For fans of the Brooklyn Nets, the previous season has been a mixed bag of disappointment and unexpected developments. Las Vegas had set their win total projections at 19, but the Nets defied expectations, winning 26 games and securing the eighth pick in the upcoming draft, their highest selection in 15 years. This outcome, however, diverged from the aspirations of many who were dreaming of a franchise player like Cooper Flagg.
Following an unexpected surge early in the season, the Nets executed a significant trade sending veteran point guard Dennis Schröder to the Golden State Warriors. Dorian Finney-Smith followed suit to the Los Angeles Lakers, bringing in five second-round picks in the process. Brooklyn’s roster now features D’Angelo Russell, another seasoned point guard, yet reflects a stark shift toward youth as the team gears up for a rebuilding phase.
The Nets have taken a strategic approach to assembling their squad, opting to develop young talent rather than competing at peak strength in the short term. Currently, the team showcases a roster with four players possessing point guard experience, aged 19 and 22, with the younger ones being fresh rookies. This emphasizes a clear shift towards cultivating young talent—a necessity given that effective point guards often take time to grow into their roles.
Nets owner Joe Tsai has acknowledged the importance of the 2026 draft, stating that the team’s strategy will hinge on securing a strong draft pick. Unlike last season, when they went into the lottery with low odds, the current draft class offers promising prospects, including three potential franchise players. The Nets’ chances of landing one of these top talents are significantly better this season, with improved lottery odds compared to last year.
The organization has recently selected Egor Demin, Nolan Traore, and Ben Saraf with their first three picks. All three are among the youngest players in the league and will undoubtedly experience growing pains as they adapt to the rigors of professional basketball. Their development will be closely monitored, as point guards often require an extended time to mold into their roles, with historical evidence showing that many young guards struggle initially.
Despite the challenges of a youthful roster, there are glimmers of promise. Demin is joining the team after participating fully in practices, which may lead to his debut in an upcoming preseason game. Traore and Saraf have already faced NBA-level pressures during preliminary matchups, which head coach Jordi Fernandez views as valuable learning experiences, albeit with areas to improve, particularly in reducing turnovers.
As the Nets navigate this season, the focus will be on player development and laying the foundation for a more competitive future. With an eye on the 2026 draft class, there is hope that their strategy of patience and growth will ultimately lead to success on the court. The path may be fraught with challenges, but Brooklyn’s commitment to building a resilient team that can develop talent is a promising sign for the franchise’s future.