The Brooklyn Nets enter the 2024-25 NBA season firmly in a rebuilding phase, following a tumultuous few years marked by the failed experiment of the Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden era. After a disappointing 32-50 finish last season that saw them miss the play-in tournament, the Nets are shifting their focus to developing young talent and stockpiling assets for the future.
This offseason, they made moves to regain draft capital they had traded away during their pursuit of stars, signaling a commitment to the long-term rebuilding process.
With several key players potentially on the trading block, including Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith, the Nets are in flux, but the focus is on identifying core pieces to build around for the future. Let’s take a look at their projected starting lineup and key reserves for the 2024-25 season.
Point Guard (PG)
Starter: Ben Simmons
Reserves: Dennis Schroeder, Shake Milton, Killian Hayes
The enigmatic Ben Simmons returns as the starting point guard for the Brooklyn Nets, though his future with the team remains uncertain. After playing in just 15 games last season and struggling to regain his All-Star form, Simmons is at a crossroads. Injuries and inconsistent play have derailed his career since joining the Nets, and he has appeared in just 57 games over the last two and a half seasons.
Last season, he averaged 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game while shooting an efficient 58.1% from the field. However, his lack of aggressiveness and injury concerns have left many questioning whether he can return to the form that once made him a perennial All-Star.
With Simmons entering the final year of his five-year contract, the Nets are unlikely to offer him a large extension unless he returns to his previous level of play. Reports suggest that Simmons is working hard to be fit for the start of training camp, but the Nets have also reportedly been shopping him in trade discussions, though interest has been limited. If Simmons can regain his confidence and form, he could still be a valuable piece for Brooklyn, but the team is clearly in a wait-and-see mode.
Backing up Simmons is Dennis Schroeder, a savvy veteran point guard known for his speed, playmaking, and defensive tenacity. Schroeder is a capable scorer and facilitator, and his experience will be valuable in mentoring the Nets’ young guards. Shake Milton and Killian Hayes provide further depth in the backcourt, with both players offering versatility and potential scoring punch off the bench.
Shooting Guard (SG)
Starter: Cam Thomas
Reserves: Bojan Bogdanovic, Dariq Whitehead, Amari Bailey
Cam Thomas has emerged as the future star of the Brooklyn Nets. The fourth-year guard had a breakout season in 2023-24, averaging 22.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 44.2% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range.
Thomas’ ability to score at all three levels has made him the focal point of the Nets’ offense, and the franchise views him as a cornerstone player moving forward. He is not expected to be involved in any trade discussions, as the Nets are committed to building around his potential.
Entering the 2024-25 season, Thomas will be aiming to take the next step in his development, with hopes of making an All-Star appearance and securing a lucrative contract extension. His offensive prowess will be essential to Brooklyn’s success, and he’ll need to continue improving his playmaking and defense to become a more complete player.
Backing up Thomas is veteran sharpshooter Bojan Bogdanovic, who brings valuable experience and floor spacing to the Nets’ second unit. Bogdanovic can still score in bunches and will serve as a reliable scoring option off the bench. Dariq Whitehead, the Nets’ 2024 first-round pick, and Amari Bailey will also provide depth at shooting guard, with Whitehead offering upside as a versatile two-way player in his rookie season.
Small Forward (SF)
Starter: Dorian Finney-Smith
Reserves: Jalen Wilson, Keon Johnson, Yongxi Cui
Dorian Finney-Smith continues to be one of the premier defensive specialists in the NBA, and he’ll start at small forward for the Brooklyn Nets. Acquired as part of the trade that sent Kyrie Irving to Dallas, Finney-Smith averaged 8.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game last season while shooting 42.1% from the field and 34.8% from three-point range. His ability to guard multiple positions and knock down threes makes him a valuable player, especially for contending teams looking for defensive versatility.
However, Finney-Smith’s future with the Nets is uncertain, as he has been involved in trade rumors throughout the offseason. Several teams, including his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, have expressed interest in acquiring him, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Nets trade him before the deadline as they continue to gather assets for their rebuild.
Jalen Wilson, Keon Johnson, and Yongxi Cui provide depth at small forward, with Wilson showing promise as a versatile defender and offensive contributor in his rookie season. Johnson and Cui are developmental pieces who will compete for minutes off the bench.
Power Forward (PF)
Starter: Cam Johnson
Reserves: Trendon Watford, Ziaire Williams, Tyrese Martin
Cam Johnson is arguably the most valuable trade asset remaining on the Nets’ roster. The 28-year-old forward had a solid season in 2023-24, averaging 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 44.6% from the field and 39.1% from three-point range. Johnson’s ability to stretch the floor and play solid defense makes him an attractive target for contending teams, and the Nets are expected to demand a significant package in return if they choose to move him.
Johnson has been linked to multiple teams this offseason, and while he remains with the Nets for now, his future in Brooklyn is uncertain. If he stays, Johnson will continue to be a key contributor, but the Nets may prioritize developing younger players as part of their rebuilding strategy.
In the reserve unit, Trendon Watford, Ziaire Williams, and Tyrese Martin will compete for minutes. Watford and Williams, both young and athletic forwards, provide intriguing potential as versatile defenders and rebounders. Martin will add further depth and may be given more opportunities as the season progresses.
Center (C)
Starter: Nic Claxton
Reserves: Day’Ron Sharpe, Noah Clowney, Patrick Gardner
Nic Claxton has quietly developed into one of the league’s better young centers, and the Brooklyn Nets rewarded him with a $100 million contract extension, signaling their commitment to him as a key part of their future.
Claxton finished the 2023-24 season averaging 11.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while shooting an efficient 62.9% from the field. Known for his shot-blocking and rebounding prowess, Claxton has emerged as a reliable defensive anchor for the Nets, and his athleticism allows him to excel in pick-and-roll situations on offense.
Claxton’s development will be critical for Brooklyn’s rebuild, as he has shown the potential to become an elite rim protector and rebounder. His role as a starter is secure, and he’ll be expected to take on more responsibility in the absence of a true superstar on the roster.
Backing up Claxton are Day’Ron Sharpe, Noah Clowney, and Patrick Gardner. Sharpe, a powerful big man, will provide energy and physicality off the bench, while Clowney and Gardner are young players with potential who will continue to develop as part of the team’s future.
The Brooklyn Nets are entering a critical phase of their rebuild, and the 2024-25 season will be about evaluating their young talent and maximizing the value of their tradeable assets. With Ben Simmons still trying to rediscover his form, Cam Thomas emerging as a potential star, and Nic Claxton anchoring the defense, the Nets have some intriguing pieces to build around. However, with key veterans like Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith likely on the trade block, Brooklyn’s roster could undergo significant changes as the season progresses.
While they may not be immediate contenders, the Nets are laying the foundation for a brighter future, and the development of their young players will be the top priority as they navigate the rebuilding process.
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