Marcin Gortat sick of the ‘s***hole’ the Wizards have dug themselves early this season

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.”

As expected, new Golden State Warriors guard Chris Paul was asked at Media Day if it matters to him if he starts or not. Paul was diplomatic in his answer, while reminding everyone that came off the bench for Team USA at the 2008 Olympics.

“I think anybody who knows me knows I’m all about winning,” Paul said. “Whatever I can do to help our team win. I know Coach (Steve Kerr) and us, we are going to talk about it and see what he likes. We’ve been hooping all summer. I think for the season it’s going to be whatever to help our team win, and I think I’ve at least tried to show or prove that my entire career.”

After so many battles against the Warriors throughout his career, Paul never expected to suit up with them. But he’s making the most of the opportunity to be a part of competing for a title.

“I’ve got a friend who always says, ‘When everybody does a little, no one has to do a lot,'” Paul said. “That’s what I hope to bring to this team.”