Looking ahead (Post draft thread)

[Netaman]

Nets are in desperate need of high end talent. The 26 draft is loaded with start level talent. We just need some luck to get a top 3 pick next year and then we can be in business.

If not, we don't have our pick in 27. I think we have to look at making a trade or free agency. We can only be so bad for so long.

there's pretty much no such thing as a team in a rebuild that isn't "in desperate need of high end talent". that is why you rebuild and what the purpose is. heck there are plenty of pseudo contenders who fit the description of "desperate for high end talent" (MIL, PHI, etc).

everyone wanted a rebuild, that's what this is. that's what last year was. this year should be more interesting because they will be playing their young first round picks instead of g-leaguers but the results won't be much different. maybe a little better maybe a little worse.

need hope they get luckier in the lotto but that's out of their control. i suspect they will be engaged in trade market if there's an opportunity to get a player of the right age that fits at a value that makes sense. if SAS and Fox end up separating because Harper takes over that role, that could be something that makes sense for both sides at the trade deadline. or they could end up selling more with MPJ/Claxton. they are in a rebuild so time doesn't really matter yet, development does and maximizing assets does.

[Hello Brooklyn]

Nets are in desperate need of high end talent. The 26 draft is loaded with start level talent. We just need some luck to get a top 3 pick next year and then we can be in business.

If not, we don't have our pick in 27. I think we have to look at making a trade or free agency. We can only be so bad for so long.

there's pretty much no such thing as a team in a rebuild that isn't "in desperate need of high end talent". that is why you rebuild and what the purpose is. heck there are plenty of pseudo contenders who fit the description of "desperate for high end talent" (MIL, PHI, etc).

everyone wanted a rebuild, that's what this is. that's what last year was. this year should be more interesting because they will be playing their young first round picks instead of g-leaguers but the results won't be much different. maybe a little better maybe a little worse.

need hope they get luckier in the lotto but that's out of their control. i suspect they will be engaged in trade market if there's an opportunity to get a player of the right age that fits at a value that makes sense. if SAS and Fox end up separating because Harper takes over that role, that could be something that makes sense for both sides at the trade deadline. or they could end up selling more with MPJ/Claxton. they are in a rebuild so time doesn't really matter yet, development does and maximizing assets does.

Almost every team has far more talent then we do.

Our best player is who?

Cam Thomas if hes even on the team. Who else has a player that bad as their best guy? Maybe the Wizards? Thats about it.

[Netaman]

Nets are in desperate need of high end talent. The 26 draft is loaded with start level talent. We just need some luck to get a top 3 pick next year and then we can be in business.

If not, we don't have our pick in 27. I think we have to look at making a trade or free agency. We can only be so bad for so long.

there's pretty much no such thing as a team in a rebuild that isn't "in desperate need of high end talent". that is why you rebuild and what the purpose is. heck there are plenty of pseudo contenders who fit the description of "desperate for high end talent" (MIL, PHI, etc).

everyone wanted a rebuild, that's what this is. that's what last year was. this year should be more interesting because they will be playing their young first round picks instead of g-leaguers but the results won't be much different. maybe a little better maybe a little worse.

need hope they get luckier in the lotto but that's out of their control. i suspect they will be engaged in trade market if there's an opportunity to get a player of the right age that fits at a value that makes sense. if SAS and Fox end up separating because Harper takes over that role, that could be something that makes sense for both sides at the trade deadline. or they could end up selling more with MPJ/Claxton. they are in a rebuild so time doesn't really matter yet, development does and maximizing assets does.

Almost every team has far more talent then we do.

Our best player is who?

Cam Thomas if hes even on the team. Who else has a player that bad as their best guy? Maybe the Wizards? Thats about it.

How is that any different than last year? Or any time since KD traded? Or any time before KD signed here in the first place?

this is also what it looked like in those kenny atkinson days everyone pines for. who was their best player back then? DLo? MPJ is more talented than CamJ, debatably more talented than Bridges too. Last 2 years you may not find 2 more comparable statistical players, that's why they make the same $/year.





none of this is meant to prop up the nets, they are rebuilding/recycling present day value for future value like the Denver 2032 pick. this is what rebuilding looks like when the ping pong balls don't go your way.

[Hello Brooklyn]

there's pretty much no such thing as a team in a rebuild that isn't "in desperate need of high end talent". that is why you rebuild and what the purpose is. heck there are plenty of pseudo contenders who fit the description of "desperate for high end talent" (MIL, PHI, etc).

everyone wanted a rebuild, that's what this is. that's what last year was. this year should be more interesting because they will be playing their young first round picks instead of g-leaguers but the results won't be much different. maybe a little better maybe a little worse.

need hope they get luckier in the lotto but that's out of their control. i suspect they will be engaged in trade market if there's an opportunity to get a player of the right age that fits at a value that makes sense. if SAS and Fox end up separating because Harper takes over that role, that could be something that makes sense for both sides at the trade deadline. or they could end up selling more with MPJ/Claxton. they are in a rebuild so time doesn't really matter yet, development does and maximizing assets does.

Almost every team has far more talent then we do.

Our best player is who?

Cam Thomas if hes even on the team. Who else has a player that bad as their best guy? Maybe the Wizards? Thats about it.

How is that any different than last year? Or any time since KD traded? Or any time before KD signed here in the first place?

this is also what it looked like in those kenny atkinson days everyone pines for. who was their best player back then? DLo? MPJ is more talented than CamJ, debatably more talented than Bridges too. Last 2 years you may not find 2 more comparable statistical players, that's why they make the same $/year.





none of this is meant to prop up the nets, they are rebuilding/recycling present day value for future value like the Denver 2032 pick. this is what rebuilding looks like when the ping pong balls don't go your way.

D Lo back then was way better than anyone on this roster lol.

[Netaman]

D Lo back then was way better than anyone on this roster lol.

not really actually, expectations were just way different and there's a lot of jaded memories because of that.

year 1 here he missed half the year and only scored 16ppg with flat out bad shooting numbers (41% overall and 32% from 3). Forget anyone else rostered now, Dinwiddie was the better player at that time. cam thomas ts% each of the last 3 years have already each been better than DLo's breakout 4th year. cam has never been higher than 2.5 to/g and was under 2 in his best year 2 seasons ago. So he has been both a more efficient scorer and higher volume. Both were negatives on D. DLo's 4th year breakout was nice and he was always a better distributor, but it is highly debatable whether that single season was better than a good MPJ season or cam thomas' when he's averaging a more efficient 24+/3/3. DLo was worth 5 win shares in 2018-19, Porter has been worth 6+ the last 2 seasons and in 3 of his 4 seasons of play as a starter.



clearly none of these guys are/were standout high end starters which is why i said it's all deabateable, but it is definitely not debatable that through 3 seasons including his first in Brooklymn, DLo was simply not better than MPJ or CamT is right now. it took that breakout season just to get into the conversation and i think it's a conversation he still loses because Porter has just been a better player.

Which is why a championship team paid MPJ a lot more than any team has ever paid Dlo.

[Decipher]

At least the broadcasters are optimistic

Read on Twitter

[Netaman]

pretty sure this is a minor heat salary dump, highsmith is injured so who knows if he plays but he always seemed like an interesting 3/d type kind of like royce/dfs. looks like we traded a fake 2nd round pick with the protections and gained back a possibly real 2nd to take on the money unless im misunderstanding?

Read on Twitter

[Karate Diop]

Eh he's 28 years old... Not likely a part of the future, seems a bit steep for a single second, but the market is wacky now so maybe I'm out of touch...

[ecuhus1981]

I like the asset play, a contender might pay us a 2nd for him at the deadline. So, we would be adding value on both ends.

[One_and_Done]

Looking further ahead, who exactly are the Nets targeting in 2026 free agency?

[Netaman]

Looking further ahead, who exactly are the Nets targeting in 2026 free agency?

nothing that obvious out there unless giannis or garland hit trade block. hard to see nets being a fit for giannis timeline wise. garland could be a fit if cleveland and him decide it's best to move on. that cleveland roster is already expensive and in future years it only gets more expensive, but this season may be their best chance to go somewhere with east wide open.

[JKiddy]

I think if the Nets get a Top 4 pick next year and we have freed up massive cap space that Giannis is in play if it fails in MIL this year.

[thomas1897]

Realistic Expectations
• Projected Wins: ~20.5 (bottom 3 in NBA)
• Playoff Odds: Slim — focus is on development, not contention
• Best-Case Scenario: Growth, chemistry, and flashes of brilliance from rookies
• Worst-Case Scenario: Injuries, stagnation, and another bottom-tier finish
Developmental Status 2025-2026 season Youth Movement: Historic Rookie Class Strategic Goals
• Year 1: Build chemistry, define roles, and test lineup combinations
• Year 2: Refine skill sets, increase efficiency, and solidify identity
• Year 3: Compete — with a core that’s grown together
Brooklyn made all five of its first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft — a rare feat. These rookies are the foundation of the rebuild:
Egor Dëmin PG/SG 6'9" creator, elite passer, improving shooter could be a better rebounder for his size
Nolan Traoré Guard Explosive scorer, defensive upside
Drake Powell Wing Versatile defender, transition threat
Ben Saraf Guard Crafty ball handler, shot creator
Danny Wolf Big Stretch potential, rim protection
Strategic Implications
• Youth Priority: These moves signal full commitment to the rookie class and internal development
• Cap Flexibility: Brooklyn sheds salary and opens future trade options Coaching Implications
• Jordi Fernández now has a blank canvas — a roster built around IQ, length, and upside
• Expect heavy experimentation early: G League assignments, staggered rotations, and lineup fluidity
• Veteran anchors like Nic Claxton and Michael Porter Jr. will help stabilize the learning curve
• Role Clarity: Fewer veterans mean clearer developmental lanes for players like Demin, Clowney, and Powell
NBA Standards: How Brooklyn’s Picks Stack Up
Length & Versatility
• All five picks are 6'5" or taller, with multi-positional potential — a must in today’s switch-heavy, spacing-driven league.
Playmaking Priority
• Egor Demin, Nolan Traoré, and Ben Saraf are all willing passers. The class averaged nearly 20 assists per game combined last season.
• Jordi Fernández’s system emphasizes ball movement and pace — this group fits that mold perfectly.
✅ Defensive Upside
• Drake Powell was one of the top defenders in the class, earning UNC’s Defensive Player of the Year.
• Danny Wolf and Demin offer size and instincts, even if they’re raw.
Scoring & Shooting
• Outside of Saraf and Powell, most of the class lacks proven scoring efficiency.
• Demin and Traoré have inconsistent jumpers, and Wolf’s shooting is promising but untested at NBA speed.

Potential Stardom: High Ceiling, Long Runway
• Egor Demin: Could become a unique jumbo facilitator — think Josh Giddey with better defense if the shot develops.
• Nolan Traoré: Explosive upside as a scoring guard but needs polish and consistency.
• Drake Powell: Elite role player potential — think Bruce Brown or Herb Jones with more shooting.
• Ben Saraf: Sleeper scorer with international poise — could surprise as a microwave bench option.
• Danny Wolf: Stretch big with passing chops — if he defends well, he’s a long-term starter.

League Perception
• Mixed reactions: Some execs mocked the volume of picks and lack of immediate star power.
• Bleacher Report ranked Brooklyn 29th in preseason power rankings, citing the unproven nature of the class.
• But analysts agree: this group could unlock a faster, more unselfish brand of basketball a culture reset for the Nets. The Brooklyn Nets’ 2025 draft class is not just impressive, it’s potentially historic. Let’s break down why this haul stands out among the best single-year draft classes in NBA history:
Rookie Mindset: Willing Learners, High Character
• Egor Demin: Known for his maturity and team-first attitude. He’s already embraced the role of relationship-builder and facilitator — a sign he’s coachable and focused on chemistry.
• Drake Powell: Defensive-minded, high motor, and praised for his work ethic at UNC. He’s a classic “do the little things” guy — glue player mentality.
• Danny Wolf: Four-year college player with leadership experience. He’s cerebral, poised, and understands team dynamics.
• Nolan Traoré & Ben Saraf: Both bring international polish and humility. They’ve played in systems that emphasize discipline and team play.
These aren’t ego-driven prospects — they’re system-fit players who thrive on structure and reps. Organizational Commitment: Development Over Stardom
• Five First-Round Picks: Making all five selections in 2025 wasn’t just bold — it was a signal that Brooklyn is building from the ground up.
• Roster Construction: Veterans like Schröder, Russell, and Watford were moved to clear space for growth. The team is now one of the youngest in the NBA by design.
• Culture Reset: Brooklyn has shifted from star-chasing to system-building — prioritizing chemistry, role clarity, and long-term cohesion.
Coaching & Training Infrastructure
• Head Coach Jordi Fernández: Known for player development, communication, and defensive accountability. He’s a teacher, not just a tactician.
• Assistant Coaches: Skill-specific roles — shooting, footwork, decision-making — tailored to each rookie’s archetype.
• G League Integration: The Long Island Nets mirror Brooklyn’s system, allowing seamless transitions and targeted reps for players like Saraf, Traoré, and Wolf.
Long-Term Vision
• Year 1: Chemistry, experimentation, and foundational reps
• Year 2: Efficiency, lineup stability, and identity
• Year 3: Contention — with a homegrown core that’s grown together Patience: The Rebuild Is Real
• Five rookies, one ball — development takes time, especially when roles are still forming and chemistry is raw.
• Losses will come — but they’re not wasted if they’re teaching moments. Fans must resist the urge to judge by the scoreboard alone.
• Growth isn’t linear — Demin might struggle early, Traoré might flash brilliance then disappear, Wolf might get benched for matchups. That’s normal.

Commitment: Culture Over Quick Fixes
• Support the process — cheer for ball movement, defensive effort, and unselfish play, not just highlight dunks.
• Embrace the identity shift — this isn’t the KD-Kyrie era. It’s about building a team that fits together, not just stars who coexist.
• Stay engaged — follow Long Island Nets games, track rookie development, and understand the coaching philosophy. That’s how fans become part of the rebuild.

Leadership Angle
This is a rare moment where fans can model the same values the team is trying to build: trust, discipline, and long-term thinking. Brooklyn isn’t just developing players — it’s developing a culture. And that only works if the fanbase grows with it.
Development Tools & Feedback Loops
• Role Clarity Matrix: Each rookie has a defined archetype — facilitator, scorer, glue guy, etc. — with drills and minutes aligned to that role.
• Performance Tracking: Weekly reports, shot charts, and video breakdowns help players see progress and adjust.
• Veteran Mentorship: Claxton and Porter Jr. provide structure, modeling professionalism and on-court habits.

[thomas1897]

Realistic Expectations
• Projected Wins: ~20.5 (bottom 3 in NBA)
• Playoff Odds: Slim — focus is on development, not contention
• Best-Case Scenario: Growth, chemistry, and flashes of brilliance from rookies
• Worst-Case Scenario: Injuries, stagnation, and another bottom-tier finish
Developmental Status 2025-2026 season Youth Movement: Historic Rookie Class Strategic Goals
• Year 1: Build chemistry, define roles, and test lineup combinations
• Year 2: Refine skill sets, increase efficiency, and solidify identity
• Year 3: Compete — with a core that’s grown together
Brooklyn made all five of its first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft — a rare feat. These rookies are the foundation of the rebuild:
Egor Dëmin PG/SG 6'9" creator, elite passer, improving shooter could be a better rebounder for his size
Nolan Traoré Guard Explosive scorer, defensive upside
Drake Powell Wing Versatile defender, transition threat
Ben Saraf Guard Crafty ball handler, shot creator
Danny Wolf Big Stretch potential, rim protection
Strategic Implications
• Youth Priority: These moves signal full commitment to the rookie class and internal development
• Cap Flexibility: Brooklyn sheds salary and opens future trade options Coaching Implications
• Jordi Fernández now has a blank canvas — a roster built around IQ, length, and upside
• Expect heavy experimentation early: G League assignments, staggered rotations, and lineup fluidity
• Veteran anchors like Nic Claxton and Michael Porter Jr. will help stabilize the learning curve
• Role Clarity: Fewer veterans mean clearer developmental lanes for players like Demin, Clowney, and Powell
NBA Standards: How Brooklyn’s Picks Stack Up
Length & Versatility
• All five picks are 6'5" or taller, with multi-positional potential — a must in today’s switch-heavy, spacing-driven league.
Playmaking Priority
• Egor Demin, Nolan Traoré, and Ben Saraf are all willing passers. The class averaged nearly 20 assists per game combined last season.
• Jordi Fernández’s system emphasizes ball movement and pace — this group fits that mold perfectly.
✅ Defensive Upside
• Drake Powell was one of the top defenders in the class, earning UNC’s Defensive Player of the Year.
• Danny Wolf and Demin offer size and instincts, even if they’re raw.
Scoring & Shooting
• Outside of Saraf and Powell, most of the class lacks proven scoring efficiency.
• Demin and Traoré have inconsistent jumpers, and Wolf’s shooting is promising but untested at NBA speed.

Potential Stardom: High Ceiling, Long Runway
• Egor Demin: Could become a unique jumbo facilitator — think Josh Giddey with better defense if the shot develops.
• Nolan Traoré: Explosive upside as a scoring guard but needs polish and consistency.
• Drake Powell: Elite role player potential — think Bruce Brown or Herb Jones with more shooting.
• Ben Saraf: Sleeper scorer with international poise — could surprise as a microwave bench option.
• Danny Wolf: Stretch big with passing chops — if he defends well, he’s a long-term starter.

League Perception
• Mixed reactions: Some execs mocked the volume of picks and lack of immediate star power.
• Bleacher Report ranked Brooklyn 29th in preseason power rankings, citing the unproven nature of the class.
• But analysts agree: this group could unlock a faster, more unselfish brand of basketball a culture reset for the Nets. The Brooklyn Nets’ 2025 draft class is not just impressive, it’s potentially historic. Let’s break down why this haul stands out among the best single-year draft classes in NBA history:
Rookie Mindset: Willing Learners, High Character
• Egor Demin: Known for his maturity and team-first attitude. He’s already embraced the role of relationship-builder and facilitator — a sign he’s coachable and focused on chemistry.
• Drake Powell: Defensive-minded, high motor, and praised for his work ethic at UNC. He’s a classic “do the little things” guy — glue player mentality.
• Danny Wolf: Four-year college player with leadership experience. He’s cerebral, poised, and understands team dynamics.
• Nolan Traoré & Ben Saraf: Both bring international polish and humility. They’ve played in systems that emphasize discipline and team play.
These aren’t ego-driven prospects — they’re system-fit players who thrive on structure and reps. Organizational Commitment: Development Over Stardom
• Five First-Round Picks: Making all five selections in 2025 wasn’t just bold — it was a signal that Brooklyn is building from the ground up.
• Roster Construction: Veterans like Schröder, Russell, and Watford were moved to clear space for growth. The team is now one of the youngest in the NBA by design.
• Culture Reset: Brooklyn has shifted from star-chasing to system-building (Ben Simmonds, Dlo, Harden) — prioritizing chemistry, role clarity, and long-term cohesion.
Coaching & Training Infrastructure
• Head Coach Jordi Fernández: Known for player development, communication, and defensive accountability. He’s a teacher, not just a tactician.
• Assistant Coaches: Skill-specific roles — shooting, footwork, decision-making — tailored to each rookie’s archetype.
• G League Integration: The Long Island Nets mirror Brooklyn’s system, allowing seamless transitions and targeted reps for players like Saraf, Traoré, and Wolf.
Long-Term Vision
• Year 1: Chemistry, experimentation, and foundational reps
• Year 2: Efficiency, lineup stability, and identity
• Year 3: Contention — with a homegrown core that’s grown together Patience: The Rebuild Is Real
• Five rookies, one ball — development takes time, especially when roles are still forming and chemistry is raw.
• Losses will come — but they’re not wasted if they’re teaching moments. Fans must resist the urge to judge by the scoreboard alone.
• Growth isn’t linear — Demin might struggle early, Traoré might flash brilliance then disappear, Wolf might get benched for matchups. That’s normal.

Commitment: Culture Over Quick Fixes
• Support the process — cheer for ball movement, defensive effort, and unselfish play, not just highlight dunks.
• Embrace the identity shift — this isn’t the KD-Kyrie era. It’s about building a team that fits together, not just stars who coexist.
• Stay engaged — follow Long Island Nets games, track rookie development, and understand the coaching philosophy. That’s how fans become part of the rebuild.

Leadership Angle
This is a rare moment where fans can model the same values the team is trying to build: trust, discipline, and long-term thinking. Brooklyn isn’t just developing players — it’s developing a culture. And that only works if the fanbase grows with it.
Development Tools & Feedback Loops
• Role Clarity Matrix: Each rookie has a defined archetype — facilitator, scorer, glue guy, etc. — with drills and minutes aligned to that role.
• Performance Tracking: Weekly reports, shot charts, and video breakdowns help players see progress and adjust.
• Veteran Mentorship: Claxton and Porter Jr. provide structure, modeling professionalism and on-court habits. Requires discipline, patience, hard work & commitment from the players, coaching staff and management.