Brooklyn Nets season preview: Opening schedule, win projection and everything to know for 2026-27

The 2026-27 NBA season is here! Check out our team previews, including power rankings, best- and worst-case scenarios, and fantasy advice.

Record: 20-62 (13th in the East, did not make the playoffs)

Draft: Mikel Brown Jr. (No. 6), Joshua Jefferson (No. 28), Tyler Bilodeau (No. 43)

Trades: Julius Randle (from Timberwolves)

Key departures: Nic Claxton (traded to Bulls), Ziaire Williams (signed with Lakers)

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It could be another long season in Brooklyn. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

What’s exciting: Brown has a dangerous jumper, touch finishing with either hand, and processing speed. Though he may not be ready physically as a rookie, it’s going to be fun to see what he can do playing alongside so many other talented players who can handle the ball. Egor Dëmin has size, Danny Wolf is like a point center, and Nolan Traoré brings the speed. They all create advantages in different ways, which gives Jordi Fernández plenty of combinations to experiment with. So even if the Nets aren’t winning many games, it should at least be entertaining.

What’s concerning: The Rockets hold Nets first-round swap rights as a result of the James Harden trade. That means the Nets have no reward waiting for them in the lottery. So Brooklyn could spend another year at the bottom without enjoying the benefits. — Kevin O’Connor 

Egor Dёmin is rising. It’s not just the five assists in both preseason appearances; he showed a real offensive bag against the Sixers, scoring 13 points in a variety of creative, impressive ways. The offseason bulk-up looks way more significant than Chet Holmgren’s (ha). Still waiting to see what rookie Mikel Brown Jr. has to offer. — Dan Titus

Opening week: 10/21 vs. Hornets, 10/24 at Cavs

Best Case: Flirting with the Play-In Tournament

There are two All-Star caliber players on the roster; a chip-on-the-shoulder campaign from Randle and another flame-throwing season from Porter could give the Nets a higher baseline than given credit for. Dёmin growth, Brown looking comfortable early, some interesting frontcourt pieces (Sharpe, Clowney) with Jordi Fernandez pulling the strings … I’d keep an eye out.

This could be a turnover-heavy offense paired with an awful defense. I would imagine the top-end talent (Randle, Porter) will be in trade rumors; the Nets cashing in on either of them would make the team worse in the short term. Worst record in the East is in play. — Nekias Duncan