In the past few years, ESPN’s Future Power Rankings have not been a cause of rejoicing. From 2015 through 2016, the Nets were dead last in the semi-annual rankings. Last October, they inched up to No. 27, even with a 20-win season following a 21-win season. Then again, Sean Marks and Kenny Atkinson had replaced Billy King and the Nets coach-of-the-month club, last awarded to Lionel Hollins.
Now, Kevin Pelton is back and Bobby Marks has joined him in gauging the three-year outlooks for all 30 teams. And the Nets have made a significant jump, from 27 to 19.