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Nets' Marks doesn't regret moving draft pick that became Kyle Kuzma

Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Brooklyn Nets made a big splash ahead of last summer's NBA draft when they sent Brook Lopez and the 27th overall pick to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for guard D'Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov.

The least sexy asset moved in that deal was the pick, but as it turns out, the player Los Angeles selected in 22-year-old forward Kyle Kuzma has emerged as one of the classes finest prospects out of the gate, currently ranking third in rookie scoring.

Regardless of his early-season accomplishments, Nets general manager Sean Marks doesn't give any second thoughts to trading the pick that turned into Kuzma.

"No," Marks told The New York Post's Brian Lewis. "The pick was part of the deal. Who knows who would’ve drafted Kyle? Kudos to the Lakers for that.

"But at the end of the day that wasn’t ever a factor in our [mind]. Our deal was it’s the right time to go get that talent and try and develop D’Angelo. And put Brook into a situation where the Lakers wanted him, so it’s as good situation for him too."

Kuzma notched a double-double of 21 points and 13 rebounds on 8-of-11 shooting in 38 minutes as the Lakers defeated the Nets Friday night at Staples Center, 124-112. Along with the 15.7 points he's averaging through nine outings, the Utah alumnus sits second in rookie field goal percentage (56.3 percent) and sixth in rebounding (5.7).

Brooklyn wound up drafting center Jarrett Allen with the 22nd pick, five picks ahead of Kumza. Allen comes off the bench for the Nets in a limited role, contributing four points and 2.7 boards in 15 minutes.

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