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Nets Battle Jazz in Salt Lake as Trade Deadline Looms

BQE Admin on February 5, 2026

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

The Nets travelled out West last week for a trio of matchups to finish off a lackluster January. After going 7-4 in December, Brooklyn lost 14 of their first 16 games in 2026. They were able to break a 7-game losing streak in Salt Lake City, but a dry January saw Brooklyn back near the Eastern Conference basement.

It wasn’t a flashy affair in Utah, as the Nets and Jazz each entered with 34 losses. Lauri Markkanen didn’t suit up for the hosts after playing on back-to-back nights earlier in the week. Michael Porter Jr. missed the game for personal reasons after scoring 38 in his return to Denver the night before. 

Still, the game was an entertaining one as the Jazz kept within reach. The arena was full for the Friday night matchup despite the two bottom-dwelling teams featured. Part of the draw was Nets rookie Egor Dëmin, making his return to the Beehive State after starring as a freshman at BYU.

Dëmin put together his best professional performance in Utah’s capitol. He set career highs with 25 points and 10 rebounds to record his 1st double-double, also setting an NBA rookie record with 34 consecutive games with a made three pointer.

The Russian rookie was phenomenal from start to finish, hitting 6 threes, keeping the ball moving, crashing the boards, and even throwing down a delightful dunk. While his 3-pointer streak came to an end on Sunday in Detroit, he has shown tremendous potential as a young sharpshooter who can contribute in all aspects of the game.

Dëmin wasn’t the only Nets rookie to showcase their skills last Friday. Making his 6th NBA start was Danny Wolf, who came up with 14 points and 5 boards. Starting for the 2nd time in his career was Nolan Traoré, who brought great energy despite his shot not quite falling (6 assists and 2 blocks).

The other Nets to score in double figures were Cam Thomas with 21 and Day’ron Sharpe with 16. Thomas provided 14 straight points for Brooklyn to help them seize control, also finishing with 4 assists. Sharpe pulled down 9 rebounds, including a game-high 3 offensive boards.

Jazz youngsters also showed off for the home crowd, led by third-year guard Keyonte George’s 26 points and 7 assists. Fellow third-year Brice Sensabaugh added 18 off the bench, second-years Kyle Filipowski and Isaiah Collier scored 14 and 10, respectively, and prized rookie Ace Bailey scored 12 with a pair of rebounds and steals.

Still, despite a wealth of young talent, the Jazz have had a hard time breaking out of mediocrity. This year it’s in part due to Walker Kessler’s season ending surgery, but even with their many lottery picks they sit well out of reach of the Western Conference play-in.

Finishing with the worst record in the league guarantees a draft pick no lower than 5th overall, and the three worst teams will each have a 14% chance of picking 1st overall. Following Monday’s games, Brooklyn’s record sat at 13-35, level with Washington and ahead of only the Pacers (13-37), Pelicans (13-39), and Kings (12-39).

While they’re not likely to ensure a top-5 pick, the trajectory of Brooklyn’s rookies and arsenal of future selections makes the future quite promising. Perhaps the most interesting moments of the Nets season will come this week with the NBA’s trade deadline.

All moves will be final at 3pm on Thursday, February 5, and it may include some high profile names like Giannis Antetokounmpo and James Harden. The Nets have some valuable players to offer in Michael Porter Jr., Nic Claxton, Day’ron Sharpe, and Cam Thomas, as well as a NBA-best 10 tradable 1st round picks. 

Should the Nets sell at the deadline they are sure to remain in contention for a top pick, but even if they use their assets to make a splash they’ll be in a great position moving forward.

Nets Turn Kids Day into Full-On Playground

BQE Admin on January 15, 2026

Kids Day at the Barclays Center was a riveting success, full of dancing, performances, and fun! (Photos: Brooklyn Nets)

Michael Porter Jr. Leads Brooklyn Past Nuggets

By Christian Spencer

The Brooklyn Nets’ outreach to young fans centers on community engagement designed to put Brooklyn kids at the forefront of the game-day experience.

The Nets earned a 127–115 win over the Denver Nuggets on Jan. 4, the team’s first home game of the new year.

But the Kids Day matchup at Barclays Center—broadcast on the YES Network at 3 p.m.—was part of a broader effort that extended beyond the final score.

“The Nets Kids Games are one of many touchpoints—alongside digital content, community programs, and in-arena experiences—designed to help young fans feel connected to the team,” said Andrew Karson, executive vice president of marketing for Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment.

“Kids respond to what feels current and authentic, so staying culturally relevant and listening to how they engage is key to building long-term relationships.”

The first 5,000 children through the doors received Kids Day giveaways, including kid-friendly keepsakes.

The first few thousand kids through the doors got “blind box” giveaways!

Inside the concourse, families had access to select concession items—pretzels, popcorn, and soft drinks—priced at $5, lower than the usual cost at NBA games.

Compared with the New York Knicks, whose fan base is long established, the Nets continue to focus on localized engagement.

That includes school-based programming tied to science and technology education, literacy initiatives such as Read Across Brooklyn, and recurring park and neighborhood events in communities including Bedford-Stuyvesant.

“By meeting families and youth where they are and authentically reflecting Brooklyn’s many cultures, we look to cultivate meaningful connections that extend well beyond game day,” Karson said.

Kids Day programming also put young fans at the center of the entertainment. Youth performers appeared during halftime and in-game breaks, and a kid reporter joined the broadcast.

Performances featured kids dance teams and a kid reporter!

“When families experience moments together at Kids Days, Practice in the Park, or community events, those moments become part of their history with family and friends,” Karson said. “Our goal is for today’s young fans to one day return with families of their own, carrying that sense of connection and tradition forward across generations.”

Beyond the Barclays, the Nets extend their reach through programs like NETSTEM, a supplemental STEM curriculum for elementary and middle school students, and Brooklyn Basketball, a joint youth program with the New York Liberty.

Across the street, a combine was held at the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center.

“Even for kids who don’t pursue the sport long-term, the memories they create, the lessons learned and the relationships they form will endure,” Karson said.

These programs are designed to meet kids at every stage. At the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center, after-school sessions for boys and girls ages 6–17 provide both basketball training and mentorship.

Each experience focuses on building confidence, teamwork, leadership, and a sense of belonging.

“This layered approach allows kids to grow with us, develop life skills along the way, and deepen their connection to the Nets and Liberty over time,” Karson said.

The team is also heavy on its digital content and interactive experiences, bringing young fans closer to Nets experience.

“By sharing behind-the-scenes access and telling connective stories on their favorite platforms, we’re able to spark early connections that can mature into long-term fandom,” Karson said, describing the team’s outreach across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

During the Kids Day game, the Nets were also promoting Michael Porter Jr. as a candidate for the upcoming All-Star Game, with many young fans already familiar with him through TikTok and Instagram, including his presence alongside rapper girlfriend Ice Spice.

MPJ’s star power is resonating with younger audiences, and with the Nets developing their young players and building momentum under head coach Jordi Fernández, the Kids Day celebration reflected learning, enthusiasm, and creativity.

Johnnies Down Bluejays

BQE Admin on January 15, 2026

Best shooting night of the year gives the Red Storm a big road win over Creighton

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

The St. John’s Red Storm picked up vital BIG EAST wins on the road last week, defeating the Butler Bulldogs in Indianapolis before taking down the Creighton Bluejays in Omaha. Coming off a brutal loss to Providence, Rick Pitino and his team are looking to reestablish themselves and catch fire for an important stretch of conference play.

The win in Nebraska was done by way of aerial assault, playmaking, and rebounding. The Red Storm knocked down 12 threes and won both the assist and rebounding battles.

Seven of the St. John’s three-pointers came off the bench, with Lefteris Liotopoulos shooting 5/8 from downtown and Dylan Darling hitting 2/4. The Red Storm finished with 52.2% shooting from deep, by far their best mark in what’s been a relatively rough season from the floor.

For Liotopoulos, the past few BIG EAST matchups have been a good opportunity to earn important minutes in the rotation. The Sophomore out of Greece recorded his second double-digit scoring performance of the year on January 6 at Butler (10 points, matching Dec. 13 vs Iona) before using his sharpshooting to set a career high with 17 against the Bluejays in Omaha.

The back-to-back conference wins are just the beginning if St. John’s wants to steady a rocking ship. The #4 UConn Huskies are going to be very difficult to catch, already 6-0 in BIG EAST play and in order to secure a tournament bid they’ll need to finish near the top of a competitive conference.

Following Tuesday’s matchup with Marquette the next two contests for the Red Storm are on the road against 2nd place Villanova on Saturday and next Tuesday at MSG against 3rd place Seton Hall, who broke into the nation’s Top 25 this week.

“After the loss [to Providence] we gathered together and said, ‘we’re not going to lose anymore,’” said Liotopoulos following the win over Creighton. “We were great in practice, aggressive with a lot of energy and that translated on the court.”

The goal is set, and now it’s time for the Red Storm to deliver. Can they start the transformation of MSG back into the fortress it was last season, and can they do it in emphatic fashion against the rival Pirates?

Happy Net Year! Brooklyn Turns the Page With 7-4 December

BQE Admin on December 31, 2025

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

While their winning came to an end with Monday’s loss to the Golden State Warriors, the Brooklyn Nets were able to close out their first month above .500 of the season, their third in the last three seasons.

It’s been a drastic 3-month turnaround for Brooklyn, going winless in five October matchups before a woeful 3-11 November. Since then, a switch has flipped. In addition to their strong shooting, Brooklyn maintained the best defensive rating in the NBA during the final month of the calendar year. They finished 7-4, with impressive wins against the Raptors, 76ers, and Timberwolves.

Already riding a 6-3 stretch into Minnesota, the Nets took on their toughest foe of the month. They only shot 28% for three, but interior scoring helped bring their total FG% to 55%. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 28, while Jaden McDaniels added 16. Both were terrific on the defensive end.

Leading Brooklyn off the bench was Cam Thomas, his first game back after missing 20 with hamstring issues. It was his 30th time scoring 30 points in a game, shooting an efficient 9-15 and adding 4 assists and 3 rebounds. Thomas scored 12 straight Brooklyn points in the 3rd Quarter, helping them pull away late for a 123-107 win.

Back home to play the middling Warriors in their 2025 finale, Brooklyn had much less help from the second unit. The bench only added 27 points on 36% shooting, compared to 62 with 64% shooting against the Wolves.

The Nets put together a pair of 10-0 runs in the 1st but couldn’t pull away as Jimmy Butler and Steph Curry powered the Warriors to a 120-107 win. 

It was a tight physical matchup the whole night, with some phenomenal shooting by Michael Porter Jr. and Egor Dëmin. As well as another stellar all-around game from Nic Claxton.

Porter Jr.’s 56% shooting helped him to a team-leading 27 points while Brooklyn’s top draft pick matched his NBA best with 23 points. All of Dëmin’s made field goals came from beyond the arc, setting a Nets rookie record with seven three pointers. Claxton scored 15 points, tallying 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks.

In his second game back, Thomas produced significantly less in 19 minutes off the bench. He seemed overeager to put up shots despite a focused defensive effort to stop him, shooting 5-12 and finishing with 13 points and 2 assists.

The Warriors shot efficiently in the 4th quarter and a strong effort to stay within reach finally petered out for Brooklyn. They fell for the 20th time this year, an unfortunate finish after dominant play the rest of the month

Cam back off the bench

In his two games back, Cam Thomas showed the positive and negative side of his impact. When his shots are dropping like in Minnesota, he can easily provide a winning spark. When he fixates on getting shots up like against Golden State, he can be taken out of the game and made a detriment on both ends of the floor.

Since Brooklyn began to really turn the ship around in his absence, many were quick to suggest Cam’s ball-dominant playstyle as a culprit. Saturday’s win over Minnesota showed that Cam is more than capable of fitting into this Nets playstyle and providing exactly what Jordi Fernandez needs to lead the second unit.

Alternatively, there are games like Monday’s, where Thomas puts up a game-worst +/- at -24. When he doesn’t get the shots to fall and can’t fit the team’s flow, Thomas turns from a bonafide bucket to a tank engine.

If Brooklyn gets the good side of Thomas over the next month, they’ll be in a fascinating position. While they’re positioned to maximize their first round draft pick in 2026, they may not be sellers at the trade deadline as many expect. General Manager Sean Marks has shown hesitation to deal players and assets without clear benefit, and between Porter Jr. clicking in his first year in Brooklyn and Claxton turning the page, some of his most valuable assets may be ideal building blocks for the future.

Chris DeMarco in the building

Also on the Barclays Center hardwood on Monday night was Chris DeMarco, the new head coach of the New York Liberty. In his final game as an assistant with the Warriors, DeMarco was spotted chatting with Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez before tip-off and taking photos with the Golden State coaching staff after the final buzzer.

With the new year comes DeMarco’s new role, and the longtime Dubs assistant has officially closed that chapter of his career. Now DeMarco shifts his focus to the team taking the floor later in 2026, with a busy offseason still playing out.

“I love Barclays, I love what they’re building with the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center across the street,” DeMarco said after his final NBA game. “It’s a beautiful thing to see and it’s a growing league, I’m just excited to get started.”

Nets Match Franchise Record for Margin of Victory With 45-point Win Over Bucks

BQE Admin on December 19, 2025

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

The Brooklyn Nets delivered a wild smackdown to the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night, an impressive showing even with Milwaukee missing star big man Giannis Antetokounmpo. Their 45-point win is tied for the largest in franchise history, previously set in New Jersey back in 1993. Their previous record in the Brooklyn era came in 2022 when they defeated the Wizards by 42.

Despite the 127-point performance, no Net scored more than 17 points. Instead it was a terrific all-around performance with 9 different players scoring in double figures, including all 5 starters. Every Net recorded at least one rebound and all aside from Jalen Wilson recorded at least one assist. They beat the Bucks in both stats, also winning the battle in turnovers, blocks, steals, and fouls.

Rookie Egor Dëmin led the charge with his second-best performance in Brooklyn. His 17 points came with solid efficiency, shooting 6/8 and 3/3 at the FT line, also picking up 3 rebounds and 3 assists. While Michael Porter Jr. hit 2 of 7 three pointers and only managed 12 points (about half of his season average) the Net newcomer added 6 rebounds and 5 assists to round out his game.

The Nets were without Head Coach Jordi Fernandez, who missed the game with the flu. Assistant Steve Hetzel picked up his 1st career NBA win, echoing the same gameplan of constant ball movement and defensive effort.

“It’s a 45-point loss to a team trying to lose. They have 4 or 5 wins or whatever it is now,” lamented Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma. “That’s the beauty of this league, right? There’s so much talent and if you’re not ready you can get your butt whooped by any team.”

It was Brooklyn’s 7th win and the Bucks without Giannis certainly were not ready, though the Nets were by no means playing to lose. While they’re not constructed to contend by any means, they still have plenty of talent and when they connect on the gameplan they have shown immense promise.

Meanwhile in Milwaukee, things aren’t exactly going much better than in Brooklyn. It seems Giannis is destined for a trade in the near future and without him it’s possible the Bucks plummet from the 10th seed in the East, where they only hold a 11-16 record. If the Nets can catch their stride, especially depending on how the roster looks down the line, they could easily go on a winning stretch and find themselves in that very same play-in position.

Back and Forth November Continues for Johnnies

BQE Admin on November 26, 2025

SJU Blows out Bucknell but falls to #18 Iowa St. in Las Vegas

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

The St. John’s Red Storm were 48-point winners in Queens last Thursday, dominating the Bucknell Bison. It was an impressive showing on both sides for the Johnnies, who looked to build momentum ahead of their second ranked matchup of the season. Unfortunately, just as they did against the Alabama Crimson Tide, St. John’s fell just short against top-20 opposition, losing to the Iowa State Cyclones in a narrow contest.

The Bucknell battle was never particularly close despite the Bison opening with a 8-2 lead. Head coach Rick Pitino pulled all his starters to have a conversation with them as the bench unit recaptured the lead and positioned the squad for their runaway performance.

In the second half, the Johnnies came out with a vengeance. Pitino’s halftime words clearly sparked a fervent defense that was all over Bucknell in the final 20 minutes. Offensively the Red Storm went to work, finishing just 3 points shy of the triple-digit mark.

Ian Jackson and Bryce Hopkins both recorded their best games for the Red Storm with 20 points apiece. Jackson also broke his turnover curse, something Pitino had remarked on a few times earlier this season.

The second ranked battle of the season came down to the wire in Las Vegas as the Red Storm and Iowa State Cyclones went after each other in a wild, physical battle. With both teams holding a lead in the final minutes, it was a tight 83-82 win for the Cyclones.

Pitino kept the final Red Storm timeout in his pocket for the final few St. John’s possessions, none of which were particularly threatening. Down 83-80, a frantic final 29 seconds led to a rushed three-point attempt by Zuby Ejiofor, and the rebound was put back for an ultimately inconsequential layup as time expired.

“We played a terrific basketball team, and with the game on the line, we couldn’t come up with the rebound,” said Pitino postgame. “You’ve got to create rebounding space and we were not doing that.”

The Cyclones narrowly out-rebounded the Red Storm 38-36, with the edge coming on the offensive glass, 17-15. The Johnnies also missed 7 free throws, another struggle that will hurt them down the line if trends continue.

The Red Storm were in action on Tuesday afternoon against Baylor, and the results from the first two games dictated the rest of their week in Las Vegas. The Johnnies will return to New York with Madison Square Garden matchups against the Ole Miss Rebels on December 6 at 8pm and the Iona Gaels (Pitino’s former team) on December 13 at noon.

Legendary Player, Coach Lenny Wilkens Dies at Age 88

BQE Admin on November 13, 2025

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

The basketball world mourned the passing of Brooklyn native and legendary player/coach Lenny Wilkens, who died on Sunday. Dubbed the “Godfather of Seattle Basketball,” Wilkens was inducted into the basketball Hall of Fame three different times. He was honored as a 9-time All-Star point guard, again as one of the winningest coaches in league history, and once more for helping coach the USA in the 1992 Olympic Games.

Wilkens was a legendary playmaker, adding tremendous flair in the 1960’s and early 70’s. In the 1967-68 season he averaged 8.3 assists and 20 points per game, finishing 2nd in MVP voting to the legendary Wilt Chamberlain.

“He influenced the lives of countless young people as well as generations of players and coaches who considered Lenny not only a great teammate or coach but also an extraordinary mentor who led with integrity and true class,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

“Even more impressive than Lenny’s basketball accomplishments, which included two Olympic gold medals and an NBA championship, was his commitment to service – especially in his beloved community of Seattle where a statue stands in his honor.”

The illustrious career was forged on the playgrounds and asphalt courts of Brooklyn. While he didn’t play until his senior year Wilkens was able to impress at Boys High School after drawing attention outdoors. He went on to dominate at Providence College. Wilkens became one of the greatest to grace the floor for the Friars, leading them to the NIT Tournament as a junior and senior. He was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player in 1960, also claiming All-American honors that year and the season prior.

After his time in Rhode Island, Wilkens was selected in the first round of the NBA Draft by the St. Louis Hawks. He spent the first 8 years of his career there before joining the Supersonics in the Pacific Northwest. He was an All-Star in three out of four seasons in Seattle, also setting career highs in assists and points per game.

Less than a decade later Wilkens was back on the floor as a coach, helping lead the Supersonics to their lone NBA title in 1979. In his coaching career he became the all-time leader in games coached, as well as the first of now 10 to pass the 1,000-win mark. He remains the coach with the most games in charge in NBA history, leading his teams in 2,487 contests.

“The thing that I’ll always remember, he was such a great gentleman, and such an eloquent human being, along with being a super competitive coach. He is still way up there in all-time victories. Very, very special man. He’ll be missed but he’ll be remembered,” Indiana Pacers Head Coach Carlisle said. “I ended up following him as president (of the NBCA), he did a lot of things to further the profession; the pension, benefits, coaching salaries rose significantly during his time. He was a great representative to the league office.”

Nets and Cam Thomas at Standstill Over New Contract

BQE Admin on August 12, 2025

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

The dust has largely settled across the NBA, but one big question still looms for the Brooklyn Nets. Young starlet Cam Thomas is due for his next contract, but a difference in valuation has led to a standstill.

The 23-year-old is reportedly seeking a deal worth well over $30M, hoping to outearn players like Immanuel Quickley, Jalen Green, and Tyler Herro. A lack of landing spots make a deal that large doubtful this offseason, as Thomas is increasingly likely to take the qualifying offer and seek a long-term deal as an unrestricted free agent after the 2025-26 season.

Thomas remains one of the best pure scorers from the 2021 draft, where he was selected with the 27th pick. Back in 2023-24, Thomas set a NBA record with three consecutive 40-point games before the age of 22. In November against the Knicks, he dropped 43 points at The Garden. It was his 9th career 40-point showing, a hallmark of his young career. 

His immense scoring ability has made him a fascinating player despite shortcomings on defense and ball movement. Despite injuries cutting his last season short, Thomas set career highs in points, assists, and rebounds per game.

If the Nets look beyond Thomas, there are a number of interesting Free Agents who could land in King’s County. Among them are former Thunder and Bulls guard Josh Giddey and Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, both drafted before Thomas in 2021.

Chicago and Golden State can’t match a contract offer in ranges either player is seeking, as Brooklyn is the only team in the league capable of offering a $30M deal to the restricted Free Agents.

Brooklyn holds the most cap space in the NBA entering the 2025-26 season, and are poised to lead the league again in 2026-27. Regardless how the offseason ends, it should be an interesting season in Brooklyn as the Nets continue to rebuild.

JJ: “Welcome to New York, Mike Brown”

BQE Admin on July 14, 2025

It’s Now NBA Finals Or Bust…

By John Jastremski

Last week, the Knicks finally concluded their head coaching search and decided former Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown will be their guy.

My first reaction to the news was that as a Knicks fan, I felt uninspired.

Look, Mike Brown on paper fits the bill of the sort of coach you’d want leading your team.

There’s no sense of the unknown for a franchise that will have sky high expectations going into next season.

You know what you’re getting with Mike Brown.

He ran a tremendous offense in Sacramento that was as modern as it gets.

He’s taken a team to the NBA Finals before, albeit a team that had LeBron James, but an accomplishment none the less.

In addition, he seems like a tremendous guy. I expect he will do a fantastic job in handling the NY media and what comes with that.

So, you might ask. After what I just detailed, why is the hire uninspiring.

Well, it’s pretty simple to me.

After the Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau, I was expecting the sort of hire that would put me in a position where I feel the team clearly upgraded with their head coach.

No disrespect to Mike Brown, but I for one am not convinced the Knicks hired a better head coach than Thibs.

Thats why I cant share a feeling of elation and excitement when it comes to the hire.

However, the goal is pretty simple for Mike Brown next season.

It’s time to get the Knicks back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.

Are those unfair expectations to a first year head coach?

In most circumstances, yes. Not with this current Knicks group.

The roster is there, the East is weak and if not now, then when.

Talk about walking into a pressure cooker!

You can listen to my podcast New York, New York on The Ringer Podcast Network every Tuesday & Friday on Spotify/Apple Podcasts. You can watch me nightly on Honda Sports Nite following Mets postgame on SNY.

Nets Set NBA Record With Five First Round Picks

Dan on July 3, 2025

Cam Johnson traded to Denver for 2032 pick

Noah Zimmerman | noah@queensledger.com

The Brooklyn Nets held onto all five of their first round draft picks in last week’s 2025 NBA Draft, setting a league record at the Barclays Center on Wednesday. Their top pick was BYU playmaker Egor Demin at #8, followed by French guard Nolan Traore, UNC wing Drake Powell, Israeli guard Ben Saraf, and Michigan big man Danny Wolf.

General Manager Sean Marks and Head Coach Jordi Fernandez have made their vision clear. They want a fast-flowing offense with playmakers who can slot into different positions and set up scorers. 

While they may have been hoping for Ace Bailey or Jeremiah Fears to drop to the 8th pick, Brooklyn seems quite pleased with their selection of Demin. His size and passing ability made him one of the top playmakers of the draft class, and although players like Khaman Maluach, Noa Essengue, and Derek Queen were available, Brooklyn stuck with their gut.

Brooklyn followed up their pick with the selection of Nolan Traore, another foreign-born, playmaking guard. With Saraf and Wolf also prominent playmakers, many wonder if these selections could be a bit redundant.

Only Drake Powell breaks Brooklyn’s 1st round mold, with North Carolina standout bringing athleticism and “3&D” potential at the #22 pick. In addition, Brooklyn added Alabama big Grant Nelson to a training camp deal to compete for a two-way contract.

With the start of the NBA offseason, the Nets also made a few big moves. On Monday Brooklyn dealt top trade asset Cameron Johnson to the Denver Nuggets for a 2032 unprotected first rounder and sharpshooter Michael Porter Jr. The move lands a valuable future pick and a young star scorer while giving Johnson a chance to contend for a ring with three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Former Net Bruce Brown previously won a championship with Jokic and Denver in 2023.

Brooklyn also retained wing Ziaire Williams and center Day’ron Sharpe on two-year deals. Both provided valuable depth despite a difficult season and will return as the Nets continue crafting their team for the future. Young guard Cam Thomas was also extended a qualifying offer, with Brooklyn hoping to bring him back on a miulti-year deal.



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