🔢 Brooklyn Nets 2025–26 Depth Chart
🧮 Projected Starting 5
PG – D’Angelo Russell: Veteran playmaker and stabilizing force in the backcourt, averaging ~13 points and 5.6 assists per game in his brief stint with Brooklyn . Expected to anchor the offense if re-signed.
SG – Cam Thomas: The explosive scoring guard who averaged 24 PPG in just 25 games, serving as the Nets’ primary offensive threat in transition and isolation .
SF – Drake Powell: Brooklyn’s 2025 first-round pick (#22), a tenacious rookie known for his defense, energy, and non-stop movement. His limited offensive debut didn’t diminish his spot in the starting lineup .
PF – Michael Porter Jr.: Acquired in a trade for Cam Johnson, MPJ brings perimeter scoring, veteran playoff experience, and stretch-four versatility—key traits for Brooklyn’s young core .
C – Nic Claxton: Re-signed to a four-year deal, Claxton remains a defensive anchor, elite rim protector, and high-efficiency scorer (shooting ~56%) in the paint .
👥 Bench & Second Unit
G – Egor Demin (2025 #8 pick): A 6’9″ floor general from BYU with elite vision. Poised to run the second unit and potentially succeed Russell in the future .
G – Terance Mann: Signed to a team-friendly deal, brings playoff-proven physicality and defensive intelligence, mentoring younger guards and stabilizing perimeter rotations .
F – Ziaire Williams: Defensive forward acquired via trade, re-signed on a team-friendly deal. Versatile, steals-heavy, and steady contributor off the pine .
F – Tyrese Martin: Converted from two-way to full roster spot after a career-high 30-point game. Athletic wing with deep upside, especially in running Brooklyn’s pace .
F – Noah Clowney: Rising big man who started late last season, averaging 9.1 PPG and 3.9 boards. Offers rebounding and hustle minutes around the basket .
F – Drew Timme: Late-season signee with immediate impact—double-digit scoring and rebounding in early appearances. A future rotation staple inside .
G/F – Ricky Council IV: Recently signed undrafted athletic wing aiming to earn minutes behind Demin and Powell. Energizer defender with promise, though his shooting remains a work-in-progress .
🏀 Extended Roster & Prospects
Drafted Rookies: Nolan Traoré (No. 19), Ben Saraf (26), Danny Wolf (27), Noah Traoré (19) and Drake Powell (22) bring unprecedented youth and draft capital to the Nets, though only Powell has cracked the starter’s unit so far .
Two-Way & Exhibit Contracts: Tyson Etienne (re-signed), plus Tyrese Martin and others, populate Brooklyn’s developmental roster alongside training camp contenders like Grant Nelson and Jalen Wilson .
Future Asset Focus: With cap flexibility (~$34M–$42M) and multiple first-round picks, Brooklyn remains committed to youth-driven growth over free-agent splash plays .
📊 Overview & Storyline
Brooklyn enters the 2025–26 season as a rebuilding roster built around flexibility and growth. With Nic Claxton as the defensive anchor, MPJ providing scoring upside, and Powell the only rookie starter, the team emphasizes continuity, development, and asset accumulation.
D’Angelo Russell and Cam Thomas remain pivotal—if retained—as backcourt leaders. Meanwhile, the depth chart features a mix of veterans (Mann), emerging wings (Williams, Martin), and high-upside rookies (Demin, Traoré, Saraf). The coaching staff under Jordi Fernández aims to cultivate a culture of continuity and adaptability around young talent.
Brooklyn’s primary storyline isn’t playoff contention—it’s the strategic build behind a record-breaking haul of draft picks and cap flexibility, positioning them for future trade flexibility or blockbuster talent acquisition .
🔮 Nets 2025‑26 Depth Chart Snapshot
Position Starter Key Bench Contributors
PG D’Angelo Russell Egor Demin, Terance Mann
SG Cam Thomas Demin, Ricky Council IV
SF Drake Powell Ziaire Williams, Martin
PF Michael Porter Jr. Williams, Martin
C Nic Claxton Clowney, Drew Timme
While wins may be scarce in the short term, Brooklyn’s vision is clear: a youth-led rebuild fueled by smart drafting, cap space, and strategic continuity. The 2025–26 depth chart may not reflect playoff rotation status yet—but it shows promise, flexibility, and a foundation designed for an eventual rise.
