The Brooklyn Nets' 2025 NBA draft class faces intense evaluation as the team heads toward training camp. This scrutiny comes after a tough end to the previous season, including a 136-101 loss to the Toronto Raptors on April 12, 2026, and a recent form of three consecutive losses.
What's at stake for the Nets' 2025 draft class?
Brooklyn's front office, led by general manager Sean Marks, invested heavily in the 2025 NBA Draft by selecting five players in the first round. Analyst Sam Quinn of CBS Sports recently evaluated the Nets' front office, focusing on the potential of this group. Quinn argued the "degree of disaster" from the picks is overstated, but noted the strategy of picking multiple on-ball players was puzzling.
He specifically pointed out that guard Egor Demin looks like a future starter, even if he'd be picked behind others in a redraft. The other first-round selections, taken between picks 19 and 27, have relatively low historical hit rates. Quinn stressed it's too early to label any of them busts after just one season, but the Nets didn't put them in the best position to succeed.
How did the rookies perform last season?
Following summer league play in the California Classic and Las Vegas, league interest is centered on Egor Demin. Opinions on the rest of the class, including Drake Powell and Ben Saraf, are quieter. Based on last season's rotation, those players may need to impress in camp to earn substantial minutes from head coach Jordi Fernandez.
The projected starting lineup for the upcoming season features Mikel Brown Jr., Demin, Michael Porter Jr., Julius Randle, and Day'Ron Sharpe. This means the other four members of the 2025 draft class will likely come off the bench. Their development will be a key subplot for a team looking to improve its [standings](/standings) position.
What is the context around this evaluation?
The analysis of the rookie class occurs against a backdrop of recent on-court struggles. The Nets' last official result was a 35-point defeat to the Raptors. Their form over the final stretch showed two wins but three losses, with those three losses coming consecutively to end the season.
This finish has increased the pressure on all aspects of the organization to show progress. Developing young talent is essential for Brooklyn's long-term plan. Fans can track the progress of these players and the team's performance on our [stats](/stats) page throughout the upcoming campaign. The entire 2025 draft class will be viewed under a microscope as the Nets try to build a more competitive roster.
