After two seasons of collecting top picks in the 2025 and 2026 drafts, the Nets seem ready to compete again. Brooklyn has little incentive to lose on purpose, as the Houston Rockets own swap rights to the Nets’ 2027 first-round pick.

Brooklyn already has forward Michael Porter Jr., who had a career year in 2025-26. With the addition of three-time All-Star Julius Randle via trade, the Nets now have two players to rely on to create shots. But can the rest of the team’s youth join them for the ride? Let’s dive into what this season should look like.

Scoring combo

The addition of Randle should help address Brooklyn’s offense that ranked dead last in offensive efficiency (108.2 points per 100 possessions) last season. Over the last several years, Randle has proven that he can create his own scoring opportunities, averaging over 20 points a night six of his last eight seasons. But where he should have the most impact is creating looks for others. The power forward has averaged at least 4.1 assists in all of the past six seasons.

Brooklyn can run its offense through Randle, who is capable of initiating through pick-and-rolls as a screener or ballhandler. He should also help put Brooklyn’s other players in more advantageous positions to score. A beneficiary from Randle’s presence will be Porter. The small forward is coming off a strong debut season with the Nets, averaging 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 52 games.

Despite the career year, Porter’s efficiency dipped slightly. Adding a scorer and playmaker like Randle should allow Porter to slot into a role as second option with easier scoring opportunities. This year is important for Porter. He’s eligible for a contract extension, so proving that last year wasn’t a flash in the pan will be important for his future with the team.

Despite making three All-Star teams, Randle does have his flaws. He can be careless with the ball, creating turnovers. His defensive effort waxes and wanes on a regular basis. And he’s a career 33.2 percent shooter from the three-point line, making him a suboptimal floor spacer.

But Brooklyn is aiming for respectability, which Randle brings as a proven veteran. And we’ve seen Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez excel in the past despite a limited roster.

Show-and-prove

The Nets have had seven first-round picks over the past two years. Two of those seven players seem guaranteed to receive consistent minutes: Egor Dëmin and rookie Mikel Brown Jr.

The sixth pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Brown had a decent Summer League. He only played in Brooklyn’s preseason finale after missing time with an injury. At 20 years old, Brown has potential as a shot creator and playmaker at the point guard position. But it will likely take him time to establish a consistent NBA rotation player.

Entering his sophomore season, Dëmin was spoon fed minutes in his rookie campaign, where he showed that he makes good reads as a passer. Dëmin also shot 38.5 percent from the three-point line. However, he needs to improve as a driver and finisher around the paint to be a starting caliber player. There are high hopes for his second season.

Brown and Dëmin will be given tons of opportunity. And with Dëmin’s 6-9 frame, they both should be able to play in the backcourt together.

Outside of Randle, the Nets made a couple of moves in free agency, signing center Moe Wagner and guard Keon Ellis to contracts. Reserves Josh Minott and Terance Mann could also see some time.

With very few veterans on the roster there will be opportunities for the five other recent first-round picks. Nolan Traoré, Ben Saraf, Danny Wolf, Drake Powell and Joshua Jefferson will all have chances to crack the rotation. Specifically, Traoré, Saraf, Wolf, and Powell are all entering their second season. They will have to show some progress to justify a long-term roster spot past this season.

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