The Brooklyn Nets are tipped to finish above the Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls this NBA season, according to a new Eastern Conference ranking. This projection comes as the team works to climb from a 20-62 record last year.
SB Nation's Ricky O'Donnell placed the Nets 13th in his Eastern Conference forecast. He ranked the Chicago Bulls 14th and the Milwaukee Bucks 15th. O'Donnell's confidence hinges on Brooklyn not trading forward Michael Porter Jr. Before the season starts. Porter had a career-best year under head coach Jordi Fernandez in the 2025-26 campaign.
Fernandez is viewed as one of the league's top young coaches. His system previously helped Cam Johnson thrive, and now it's Porter benefiting. The arrival of veteran forward Julius Randle via trade adds another scoring option. Randle's physical play in the paint should create more space for Brooklyn's perimeter shooters.
The team's immediate results, however, highlight the challenge ahead.
Julius Randle's integration is a major storyline for the Nets' offseason. His ability to rebound and score in the post provides a dimension Brooklyn lacked. He averaged over 20 points and 9 rebounds per game in his last full season with Minnesota. Pairing him with Porter Jr. Gives Fernandez a versatile frontcourt.
The coach's offensive schemes often use high pick-and-roll actions to generate open three-pointers. Randle can be a effective screener and roll man, or pop out for his own shot. His passing from the elbow could also unlock cuts from guards and wings. It's a specific skill set the front office targeted.
Beyond the veterans, the development of younger players like Egor Demin is essential. O'Donnell pointed to a potential sophomore leap for Demin as another reason for optimism. The Nets need his perimeter defense and playmaking to improve. Consistent production from the bench will determine if they can escape the conference's bottom tier.
The full schedule ahead is demanding. Fans can track the team's progress through our schedule page. The early season will test this new-look roster immediately. Beating teams like the Bulls and Bucks on paper is one thing. Doing it on the court, night after night, is the real challenge for this rebuilding group. Their 20-62 record is a stark reminder of how far they have to go.
