. So who am I to push back on that?”

Marks added that if the Nets win too many games to draft a top prospect, then he’s fine with that result.

“Well, these guys have done something really right if that’s the case,” Marks said, “and I love that.”