In an interview with Michael Kay Thursday, Sean Marks disclosed that Joe Johnson "gave back $3 million" and discussed, among other things how the team will choose their next coach -- "initially yes, it will be my call" in that he will prepare a short list of candidates -- and what he's looking for - "a communicator" like Gregg Popovich.
Marks also said ownership "realizes the process will be different" this time than it was when the Nets first moved to Brooklyn and they went for superstars. More importantly, he said he sees Mikhail Prokhorov committed to spending money to win, citing Barclays Center, the HSS Training Center and Long Island Nets D-League team.
Marks said when it comes to pitching free agents the team needs to “prove that there is something different in the air here. You’re not coming to the same organization that was here a year ago.” Asked specifically about top-flight free agents, he replied: “If you have a shot at some of the big names why wouldn’t you go after them?”
Throughout the interview, as he has since being hired, Marks spoke about the value of partnerships between ownership and management, between business operations and basketball operations.
As for the prospect of the Nets re-uniting with Johnson in the future, Marks wouldn't dismiss it, but made it seem highly unlikely.