The Brooklyn Nets are evaluating a youthful point guard rotation as the 2026-27 NBA season approaches, with Egor Demin, Mikel Brown Jr., and Nolan Traore set to share duties. This assessment follows a preseason slate where the Nets went 2-2, including a 144-128 loss to the Miami Heat on October 14. Head coach Jordi Fernandez will rely on this group to initiate the offense, with veteran forward Julius Randle also handling significant playmaking from the power forward spot.
Egor Demin appears ready for a larger role. His three-point shot remains a weapon, but a refined driving game should create more opportunities for himself and teammates. Demin has shown better control with the ball and uses his size effectively against smaller defenders. Improved physical strength could lead to longer, more impactful minutes on the court this year.
Mikel Brown Jr. made a strong impression in his lone preseason appearance. He displayed deep shooting range and a fluid, promising jumper. Brown's ability to attack the rim and blow past defenders gives him a clear scoring advantage. The coaching staff will be watching how he manages game flow and hunts for his shots as the season progresses.
Nolan Traore enters the year with added strength and improved speed. His quickness is a major asset, generating easy looks at the rim and drawing defensive help to open perimeter shots. Traore also brings underrated defensive value by cutting off driving lanes and absorbing contact. He is projected as the primary backup but could earn more playing time if others struggle.
Brooklyn's preseason offered glimpses of the team's potential and areas for growth. They opened with a dominant 124-90 win over the Charlotte Hornets on October 6. A 114-108 victory against the Philadelphia 76ers followed on October 8. The Nets then outlasted the Washington Wizards 131-122 on October 12 before closing with the high-scoring 144-128 defeat in Miami. These games provided valuable film for Fernandez to review ahead of the regular season.
While the young guards develop, Julius Randle will be a central playmaking hub. His primary job is to score in the paint and attack downhill from the power forward position. But Randle's ability to pass and create from the post or elbow will be essential for relieving pressure on the backcourt. This dual threat makes the Nets' offensive structure more versatile and less predictable.
The immediate focus is the final preseason tune-up against the Charlotte Hornets at home on October 21. After that, the real tests begin. Integrating three young point guards into a consistent rotation is a challenge, but the preseason showed their individual talents. Success will depend on their growth, Randle's health, and Fernandez's scheme. Fans can track the team's progress and view the full regular season schedule on our schedule page. The development of Demin, Brown, and Traore will be a key storyline for Brooklyn all season long.
