Now that the Nets finally control their own first-round draft pick for the first time in four years, a segment of their fans have expressed a strong sentiment via social media that they should tank this season for the chance to draft a top player, such as Duke’s Zion Williamson. That idea gained momentum after budding Nets star Caris LeVert suffered a dislocated ankle that likely will sideline him at least until February.
But coach Kenny Atkinson made it clear the word “tanking” is not in the Nets’ vocabulary. Then, his team underlined that determination to win as many games as possible in their 112-104 victory over the Knicks Saturday night at Madison Square Garden.