Let’s be real for a second. If you haven't checked the current Brooklyn Nets roster lately, you might not even recognize half the names in the starting five. The days of the "Big Three" feel like ancient history, and honestly, that’s probably for the best.
Right now, Brooklyn is in the middle of a total identity shift. It’s messy. It’s young. It's occasionally frustrating to watch if you're a die-hard, but there is a very clear method to the madness. They’ve swapped out the drama of aging superstars for a bunch of high-ceiling rookies and a "walking bucket" in Michael Porter Jr. who is finally getting to see what life is like as a true number one option.
If you're trying to keep track of who’s actually playing at the Barclays Center these days, you’ve gotta look past the box scores.
The Starting Five: Who’s Actually Leading the Charge?
The lineup has been a bit of a revolving door due to some nagging injuries, but when everyone is healthy, Jordi Fernández seems to have found his core.
Basically, the offense starts and ends with Michael Porter Jr. Since coming over from Denver in that massive trade for Cameron Johnson, MPJ has been playing like a man possessed. We're talking about a guy averaging roughly 25.7 points and 7.5 boards a night. He’s the undisputed centerpiece.
Behind him, the backcourt is effectively a youth movement. You've got Egor Demin, the 6-8 Russian point guard who was the 8th overall pick in 2025. He’s been a bit of a roller coaster—one night he’s looking like a future All-Star with 15 points and 5 assists, and the next he’s struggling with the physical speed of the NBA. But that's the point of this season. They’re letting him fail so he can eventually succeed.
📖 Related: Heisman Trophy Nominees 2024: The Year the System Almost Broke
Then there’s the defensive backbone, Nic Claxton. He’s still here, still swatting shots, and still the emotional leader of this group.
The Current Depth Chart (As of January 2026)
- Point Guard: Egor Demin, Nolan Traoré, Ben Saraf
- Shooting Guard: Terance Mann, Cam Thomas, Drake Powell
- Small Forward: Michael Porter Jr., Ziaire Williams, Tyrese Martin
- Power Forward: Noah Clowney, Danny Wolf, Jalen Wilson
- Center: Nic Claxton, Day'Ron Sharpe
It's a weird mix. You have Terance Mann bringing that veteran "I’ve seen it all" energy, while rookies like Nolan Traoré and Ben Saraf are literally learning the playbook on the fly.
The Cam Thomas Situation
You can't talk about the current Brooklyn Nets roster without mentioning Cam Thomas. Honestly, it’s been a weird year for him. He’s still a scoring machine—averaging nearly 19 points off the bench—but his role has shifted.
Earlier this month, he was sidelined with a left hamstring issue, which gave more minutes to the rookie Drake Powell. When Cam is on, he's one of the most electric players in the league. But the coaching staff seems focused on seeing if he can evolve beyond just being a pure scorer. Can he facilitate? Can he defend at a high level? These are the questions that will determine if he’s part of the long-term plan in Brooklyn or just a high-value trade chip.
The "Draft Class" Revolution
Sean Marks went all-in on the 2025 draft, and it shows. The roster is practically a scouting report for international talent.
👉 See also: When Was the MLS Founded? The Chaotic Truth About American Soccer's Rebirth
- Egor Demin (Pick 8): The primary playmaker.
- Nolan Traoré (Pick 19): A lightning-fast guard from France who is still finding his rhythm.
- Drake Powell (Pick 22): A high-motor wing who recently dropped a season-high 16 points against the Bulls.
- Ben Saraf (Pick 26): Currently bouncing between the main roster and the Long Island Nets.
- Danny Wolf (Pick 27): The 6-11 big man out of Michigan who provides some much-needed size and shooting.
It’s rare to see a team carry this many rookies and actually give them meaningful minutes. Most teams would stash these guys in the G-League for a year. Not the Nets. They are throwing these kids into the deep end against the Celtics and Bucks. It’s bold.
Why the Defense is Sneakily Better Than You Think
While the Nets are sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, their defensive ceiling is actually pretty high.
Nic Claxton is still a top-tier rim protector, and Noah Clowney has taken a massive leap in his second year. Clowney is averaging 13 points and about 4 rebounds, but his real value is his versatility. He can switch onto guards and hold his own, which is exactly what Jordi Fernández wants in his system.
Adding Haywood Highsmith was a smart veteran move, too. Even though he’s currently out recovering from knee surgery, his presence in the locker room and his "3-and-D" blueprint are vital for the younger wings like Ziaire Williams to follow.
What to Watch for Before the Trade Deadline
We’re in mid-January, which means the trade rumors are starting to swirl.
✨ Don't miss: Navy Notre Dame Football: Why This Rivalry Still Hits Different
Because the current Brooklyn Nets roster is so heavy on young talent and draft picks, they are in a prime position to be "facilitators." If a contender needs a veteran like Terance Mann or a scoring spark like Cam Thomas, the Nets could easily flip them for even more future assets.
The goal here isn't to win 45 games this year. It's to figure out which of these young guys—Demin, Clowney, Powell—are "keepers" and which ones are just passing through.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're following this team, don't just look at the W-L column. It's going to be ugly for a bit. Instead, keep an eye on these specific markers:
- Demin’s Assist-to-Turnover Ratio: If he can get this under control by March, the Nets have their point guard of the future.
- MPJ’s Efficiency: He’s taking a lot of shots. Can he maintain a high percentage while being the primary focus of every opposing defense?
- Noah Clowney’s Three-Point Shot: He’s been hovering around 32%. If that climbs to 36% or 37%, he becomes a legitimate stretch-four unicorn.
- The Health of the Rotation: With Highsmith and Williams dealing with injuries, the depth is being tested. Watch how Tyrese Martin and Jalen Wilson handle the extra workload.
The Nets are playing the long game. It’s a complete pivot from the "superteam" era, and while it might not lead to a playoff run in 2026, the foundation being laid right now is the most solid it’s been in years.
Next Steps for You
I can break down Michael Porter Jr.'s shooting splits from this season or pull the latest injury update for Haywood Highsmith's return timeline.