The major question we’re all asking is: Where do the Nets stand this year?
Brooklyn had an interesting offseason, highlighted by five first-round picks, the additions of Terance Mann and Michael Porter Jr., and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Cam Thomas. All signs point to Thomas at least re-signing on a qualifying offer — but where does that leave the team?
Let’s break it down.
Ceiling: 41–41
As much as it hurts to say, even at their ceiling, the Nets are a fringe playoff team.
We saw glimpses of promise from the rookies during Summer League, but the NBA regular season is a different beast. For example, Egor Demin flashed better shooting than expected, but didn’t show off the playmaking he displayed at BYU. Nolan Traoré, and Ben Saraf are all raw talents with something to prove with playmaking and aggressive upsides. Danny Wolf is a wildcard — a 7-foot playmaker — and Drake Powell already looks like he’ll be a solid athletic 3-and-D wing.
With so many rookies, it’s reasonable to expect a development-focused season.
So why do I have their ceiling at .500? It comes down to a core group with upside:
- Terance Mann is coming off a couple of rough seasons, but if he returns to his 2021–2022 form, he could be a huge asset.
- Cam Thomas is already a proven scorer. If he improves defensively and as a playmaker, he could have a breakout year.
- Michael Porter Jr. moves from being Denver’s third option to a potential number one or two. Can he take that leap?
- Nic Claxton is a known quantity — an athletic big, elite defender, and lob threat. He’s the anchor.
Still, there are major questions:
- How will the rookies fit with ball-dominant players like Cam and MPJ?
- Will they mesh as a unit early on, or will it take time?
I think there’s a world where the Nets surprise people. But expect growing pains to start the season.
Floor: 20–62
Unfortunately, the floor is low — and this is where many around the league are projecting Brooklyn.
Here’s why (and yes, it hurts me to say this as a fan):
- The team added five rookie draft picks, and head coach Jordi Fernandez has shown interest in playing all of them. At times, we may see lineups featuring multiple rookies on the floor together. That’s going to lead to mistakes and inconsistency.
- Then there’s the fit between Cam Thomas and Michael Porter Jr. — both ball-dominant players. Can they coexist and share responsibilities?
- Defensively, this team has concerns. Jordi Fernandez emphasizes high-intensity defense, but are the Nets equipped to deliver that?
- Traoré and Cam Thomas are undersized guards.
- Claxton is elite, but is he enough to anchor an otherwise questionable defensive unit?
With a mostly new roster and a rookie-heavy rotation, the concerns are real — and warranted.
Final Thoughts
As a Nets fan, I’m genuinely optimistic. Yes, there will be growing pains, but this season has the potential to be exciting and rewarding.
I’m looking forward to seeing all five rookies get their chance — each of them brings something unique to the table. I’m curious to watch Michael Porter Jr. step into a leadership role. And I’m hopeful Cam Thomas returns ready to earn a major contract.
The season is coming up fast — and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
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