As the Brooklyn Nets continue their rebuild, General Manager Sean Marks is on the hunt for the next wave of talent to shape the team's future. With the second half of the season underway, familiar faces are vying for long-term roles, but it's the new arrivals, Josh Minott and Ochai Agbaji, who are stirring curiosity.
Acquired from the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors respectively, Minott and Agbaji might have been under-the-radar pickups, but Brooklyn sees untapped potential in both. As Coach Jordi Fernandez put it, “We know they’re very good players.
That’s why they’re here. Show me what you can bring to the group, and if you can be part of this group, you can be a future Net.”
Minott, who joined from the Celtics, was part of a salary dump that saw Brooklyn send $110,000 to Boston without receiving a draft pick. His non-guaranteed $2.58 million contract for 2026-27 is a testament to the Nets' belief in his abilities.
The 23-year-old forward has already showcased his potential this season, averaging 6.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and shooting an impressive 50.8% from the field. His ability to knock down 44.4% from beyond the arc on 7.1 attempts per 100 possessions has caught the league's attention.
Minott's focus is clear: “It’s about staying true to the values I’ve learned, especially the work ethic. I’ve been around winning organizations and understand what it takes to make playoff pushes. Defensively, I align with the core values here: pressure and being disruptive.”
With his 6-foot-8 frame and seven-foot wingspan, Minott fits perfectly into the Nets' defensive scheme. His offensive growth is a bonus, driven by a hunger and determination to succeed.
On the other hand, Agbaji comes to Brooklyn with a 2032 Raptors second-round pick attached to his $6.4 million expiring contract. Despite a shooting slump that saw him fall out of Toronto's rotation, Agbaji's previous season averages of 10.4 points and solid shooting splits indicate a player ready to bounce back.
“For me, it’s about getting back to myself and who I know I can be,” Agbaji shared. His focus on defense and intensity is unwavering, and he’s eager to prove his worth in Brooklyn.
Welcome to Brooklyn Josh Minott!
— Nets Film Room (@NetsFilm) February 5, 2026
Only 23 y/o
3.4 Stocks per 100 (93%tile)
5.7 Deflections p100 (93%tile)
-3.6 contest FG DIFF, -8 rim FG DIFF
Career 62% TS
his .14 dunk rate and 8% Oreb rank 3rd on the Nets, 1st among non-bigs. A huge injection of athleticism pic.twitter.com/Hb0w5KXtLK
“I had a great season last year and I’m trying to build on that. My time in Toronto was great, but I’m looking forward to what I can do here.”
With both players bringing a mix of hunger, defensive prowess, and potential offensive contributions, the Nets are setting the stage for an exciting second half of the season. Fans should keep an eye on how Minott and Agbaji integrate into a team hungry for success.