\u201cAnd what we\u2019ve seen so far, not only in the California Classic Summer League, but in Vegas here, is just how he\u2019s got those leadership characteristics, taken a lot of the guys under his wing, and spent time with them away from the court as well, which is really unique for a young man like that,\u201d he added. Those things will translate to a really, really positive career.\u201d<\/p>\n
Marks also praised the borough of Brooklyn as a platform to raise up prospects like Brown Jr. He called it a \u201cmelting pot\u201d before acknowledging its salt-of-the-earth reputation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s such a diverse borough that, to me, is exciting,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s a working-class borough. That\u2019s that adds something to the culture of the locker room like we experienced with the Spurs. So, to me, that\u2019s great. Everybody has their own story, and that\u2019s it\u2019s a worldly game now, which is what we\u2019re just seeing right now on the on the court.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also shouted out Fern\u00e1ndez and his coaching staff in that same regard.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the things that\u2019s really shined from Jordi and how he\u2019s approached his first few years here has been just how honest he is with players,\u201d Marks said. \u201cNobody ever questions, \u2018Well, where do I stand? What are my expectations? What am I supposed to do?\u2019 Jordy lets everybody know right off the get-go and and owns it. He\u2019s honest with it, honest about himself, honest about the mistakes that he makes, and I think that takes a lot. That\u2019s a special leader, and he\u2019s been absolutely tremendous in these first couple years.\u201c<\/p>\n
Marks wrapped up things up soon after that, but not before sharing what he expects Julius Randle to bring to the Nets this season. Randle also shared his thoughts on coming to Brooklyn in a different Summer League game<\/a> a few days before.<\/p>\n \u201cI look at how enthusiastic Julius is about coming back here and you know being in New York again, and so forth. I think he\u2019s he\u2019s been on winning franchises. He understands what it takes. He\u2019s a pro\u2019s pro. He\u2019s a powerful player \u2014 that\u2019s something we\u2019re looking for. We need a downhill player that can play in that position, which we didn\u2019t have, so I think him being able to take some of these young guys under his wing, show what it means to be a real pro at this level, and lead flags out will be great. That\u2019s exactly what we\u2019re excited about with Julius.\u201d<\/p>\n Erik Slater of ClutchPoints also caught up with Marks during the game to ask about a potential Michael Porter Jr. contract extension. He indicated there won\u2019t be any news on that soon.<\/p>\n
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