The Brooklyn Nets are set to unveil their promising rookie class in their opening game of the NBA 2K26 Summer League against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night in Las Vegas. The team has high hopes, particularly for the trio of new talents that will actually be hitting the court, as Drake Powell, their No. 22 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, will miss the game due to a minor knee injury sustained during the pre-draft process.
Despite Powell’s absence, the Nets are excited about his potential. Last season at North Carolina, he averaged 7.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and garnered accolades as the program’s Defensive Player of the Year as a freshman.
Nets assistant coach Steve Hetzel returns as the team’s head coach for the Summer League, bringing experience from last year’s campaign in which the Nets achieved a 3-1 record but did not make the playoffs. Fans can expect to see Brooklyn take on the Washington Wizards after their opener, followed by matchups against the Knicks and Orlando Magic.
The Summer League will feature all 30 NBA teams with each playing a minimum of five games from July 10-17. The top four teams will advance to the playoffs, culminating in a championship game on July 20.
Significantly, some notable players, including Dariq Whitehead, Jalen Wilson, and Noah Clowney, are not participating in this year’s event. Whitehead’s continuous injury issues have limited his experience, while Wilson, who shined in last year’s Summer League earning MVP honors, is taking a much-needed break after a solid overall performance. Clowney, too, is eyeing a full recovery before the regular NBA season.
Among the players to keep an eye on are Egor Dëmin, the No. 8 overall pick, who will look to show his playmaking abilities and change perceptions surrounding his selection. Nolan Traoré, previously projected as a top-five pick, is motivated to demonstrate his talent, while Ben Saraf is expected to adapt into a more team-oriented role after being selected behind two other point guards. Additionally, Danny Wolf stands out due to his versatility on both ends of the floor, with a focus on reducing turnovers.
This rookie debut presents an opportunity for the Nets to showcase their young talents and set a positive tone for the upcoming season, fostering an environment of growth and competition. It is a time of optimism for Brooklyn as they look to build a strong foundation with their new roster.