Brooklyn Nets at the Break: What’s Working, What’s Not
The Brooklyn Nets head into the All-Star break sitting at a crossroads - part development project, part draft lottery hopeful, and part “what exactly are we doing here?” Under head coach Jordi Fernandez and GM Sean Marks, the Nets have leaned into a youth movement that’s shown flashes of promise, but also plenty of growing pains.
With a roster that’s more geared toward player development than playoff contention, the Nets are walking that fine line between building for the future and staying competitive enough to keep fans engaged. So, where are things clicking, and where are the wheels wobbling a bit?
Here’s a breakdown of three things going right - and three that clearly need work.
✅ What’s Going Right
1. Rookies Are Showing Real Promise
When you commit to a youth movement, the most important thing is getting return on your draft investments - and the Nets are seeing that so far. Egor Demin has emerged as a legitimate shooting threat, stretching the floor and giving the offense some much-needed spacing. Nolan Traore, meanwhile, turned heads with a double-double performance against the Bulls, flashing the kind of confidence and playmaking that suggests he’s more than just a developmental project.
Even deeper down the bench, Danny Wolf and Drake Powell have had their moments. Powell, in particular, has brought energy with his athleticism and highlight-reel dunks - the kind of stuff that can jolt a team and a fanbase alike.
It hasn’t all been smooth. Injuries forced Traore into the starting lineup earlier than planned, and Fernandez initially kept him on the bench, risking a hit to the rookie’s confidence.
But with Cam Thomas now out of the picture, there’s a growing sentiment that Traore should’ve been unleashed sooner. Still, the takeaway is clear: the kids can play - and they’re getting better.
2. Keeping Michael Porter Jr. Was the Right Call
There was some buzz about whether the Nets would flip Michael Porter Jr. before the deadline, but holding onto him looks like a smart move. He’s not just a scorer - though he’s certainly that - he’s also become a steadying presence on a young team still figuring itself out.
Porter gives the Nets a go-to option when the offense stalls, a veteran who can get his own shot and take pressure off the rookies. If the Nets had moved him, it would’ve raised the question of why they traded for him in the first place. For now, his presence is helping the development of the younger guys, and the team simply plays better when he’s on the floor.
3. Nic Claxton’s All-Around Game
Nic Claxton continues to be one of the most versatile bigs in the league that nobody talks about enough. He’s doing the dirty work - rebounding, protecting the rim, finishing around the basket - but he’s also adding layers to his game.
Rookie Nolan Traore even singled out Claxton’s passing as a key part of the offense, especially in the paint. That’s the kind of under-the-radar development that helps young guards find their rhythm and builds offensive flow. Claxton’s ability to contribute in multiple ways has been a stabilizing force in an otherwise inconsistent season.
❌ What’s Going Wrong
1. Lack of Scoring Help for MPJ at the Deadline
While the Nets made some moves at the trade deadline, they were more about adding depth and defense than giving Michael Porter Jr. the offensive help he needs. That’s a risky strategy when your best scorer is already carrying a heavy load.
Yes, the rookies need minutes to grow, but asking Porter to shoulder the bulk of the scoring night in and night out - while Demin and Traore take their lumps - isn’t a sustainable formula. The Nets didn’t need to swing a blockbuster deal, but even a mid-level scorer to balance the floor would’ve eased the pressure.
2. Fernandez’s Rotations Still a Work in Progress
Let’s be honest - Jordi Fernandez hasn’t quite cracked the code on his rotations. There’s a delicate balance between giving the rookies enough run and maintaining some semblance of chemistry and structure, and right now, that balance feels off.
We’re not saying he should be rolling out an all-rookie starting five - that’s a fast track to blowouts - but there’s been too much inconsistency in how the veterans and young players are mixed. The ideal core seems clear: Porter, Demin, Traore, Claxton, and Noah Clowney.
That group gives you a blend of experience, athleticism, and upside. But Fernandez hasn’t settled on that or any consistent lineup, and it’s showing in the team’s lack of cohesion.
3. The Tanking Question Hangs Over Everything
Whether or not the Nets are actively tanking is up for debate, but the roster construction and recent moves certainly lean in that direction. And that’s a double-edged sword.
On one hand, it positions Brooklyn for a top-three pick in the upcoming draft - a potential franchise-changer. On the other, it leaves the fanbase in a familiar place: waiting, hoping, and wondering when the payoff is finally coming.
There’s no shame in rebuilding, especially if you’re doing it the right way. But the Nets need to be careful not to lose the locker room - or the fans - in the process.
The Bottom Line
The Nets are in a transitional phase, and that’s never easy. But there’s real talent on this roster, especially among the rookies, and keeping veterans like Michael Porter Jr. and Nic Claxton around gives the team a solid foundation to build on.
The key down the stretch? Better rotation management, more scoring support, and a clear identity - whether that’s chasing wins or chasing ping pong balls.
Either way, Brooklyn’s future is being shaped right now. And if they can tighten up the loose ends, it might be a lot brighter than it looks today.