2025-26 NBA Guide – Brooklyn Nets

Nets in ‘Tank’ Mode

During the initial months of the 2024–25 season, the Brooklyn Nets surprised many by establishing themselves as a competitive team in the Eastern Conference. This ran counter to the team’s stated goal for the campaign, which was to position themselves for a high pick in the 2025 Draft. In response, the front office quickly decided to end any remaining playoff hopes and executed trades to move some of their key pieces.

Dennis Schröder, the team’s leading scorer at 18.4 points per game, was traded to the Golden State Warriors after a strong start. Dorian Finney-Smith, the roster’s best defender and fourth-leading scorer, was sent to the Los Angeles Lakers. Cam Thomas, the third-leading scorer, suffered an injury after just 25 games and missed the rest of the season.

Following these moves, the Nets achieved their objective. After the All-Star break, Brooklyn won only six games while losing 22, ultimately finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference with just 26 wins.

Over the course of the season, 17 players averaged more than 20 minutes per game. Most were young, inexperienced players such as Drew Timme, Jalen Wilson, Ziaire Williams, Keon Johnson, Tyrese Martin, Noah Clowney, and others. As a result, Brooklyn ended up with the eighth-worst defense and the third-worst offense in the NBA.

Nets Make Draft History — But to What End?

Despite a poor season record, the Brooklyn Nets were unable to secure the first overall pick in the 2025 Draft. In fact, they didn’t land any of the top five picks. Still, they made history by becoming the first team ever to select five rookies in the first round of a single NBA Draft.

The selections, however, seemed somewhat puzzling and are largely why the team received mixed reviews. Brooklyn drafted three guards-Egor Demin, Ben Saraf, and Nolan Traore, all of whom have notable concerns that could hinder their development in the league, particularly their three-point shooting.

Danny Wolf, a center selected 27th, also has limitations, lacking both defensive tools and the athleticism needed to dominate inside. Meanwhile, wing-guard Drake Powell, chosen 22nd, remains a raw project who will need time to develop.

Following the draft, Brooklyn was involved in the biggest trade of the offseason so far. The team sent Cam Johnson to the Denver Nuggets and took on Michael Porter Jr.’s large contract in exchange for a 2031 first-round pick. Porter Jr. has several defensive limitations but is an efficient scorer capable of explosive nights on the court.

Players of this profile are particularly valuable for the Nets, who have no interest in competing at the top of the standings. Cam Thomas is a prime example- he accepted the qualifying offer to play what could be his final season with the franchise. Unsatisfied with the offers he received, Thomas will become an unrestricted free agent next offseason.

Brooklyn Poised for the Worst Season in the East

The only certainty for the Brooklyn Nets heading into 2025–26 is that the team is aiming to be even worse than last season. The New Yorkers hold 12 first-round draft picks over the next seven years and have a roster full of young players with potential but very little experience.

It’s likely that Brooklyn is preparing for its worst season in terms of wins and losses since 2009–10, when the team managed just 10 victories against a staggering 72 (!) defeats.

Talented Russian Guard Egor Demin Shows High Potential

Selected eighth overall in the 2025 Draft, Russian guard Egor Demin impressed scouts throughout his college career. Standing 2.06 meters tall, he possesses rare size for a guard and boasts exceptional court vision. Demin excels in pick-and-roll situations and can finish plays around the basket. However, his success in the NBA will largely depend on improving his perimeter shooting.

If Demin can develop into a reliable three-point shooter, his ceiling as a professional player rises dramatically. Should he manage to do this in his rookie season, the Nets could very well have a true diamond in the rough.

Michael Porter Jr. Needs to Establish Himself as the Franchise’s Go-To Player

While many statistics could be highlighted here, the reality is that the Nets enter 2025–26 as strong candidates for the worst record in the Eastern Conference. To maintain even a semblance of competitiveness and draw fans to the Barclays Center, Brooklyn will need a strong season from Michael Porter Jr.

Porter Jr. appears to be the only player on the roster capable of scoring at a significant volume, especially given the current situation with Cam Thomas. Moreover, Porter Jr. finally joins a team where he can handle the ball more often, create his own shots, and potentially facilitate for teammates. This could allow him to expand his personal game- currently centered on catch-and-shoot skills- creating a win-win scenario for both him and the franchise.