Low Expectations as Nets Look to Future

As the Brooklyn Nets gear up for the 2025-26 NBA season, expectations are notably low following a disappointing 26-56 finish in the previous season. Team governor Joe Tsai has openly discussed the franchise’s strategy, focusing on the upcoming 2026 NBA draft as a key component in their rebuilding efforts.

During a recent appearance on the All-In podcast, Tsai highlighted the team's sole first-round pick in the 2026 draft, expressing hope for a strong selection that could aid the organization's resurgence. He stated, "We have one (first-round) pick in 2026, and we hope to get a good pick. So, you can predict what kind of strategy we will use for this season. But we have a very young team."

Building Blocks for the Future

The Nets’ performance in the 2024-25 season marked their worst record since 2016-17, but the silver lining emerged during the 2025 draft where they entered with five first-round picks. In a strategic move, the franchise selected several promising rookies including guards Egor Dëmin, Nolan Traore, and Ben Saraf, alongside center Danny Wolf and forward Drake Powell. While these newcomers hold potential as key building blocks for the future, immediate success on the court may not be reflected in the win-loss column.

Offseason Moves and Key Players

The Nets didn’t make major splashy moves during the offseason, notably trading sharpshooter Cam Johnson to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for forward Michael Porter Jr. and a 2032 first-round pick. With Porter transitioning to a new role without the facilitation of Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić, who averaged 10.3 assists per game to Porter last season, it remains to be seen how his game will evolve in Brooklyn.

Furthermore, Cam Thomas returns to the Nets after agreeing to a one-year qualifying offer of $6 million on September 4, adding depth to their young roster. If the Nets find themselves back in the lottery for the 2026 draft, they may have a chance to select from a pool of intriguing prospects, including BYU forward AJ Dybantsa, who was projected as the No. 3 overall pick in a recent mock draft by Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman.

The Nets will kick off their regular season against the Charlotte Hornets on October 22, as they seek to begin a new chapter in their history.