The Brooklyn Nets are in a weird spot. Honestly, if you look at the Brooklyn Nets depth chart right now, it feels less like a finished product and more like a high-stakes science experiment. Gone are the days of the "Big Three" era where every game felt like a Hollywood premiere. Instead, we have a roster that looks like a collection of valuable parts waiting for a master mechanic to put them together—or, more likely, sell them for newer models.
It's 2026. The vibes at Barclays Center are... let's call them "transitional."
While most casual fans might still be looking for names that aren't there anymore, the reality is that the Nets are currently built around the high-scoring brilliance of Michael Porter Jr. and the defensive bedrock that is Nic Claxton. But don't get too attached. With the trade deadline looming on February 5th, this depth chart is essentially written in pencil.
The Starting Five: MPJ and the "New" Look
If you tuned in to the game against the Pelicans on January 14, you saw the current vision. Or at least the version that’s healthy enough to lace them up.
Egor Demin has basically taken the keys to the offense as the starting point guard. He's a tall, lanky playmaker with vision that makes you lean in closer to the TV. Right next to him, the Nets have been slotting in Terance Mann. Mann is that classic "glue guy" every team thinks they can fix, providing veteran stability and secondary ball-handling. He’s been averaging about 7.9 points per game, which isn't going to break any records, but he does the dirty work.
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Then there's the focal point: Michael Porter Jr. MPJ is having a legitimate career year. We’re talking 25.9 points per game and shooting a lethal 40% from deep. He is, quite literally, the only reason the Nets stay competitive in some of these shootouts. At 6'10", he’s playing the small forward spot but often slides up depending on how many shooters head coach Jordi Fernandez wants on the floor.
The frontcourt is rounded out by Noah Clowney and Nic Claxton. Clowney is the "X-factor" here. He's shown flashes of being a 15-point, 4-rebound kind of guy, which is exactly what you want from a developing power forward. Claxton remains the "glorious king" of Brooklyn’s defense. He’s leading the team in rebounds (7.5) and assists (4.1), which tells you everything you need to know about how much the Nets rely on his decision-making from the high post.
Brooklyn Nets Depth Chart: The Rotation Breakdown
When the bench comes in, things get a bit more chaotic. The Nets have a lot of "maybe" players. Maybe they're stars, maybe they're trade bait.
- The Guard Rotation: Cam Thomas is the name everyone knows, but his role has become increasingly complicated. He’s a microwave scorer, sure. He can give you 12 to 20 points in a heartbeat. But his defensive metrics are, to put it bluntly, among the bottom in the league. Lately, he's been battling a hamstring strain, leaving more minutes for guys like Nolan Traore and rookie Drake Powell.
- The Wing Depth: Ziaire Williams was a nice pickup, but he's been sidelined with illness recently. When healthy, he gives them length. Tyrese Martin has actually been a bit of a surprise, putting up around 12 points per game in certain stretches.
- The Bigs: Day'Ron Sharpe is the primary backup for Claxton. He’s a monster on the glass, shooting nearly 60% from the field because, well, he doesn't take shots further than three feet from the rim. Danny Wolf also gets looks at the power forward and center spots, offering a different, more mobile look than Sharpe.
Why the Depth Chart is About to Change
If you're looking at the Brooklyn Nets depth chart and thinking it looks a little top-heavy, you’re right. The rumors are swirling, and they aren't quiet.
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Insiders like Jake Fischer have pointed out that Michael Porter Jr. is the biggest trade chip on the board. He has two years left on a massive $179 million contract. For a team like the Nets, who are "eager" to gather draft capital for 2026 and beyond, keeping a 26-point scorer on a sub-.500 team doesn't make a ton of sense.
There was a lot of chatter about the Nets pursuing Trae Young. Management apparently looked at the roster, looked at the draft picks, and said, "Nah." They are prioritizing size and defensive versatility over one-way superstars. This tells us they aren't looking for a quick fix. They’re looking for a foundation.
Then there's the Ben Simmons situation. He's still there, mostly on the injury report with a knee contusion. At this point, his presence on the depth chart is more of a financial reality than a basketball one.
The Reality of the "Tank"
The Nets are currently sitting about six games behind the Chicago Bulls for the final play-in spot. They aren't exactly "surging," despite some flashes of brilliance.
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- Draft Focus: The 2026 first-round pick is the real goal. Every win is fun, but every loss is a step closer to a franchise-altering talent.
- Salary Cap Weaponization: Brooklyn has about $15.2 million in available cap space. They can literally "buy" draft picks by taking on bad contracts from teams like Boston or the Clippers.
- Player Development: Watching Noah Clowney and Egor Demin grow is more important than the final score of a Tuesday night game in January.
Current Injuries and Absences
You can't talk about the depth chart without mentioning who isn't playing. It's a bit of a laundry list right now:
- Haywood Highsmith: Out (Knee surgery recovery).
- Ben Saraf: Out (Knee soreness/G League duty).
- E.J. Liddell: Out (Knee/G League).
- Ziaire Williams: Day-to-day (Illness).
What to Watch For Next
Keep an eye on the starting lineup transitions over the next three weeks. As the February 5th deadline approaches, you might see Michael Porter Jr.'s minutes fluctuate or certain young players like Drake Powell getting "showcase" starts.
The most actionable thing for a Nets fan or a fantasy manager right now is to treat this roster as a moving target. Nic Claxton is the only "safe" bet to remain a Net past February. Everyone else? Keep your notifications on.
If you're tracking the team's progress, watch how Jordi Fernandez handles the Egor Demin/Nolan Traore minutes. The future of the Brooklyn backcourt is being decided right now on the court, even if the scoreboard doesn't always reflect it.
Monitor the injury reports specifically for Cam Thomas and Ziaire Williams. Their return will shift Terance Mann back to a more natural bench role and likely cut into the minutes of the deeper rotation wings. For now, the Nets are a team of "what ifs" and "what's next."
Check the updated standings and trade wire daily. The 2026 Nets aren't trying to win a championship this year; they're trying to win the offseason.