Brooklyn’s preseason has already given the Nets plenty to feel good about, and there may not be much left to prove before the games start counting.
The first two results have been impossible to ignore: a 34-point win in Charlotte to open the preseason, then a follow-up victory over LeBron James in his Philadelphia 76ers preseason debut. That alone has made Brooklyn one of the more interesting early storylines around the league since training camp began.
Yes, it’s only preseason, and a 2-0 start doesn’t guarantee anything once the regular season arrives. But the Nets have done more than just rack up two wins.
They’ve shown signs that matter, from the growth of their young core to new faces making an immediate impression. For a team still projected to finish near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, that kind of showing stands out.
Brooklyn still has two preseason games left, with road matchups against the Washington Wizards and Miami Heat. Those games will give the group more chances to get reps, but the larger point already feels clear: the Nets have checked off most of what they wanted to accomplish before the season begins.
There’s always a limit to how much a team can truly prove in exhibition play, but Brooklyn has shown enough to make its believers feel better about the roster. The real test, of course, will come when the regular season starts, and those encouraging signs have to hold up over time.
For now, though, the Nets can head into their final two preseason games with a little less pressure. Another strong outing from one of the younger players would be nice, but Brooklyn doesn’t need to force anything. The main goal is to keep building rhythm and get ready for the next 82.
The Nets still have plenty of work ahead before anyone starts talking seriously about them being back. Even so, this preseason has already moved them in the right direction, and their training camp can be called a success no matter what happens in the last two games.
In Other News...
Egor Demin Is Giving The Nets A Reason To Watch Closely
Egor Demin has already given the Nets a little something to monitor as the season takes shape, and it starts with the way he talks about his role. The young guard-forward has made clear he wants to help in whatever way the team needs, whether that means handling the ball or working alongside another creator, and he has framed his approach around winning rather than chasing numbers. For a Brooklyn group still sorting through its long-term pieces, that kind of flexibility is exactly the sort of trait that can make a prospect stand out.
Coach Jordi Fernndez has noticed the progress, too, pointing to how much Demin has improved since last year and how his voice is starting to carry more weight. That matters for a Nets team looking for players who can grow into bigger responsibilities without needing everything scripted for them. Demin is not the only young player around the league drawing attention for versatility, but in Brooklyn, his development has started to feel like one of the more relevant storylines to keep an eye on. [Read more 🡒]
Nets Fans Are Still Waiting For The First Real Mikel Brown Jr. Look
Mikel Brown Jr. arrived in Brooklyn with the kind of profile that usually gets a fan base dreaming quickly. The No. 6 pick has already drawn praise inside the organization for his leadership and the way he plays, and the Nets see him as a point guard who can help organize the offense with both scoring and passing. He has also been grinding through a demanding daily routine as he works to add the strength needed for NBA contact, a reminder that even top picks often need time before the league fully reveals them.
For now, though, Nets fans are still waiting for their first real look at him in game action. Brown Jr. has been recovering from a rolled ankle, and his participation in the upcoming preseason game is uncertain, which leaves his debut on hold a little longer than anyone around the team probably hoped. The anticipation is part of the process with a young guard like this, but Brooklyn would like to start seeing the shape of what it drafted, especially with preseason opportunities beginning to matter. [Read more 🡒]
Egor Demin Is Forcing A Real Nets Rotation Conversation
Egor Demin has spent Nets training camp and the early preseason making himself part of the conversation, and that alone is a meaningful step after an uneven rookie season. The young guard has shown more comfort, more versatility and a better feel for how Brooklyn wants to play, enough for the coaching staff to note real progress as he works to carve out a larger role.
For a team still sorting out its rotation, Demins growth adds another layer to the decisions ahead. Brooklyn is experimenting with different lineup combinations in the preseason as it looks for ways to maximize spacing and flexibility, and that kind of tinkering can open doors for players who keep stacking good days. The question now is whether Demins momentum holds once the games start to count and the Nets have to settle on who fits where. [Read more 🡒]