The Brooklyn Nets are still projected as one of the NBA's bottom teams, ranking 28th in Bleacher Report's latest power rankings. This comes despite a series of offseason moves aimed at improving a roster that finished 20-62 last season and lost its final three games, including a 136-101 defeat to the Toronto Raptors on April 12.
Why are the Nets ranked so low?
Analyst Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report noted the team's focus on rookie Mikel Brown, drafted 6th overall. Brown's development will be a key storyline. But Bailey pointed out that Brooklyn's other moves signal a desire for immediate competitiveness, not a full rebuild. The team essentially took on Julius Randle's contract from Minnesota in a salary dump. They also added guards Keon Ellis and Mo Wagner while re-signing big man Day'Ron Sharpe.
Sharpe is expected to start after the trade of Nicolas Claxton. These are, as Bailey wrote, "win-now moves." The problem is the baseline. A 20-win team has a massive hill to climb. The recent form of two wins in their last five games, with a three-game losing streak to end the year, underscores the scale of the challenge. You can track the team's progress on our [standings](/standings) page.
What did the Nets accomplish this offseason?
The primary objective was roster improvement. The headline acquisition was forward Julius Randle. His scoring and rebounding could provide a veteran presence. The additions of Ellis and Wagner add backcourt depth and frontcourt shooting, respectively. Retaining Sharpe maintains some continuity in the paint. The front office clearly tried to address multiple needs.
Yet, the power ranking suggests these pieces aren't seen as transformative. Randle, while talented, arrives with questions about fit and health. The supporting cast, while improved, may not be enough to lift the Nets out of the Eastern Conference cellar. The moves prevent a total teardown but likely aren't enough for a playoff push.
What's next for Brooklyn?
All eyes will be on training camp and how these new pieces mesh. Coach Jordi Fernandez must integrate Randle's offensive game with the development of young players like Brown. The backcourt rotation between Dennis Smith Jr., Keon Ellis, and others will be a major point of competition. Defensive cohesion was a huge issue last year and must be addressed.
The early season [fixtures](/fixtures) will be a tough test. The power ranking reflects widespread skepticism across the league. Proving these projections wrong will be Brooklyn's first goal. Player development, particularly for Mikel Brown, remains a long-term priority even amid the win-now moves. The season will reveal if this hybrid approach can yield more than 20 wins.
Realistic expectations are key. The Nets hope to be more competitive night-to-night. Climbing from 28th in the rankings will require surprising performances and perhaps more roster tweaks as the season progresses. The foundation is being laid, but the construction is far from complete.
