The Nets’ historic rookie class debuts Thursday night time as Brooklyn takes on the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder of their opening sport of the NBA 2K26 Summer time League in Las Vegas.
All however Drake Powell, the No. 22 total choose within the 2025 NBA Draft, who reportedly suffered a knee harm in the course of the pre-draft course of and can sit out as a precaution.
The Nets think about Powell’s harm minor. The 6-5 ahead averaged 7.4 factors, 3.3 rebounds and 1.0 help final season at North Carolina, the place he earned this system’s Defensive Participant of the 12 months award as a freshman.
Nets assistant coach Steve Hetzel will lead the crew as Summer time League head coach for the second straight yr. After Thursday’s sport, Brooklyn will face the Washington Wizards on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on the Thomas & Mack Middle, adopted by matchups towards the Knicks on Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET and the Orlando Magic on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET, each at Cox Pavilion.
All 30 NBA groups will play no less than 5 video games in Vegas, with the primary 4 video games scheduled from July 10-17. After these 4 video games, the highest 4 groups, primarily based on profitable share, will advance to the playoffs, competing within the semifinals on July 19. The 2 semifinal winners will face off within the championship sport on July 20.
The 26 groups that don’t qualify for the four-team playoff will play a fifth sport on July 18, 19 or 20. Final yr underneath Hetzel, the Nets posted a 3-1 report, missed the playoffs, and completed 3-2 after falling to the Charlotte Hornets of their fifth comfort sport.
ROSTER
Guards: Egor Dëmin, Nolan Traoré, Ben Saraf, TJ Bamba, Caleb Daniels, Tyson Etienne, Quincy Olivari, Terry Roberts
Forwards: D’Andre Davis, Tosan Evbuomwan, Grant Nelson, Tyrese Samuel, Drew Timme, Danny Wolf
Middle: Justyn Hamilton
NOTABLE ABSENCES
Dariq Whitehead: Though Whitehead is getting into his third NBA season, his absence from the Nets’ roster is notable. Accidents have hindered his growth, and amongst third-year gamers listed, he may have benefited most from extra Summer time League expertise. The 20-year-old appeared in solely 20 video games for Brooklyn final season, averaging 5.7 factors and 1.5 rebounds per sport.
Noah Clowney: May Clowney profit from extra Summer time League expertise? Completely. Nonetheless, given his current harm historical past, taking part in this summer season is probably not in his finest curiosity. Prioritizing a full restoration for the 2025-26 common season is the neatest method. The 20-year-old averaged 9.1 factors and three.9 rebounds throughout 46 appearances final season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Dëmin: All eyes are on the No. 8 total choose within the 2025 NBA Draft; a range many specialists thought of a attain. Whereas Summer time League presents restricted insights, Dëmin has a chance to shift perceptions with a robust efficiency in Vegas. The 6-8 guard enters his rookie season as one of many prime playmakers in his class. His outdoors taking pictures, offensive aggressiveness and defensive versatility will likely be key areas to look at.
Traoré: As soon as projected as a Prime 5 choose, Traoré slipped to nineteenth total, fueling his motivation for Summer time League. The 19-year-old, identified for his blazing velocity and acrobatic finishes, goals to show he deserved a better choice. How he enhances the Nets’ different younger guards will form his position in Brooklyn’s rotation subsequent season. Elite perimeter protection and dynamic shot creation may set him aside.
Saraf: Brooklyn chosen two level guards earlier than Saraf within the 2025 NBA Draft. How will the 19-year-old Israeli ground basic reply? Missing the size and athleticism of Dëmin and Traoré, Saraf excels as a high-IQ playmaker who is aware of find out how to get his teammates concerned. As a ball-dominant creator abroad, adapting to an off-ball position with the Nets will improve his worth.
Wolf: The 6-11 ahead is among the many most intriguing prospects in Summer time League due to his offensive versatility. His playmaking, each within the publish and on the perimeter, will likely be a focus. Wolf should show himself defensively and exhibit physicality and effectiveness no matter his matchup. As a turnover-prone participant in faculty, he should show he can cut back giveaways in Summer time League as properly.
