The Nets this morning formally named Sean Marks their new GM. Marks comes to the Nets after serving as Spurs Assistant GM the past two seasons (Nets). THE VERTICAL's Adrian Wojnarowski reports the four-year deal was reached after "discussions that extended to Wednesday night." Sources said that the Nets "significantly increased their contract offer to persuade Marks to accept the job." Marks had emerged as the Nets’ "top choice through a two-month process" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 2/18). In N.Y., Brian Lewis notes Marks "edged out" former Raptors President Bryan Colangelo and Nuggets Assistant GM Arturas Karnisovas for the position. He had the "most varied resume and fit the profile of what Prokhorov was looking for -- someone who could institute a winning system and cohesive environment from top to bottom, which the franchise lacked during the Billy King-Lionel Hollins regime" (NYPOST.com, 2/18).
MISSING THE MESSAGE? Prokhorov yesterday wrote an open letter to Nets fans detailing his growth as a team owner, but after six years in the league, ESPN's Max Kellerman called his missive "disingenuous." Kellerman said, "Coming in, he knew there was a salary cap. So just like grabbing Joe Johnson at $20 million a year at his age, you have to know it’s going to be a hard contract to move" ("SportsNation," ESPN, 2/17). ESPN’s LZ Granderson said, “The guy already knew this going into it. He’s a businessman, for heaven’s sake. You don't get to make that much money without having those lessons already in place. ... A year ago, it was being reported you were trying to sell the team. How are you going to sell the team one day and then tell us, ‘Oh, I’ve learned lessons,' the next?” ("Around The Horn," ESPN, 2/17). ESPN's Michael Wilbon: "This is what he does every so often. He says how profitable it was, but he’s a massive underachiever as an owner” (“PTI,” ESPN, 2/17).
