RSS Nets Team Notes

[Brooklyn Nets]

Are Nets at an inflection point with MPJ? Wouldn’t be so sure!

If the Brooklyn Nets beat the Golden State Warriors Monday night, with or without Steph Curry flashing shots from half court or beyond, the Nets will have won eight games out of 10 in December and likely secured their reputation as one of the NBA’s best defensive teams. Going into the 7:30 p.m. ET contest they are the best defensive team in the year’s final month. Heady stuff.

Also expect that the national media will begin wondering what’s going on in the borough. After all, the team was supposed to tank to help them (but not guarantee them) one of the top picks in a draft that some have compared to 2003 when LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dywane Wade along with Darko Milicic were given brightly colored caps. A.J. Dybantsa, Darry Peterson and Cam Boozer seem to carry that kind of weight among scouts.

What will the theme be when these stories are written or produced? Will it be how Jordi Fernandez is one of the great young coaches in the NBA? Or how about Michael Porter Jr.’s All-Star level season —25.8 points, 7.4 rebounds — and how trading for him and an unprotected first rounder last summer was decidely not “among the worst trades of the decade?” The progress of the rookies. maybe? Nope. We think the national media will focus on the tank, whether Joe Tsai and Sean Marks will abandon or modify what both, in various iterations and commentaries, have said is needed to find the holy grail of “sustained success.“ Not to mention more draft assets!! In other words, the inflection point!

First of all while Nets tankers and anti-tankers go at it on social media there is no indication that the Nets are abandoning their plan. They are committed to, as one insider put it, the “probabilities,” meaning getting the best draft pick possible in the lottery.

Every move they have made since changing coaches two years ago has been directed toward that g0al. At the moment, the day after the coach of tonight’s opponent admitted his team is a “fading dynasty,“ the Nets are at the other end of things: the nadir of a multi-year rebuild. They have 1) the youngest roster in the NBA at around 23 years old; 2) the most picks — 32 total, including 13 firsts — over the next seven drafts; 3) the most cap space, about $15.5 million for the rest of this year and as much as $55 million again next year; and 4) can we emphasize this enough? they have Jordi Fernandez.

Sure they also have flexibility to move in various directions as more than one NBA decision-maker has mentioned to us, but turning a battleship on his axis in mid-ocean isn’t so easy. It might lead to sea sickness, a loss of equilibrium.

Already, we are seeing some stirrings in the national media about Brooklyn’s enigma Monday morning, The Ringer whose founder Bill Simmons coined the phrase “among the worst trades in a decade” while discussing MPJ for CamJ, discussed how things have changed.

Michael Pina, whose previous work on the Nets going back to the summer has provided some of the the more optimistic takes, extolled their strategy and particularly the acquisition of Porter. He laid out video of MPJ’s best work pointed to these data points:

No player has seen their true usage percentage leap higher compared to what it was last year. Right before our eyes, MPJ has transformed from an overpaid and overqualified role player to a trajectory-altering All-Star. More importantly, for the purpose of this column, he’s become a creative muse for Nets head coach Jordi Fernández amid a season that’s steadily shifting from dark to light.

There are 20 players currently averaging at least 25 points per game, and the only one who has the ball in their hands less than Porter is Markkanen. (For reference, MPJ’s on-ball percentage is 12.8 percent, and his former teammate Jamal Murray is at 36.0 percent; Porter is averaging more points per game.)

Pina’s advice to the Nets is try to find some sort of half way strategy: be ready to deal when the offers come in but be patient. Let the “game come to you!

After watching the Oklahoma City Thunder recently lose four games in a two-week stretch, several teams probably feel reinvigorated about their chances at a meaningfully deep playoff run. If I were one of their GMs, I would strongly consider making a weighty offer for Porter. And if I were Sean Marks, I’d be in zero rush to move on from a 27-year-old who can accentuate my young core and fit beside the more established and talented pieces we bring in over the summer. If somebody comes along and decides to make the Mikal Bridges offer look like child’s play, so be it. But until then, there’s no reason to settle just so the Nets can move up a few spots in the lottery.

Similarly, Bill Simmons, Pina’s boss and the author of the “one of the worst trades” narrative (we don’t forget,) as well as ESPN analyst Tim Legler spoke last week about Porter’s renaissance. Simmons nodded at Legler’s assessment. Said Legler:

“I really believe in just conversations that I’m having, I think the guy’s completely changed his trade status. In terms of attractiveness to teams. I think people thought, ok, you kind of knew what Michael Porter was. The fact that he can do this offensively… I do think now there’s probably more teams that would look at him that are sort of those middle-of-the-road playoff teams, and go, man, that would be nice to add that kind of scoring punch.”

It would be smart for Sean Marks to keep his counsel on what he’s thinking, not let anyone outside HSS Training Center (and only a few inside) know what his plans are. It’s also generally the way the Nets GM, who abhors leaks, approaches things, showing patience and waiting till the last possible moment to shake hands either in person or digitally. It can be risky and there have been exceptions to the rule, but in this instance, it won’t be just his personality that dictates patience. There should be multiple suitors for Porter and there’s plenty of time left … six weeks to 3:00 p.m. ET on February 5. Moreover, two of the teams currently with higher lottery odds, the New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Clippers, owe their first rounder to other teams. They have no incentive to tank. They want to win.

One risk is the fragility of MPJ’s health. Although he’s missed only 10 games in the last two plus seasons — not all to injury — he has had three back surgeries in his pro career and still has lingering issues, among them wearing a brace more commonly fitted on stroke victims…

Michael Porter Jr. plays NBA basketball while wearing the brace that stroke victims are given to re-learn how to walk

He is averaging 25.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists on 50/40/80 while disabled

The mentally toughest athlete in American sports pic.twitter.com/Hn8yh1dbwx

— MichaelPorterTruther (@MPJTruther) December 23, 2025

At the moment that doesn’t seem to be an issue but you can be sure any suitors for his services will be sure to mention it to Marks during negotiations. There was a report over the weekend that three teams had called the Nets about Porter’s available which Brett Siegal of Clutch Points summarily shot down…

None of these three teams have held dialogue with the Nets about Michael Porter Jr., and that’s coming directly from all three organizations for those wondering. https://t.co/Y0qxD6vGQz

— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) December 26, 2025

Too soon! (Also too soon: talk of an extension for MPG. Despite reports that he could get extended as early as next month, Yossi Gozlan of Third Apron podcast and CapSheets.com tells ND that he won’t be eligible till July 6 at the earliest. The max, in case you’re interested, is four years and $234 million. Gozlan thinks it’ll be less.)

Porter’s relationships with the NBA fanbase may also have taken a turn for the better. Monday morning, the NBA released the results of the first tranche of All-Star voting by fans and Porter pulled up with the 10th highest number in the Eastern Conference. They can’t all be Nets — or Nuggets — fans. Also, two days ago, Porter was shown gifting his mother a brand new BMW. Merry Christmas indeed.

@bleacherreport
MPJ gives his mother, Lisa, a brand new BMW for Christmas (via mpj/IG) #nba #basketball #michaelporterjr #nets #christmas

♬ original sound – bleacherreport

That’s a nice e antidote to the bad publicity he received over the summer when he was active on podcasts and stirring up controversy with his positions on dating, the WNBA and a quasi-endorsement of the cover boy for toxic masculinity and pure unadulterated misogyny. Marks has said the organization sat MPJ down last summer and told him he isn’t in Colorado any more. Since then, we haven’t heard much.

Making a deal involving Porter before or at the trade deadline on February 5 won’t be easy. He’s owed $38.3 million this season and $40.8 million next season. The Nets would like to stay above the salary cap floor. Making up the loss of that level salary during the season would be the issue and maybe not the only one. There are others like teams not wanting to give up too many first round picks when we’ve seen their value … particularly in the upcoming draft. The Nets want more picks in 2026. That’s a certainty.

So, we wait and perhaps enjoy the kind of basketball we’ve seen of late: gritty on defense, fun on offense and hope that whatever decision the ownership and front office make will be the smart one. At least in the case of MPJ, they seem to have done well. There are a lot worse problems in the NBA.

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-anal...-inflection-point-with-mpj-wouldnt-be-so-sure

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

No word on Haywood Highsmith return but Nets happy with him anyway

The Nets do not traditionally provide return dates for injured players. They may hint at it, with Jordi Fernandez noting a player is making progress or has begun 5-on-5 play. Then, finally, the player won’t be listed on the status report for an upcoming game.

At this point, Haywood Highsmith seems to be somewhere between making progress and playing 5-on-5. The Nets traded for him (and an unprotected Heat second in 2032) in a salary dump back on August 15. At that point, he was eight days into a rehab following surgery to repair a meniscal tear in his right knee that he suffered while training in his hometown of Baltimore. The prognosis, released by the Heat, was that he’d be ready within eight to ten weeks — two to four weeks into training camp.

Then, on Media Day at the end of September, Smith surprised beat writers by saying he planned to be ready for the Nets opener on October 22 a nice surprise and ahead of schedule. Alas, a couple of days before that planned debut, on October 18, the Nets had to update things, noting that he has suffered a setback, marked by swelling in his knee. So, the Nets announced, that he would require :a modified rehab program and be reevaluated in eight weeks.“

When that time frame arrived two weeks ago, reporters asked about his progress and Fernandez talked about how while he hadn’t progressed to 5-on-5 drills or even contact drills, he was “making making progress” and promised he’d let the media know when there was a change.

On Wednesday, the last day of the year, C.J. Holmes wrote that while things were indeed going slow, Holmes was contributing nonetheless. The Daily News reporter recounted what he saw at the end of a recent practice.

After a late November Nets practice, as players trickled off the court, Haywood Highsmith stayed behind. The veteran forward, still stuck on zero minutes this season and still rehabbing the same right knee that hasn’t let him debut in Brooklyn, grabbed rebound after rebound as rookie Drake Powell shot free throws.

Highsmith bounced the ball back time after time with a smile, whispering guidance only Powell could hear. It wasn’t staged and it wasn’t requested. It was simply who he is, a player who can’t yet contribute on the court but remains determined to help in any way he can.

“Just a true vet,” head coach Jordi Fernández said of Highsmith, Holmes reported. “You see him right now, he’s passing the ball to Drake and we’re not asking him to do it. So that shows you the type of veteran he is, his leadership. He holds him accountable and he wants him to get better. So that’s very important for us. That leadership is priceless and we’re very happy with him… He’s doing his job every single day.”

Highsmith is a few months younger that the Nets oldest player, Tre Mann having turned 29 on December 8. That makes him a full decade older than the Nets four youngest draft picks – Nolan Traore, Ben Saraf, Egor Demin andPowell. One reason Sean Marks added him was so he could help mentor them and the rest of the youngest roster in the NBA. Fernandez says he’s been a presence there already, as Holmes wrote.

[T]he Nets have leaned into his presence rather than his production. Highsmith was brought in to offer two-way glue: a switchable defender, a 37.4% career 3-point shooter and a player hardened by Erik Spoelstra’s system and postseason demands. His 74 appearances and 42 starts with the Heat last season made him one of the more reliable 3-and-D rotation wings on the market for a team like Brooklyn, which has stocked up on developmental forwards.

Once he gets healthy, he can help the Nets on the court, considering his rep as a solid 3-and-D player who filled in last season for Jimmy Butler when the mercurial Butler had his difficulties with Miami’s management. And depending on what he can show before the February 5 trade deadline, he could be a trade asset. Even back in August, the punditry was that the Nets could move him before the deadline for some future draft assets or other value. (It should be noted the Nets already have 19 seconds through 2032.)

In any event, Fernandez is thrilled to have him around.

“He’s been doing great. He’s an extreme pro. He’s the ultimate pro,” Fernández said. “Great example for everybody else… We just don’t have any update, but he’s doing very well.”

• How Haywood Highsmith’s quiet leadership has become a lifeline for the Nets ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-feat...ghsmith-return-but-nets-happy-with-him-anyway

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Brooklyn Nets enter 2026 sensing a bright future ahead of them

Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

The Brooklyn Nets’ final practice of 2025, even as it followed a loss to the Golden State Warriors, was quite chipper. Drake Powell and Nolan Traore got up extra shots together, working on their skills but also taking the time to laugh with each other and their coaches. Danny Wolf could hardly concentrate on free-throws with Terance Mann giving him the business between attempts. Even Jordi Fernández got into holiday spirit after being asked for his New Year’s resolution.

“Just get better. Get better myself, and help all these guys do better every single day. And, you know, keep building. Things don’t happen overnight, but we have a very good owner and management and group of coaches and players. And I can see the future a little bit, I ordered a crystal ball for Christmas, and I can see a lot of good things coming.”

Fernández didn’t even grin at the punchline. Partly because that’s just how he is, an even-keeled public speaker whether he’s annoyed with a question or if he finds it insightful, or even when he’s having fun with it. But also because he wasn’t just telling a joke.

Crystal ball or not, he and the Brooklyn Nets believe that 2026 will be their best year yet, that 2027 will be even better, and so on. It was a small shock to hear Fernández, always laser-focused on the present challenge, to invoke ownership and management on an otherwise routine practice day.

In doing so, the Nets Head Coach hinted at a larger truth: For the first time since the Brooklyn Nets traded James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers nearly four years ago, the franchise isn’t chasing its own tail. They are not erasing a previous mistake by making a bigger one, but building something from scratch. Now, each goal — not mistake — is bigger than the last.

“You have to have short-term goals, and midterm. And then the long-term, I’m not a big fan, because things can change. But I like to think that way, because you can see the results and you can get excited and you can challenge yourself,” said Fernández.

In 2026, the Nets will begin to compete in earnest. They’ll make their own draft pick in June, hopefully at the very top of the first round. Then it’ll be time to take the next step. And the roster Brooklyn has now, the one that went 7-4 in December with the NBA’s best defense, is largely the roster they’ll have next season.

Sure, it seems unlikely that Cam Thomas will remain a Net, and there very well may be a Nic Claxton or Michael Porter Jr. trade, and yes, GM Sean Marks could swing a big trade or free agent signing. But there will be no sweeping roster overhaul.

Brooklyn’s recent history — the Harden/Durant/Irving trades, the failed Mikal Bridges team — doesn’t hang over Danny Wolf’s head. But he too feels the optimism of a franchise on the come-up: “Obviously it’s been a whirlwind of a year, and I’m super grateful to be part of the Brooklyn Nets organization. Obviously, it was a year full of ups and downs, as in any year, but it’s been a great year. I’m excited for what’s to come.”

Wolf has cooled off after his explosive start to the season, shooting just 12-of-45 from the field in his last six games. Still, he’s not too worried: “I mean, for me, I know how much time I spend on my shot and how much time I put in the gym, so I know they’re going to fall. Whether I’m a slump or not doesn’t really affect me.”

Brooklyn’s successful December energized the team, and they even got a little bit of national spotlight from both media members and opposing coaches like Steve Kerr…

Steve Kerr on the Nets’ strategy of bringing in five rookie first-round picks:

“It looks like it’s working. I watched the Minnesota game today. That was impressive… They’re doing a great job. Jordi and his staff are doing a great job with player development.” pic.twitter.com/3YfPm18Yz2

— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) December 29, 2025

Regression is coming. Brooklyn will not continue to be one of the league’s top-tier defenses through the rest of the season, and though Marks’ front office hasn’t put forth a shameless tank, their 2026 first-round pick is a vital pathway to improving next year’s roster. Nets basketball in March and April won’t be as pretty as the hoops they’re playing now.

Hell, the rookies will hit a wall, especially with Brooklyn having played the fewest games in the NBA so far. Egor Dëmin might shoot 0-of-7 from three on the second night of a back-to-back and suddenly, the national media might not be giving Brooklyn such friendly attention. And heaven forbid, what if they make another first-round draft pick widely viewed as a reach? Is the rebuild doomed?

It’s tough to see any of that changing the mood for the Brooklyn Nets. Not with Jordi Fernández at the helm, and not with all five rookies having shown flashes so far. If you feel you’re headed in the right direction, bumps in the road are nothing to worry about.

Or as Wolf puts it: “I’m going to shoot the ball, and I know that I’m going to make them. So I think the easiest way to — I don’t want to say I’m in a slump by any means — but the easiest way is just going to keep shooting them … Got to keep trusting it. Got to keep putting in work.”

Things have gone haywire for the Brooklyn Nets before. You might be aware. There is no guarantee they’ll make a great draft pick next June or even make the Play-In Tournament in 2027. Perhaps no star player will pine to make Barclays Center his next home, regardless of the compelling out-of-timeout plays Jordi Fernández draws up.

But for the first time in years, the Brooklyn Nets are on the verge of something fresh, something that the organization — from owner to management to coach to player — believes in.

“We’re excited about 2026.” — Jordi Fernández

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-feat...ng-a-bright-future-jordi-fernandez-danny-wolf

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Brooklyn Nets blown out by Houston Rockets, lose 120-96

Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Egor Dëmin and Michael Porter Jr. combined for 12 3-pointers in a loss to the Golden State Warriors, but neither of them were available on New Year’s Day when the Brooklyn Nets were hosting the Houston Rockets. Terance Mann would also miss the contest, leaving the Nets down three starts in their first contest of 2026.

Houston also had a chock-full injury report, but Tari Eason and Alperen Şengün, both listed as questionable, would play. The visiting Rockets clearly had a muted New Year’s Eve celebration: healthy, rested, and explosive out of the gate.

Jordi Fernández called a timeout with his team down 12-2 after Amen Thompson scored three of the easiest baskets of his career…

Amen getting busy early pic.twitter.com/ddWco4t2j5

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) January 1, 2026

Fernández went with a funky starting lineup in the face of injuries, rolling out Drake Powell, Danny Wolf, Noah Clowney, Nic Claxton, and Ziaire Williams, who had been out of the rotation entirely in the previous two games. Alas, the starters got killed.

Williams played decently, scoring 14 points and notching a career-high five steals. Outside of his play, the only other highlights the group produced were a couple Danny Wolf stops on Reed Sheppard…

Danny Wolf clamps Reed Sheppard on switches on back-to-back possessions. pic.twitter.com/Xqxeyg13wt

— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) January 2, 2026

The starting group just couldn’t do much right; by comparison, Houston’s starters shot 37-of-57 from the floor, and on the rare occasion they did miss a shot, dominated the offensive glass. Per Cleaning the Glass, the Rockets recovered 36.4% of their own misses in this one, even with Steven Adams and Clint Capela unavailable off the bench.

Brooklyn’s bench did prevent them from being totally embarrassed, however. The hosts trailed 53-42 at halftime, probably a better fate than they deserved, and one largely attributable to Day’Ron Sharpe’s early work. He had the strength and motor to bother Alperen Şengün much more than Nic Claxton did, and even did some of his own work on the offensive boards. Overall, Sharpe finished with a robust 8/8/7 off the bench, and the Nets only lost his minutes by two points.

But the Nets could not sustain the momentum Sharpe brought early. The Rockets, who shot 41.4% from deep, won the third quarter 37-25 and turned the final hour of the game into glorified garbage time. Kevin Durant, in another return to Barclays Center, put up 22/5/11, assisting on Houston’s first five buckets and generally having a grand old time in a stress-free win…

Kevin Durant and Mr Whammy on the first day of 2026! #Netsworld

@dbearak pic.twitter.com/sAEkEY7lwM

— NetsKingdom (@NetsKingdomAJ) January 1, 2026

“THAT’S A TRASH ASS MISS, WOLF”

KD after Danny Wolf’s shot attempt hit him pic.twitter.com/wjLyMETIgq

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 2, 2026

Durant’s one-time protégé Cam Thomas got busy in the second half, chucking like crazy but making a few difficult attempts, scoring 15 of his 21 points after the break. He finished with 21/1/1 and four turnovers on 8-of 13 shooting.

Jordi did not mince words in postgame: “The most important thing is how his body responds now after all these games. Now the third game, which is important for what he’s gone through. And so far, I’m happy with his superpowers, the scoring, but once again I need better defense and better playmaking.”

However, Thomas did win his minutes by two points. Postgame, I asked him if it was particularly difficult to watch his team struggle from the bench, particularly after being a starter for much of the past two seasons. Thomas paused, gave a big smile, and said: “No comment.”

Cam Thomas when asked if it was frustrating coming off the bench during tonight’s shorthanded loss:

“No comment.” pic.twitter.com/d84kpGB2lr

— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) January 2, 2026

That non-answer may have been more interesting than the game, though Drake Powell threw down a garbage-time dunk and Danny Wolf hit a 3-pointer to button up the scoreboard just a little. Powell finished with 8/0/1 on 3-of-9 shooting, while Wolf put up 9/4/5 on 4-of-10 shooting.

Said Jordi of his two rookies getting the start: “I trust that they’ll try to do the right things. Their intentions have always been great. I need them to be to be aggressive, I need them to be more decisive. I need them to — it’s just the little things and it’s a little bit of a growing pains. I think they did an okay job, I know they can be much better, and that’s why my standards for all of them are always going to be high.”

This was what Nets fans expected at the start of a season that promised to be all about tanking. Veterans missed the game, the rookies played big minutes and made a couple of nice plays but mostly got killed in their minutes, and Brooklyn was no match for a contending team.

I guess we were due for one of these, huh.

Final Score: Houston Rockets 120, Brooklyn Nets 96

Injury Update​

Though the Nets were missing three starters, none of the injuries appear too severe. MPJ missed the game with an illness (yes, he was listed on the injury report prior to any potential New Year’s Eve shenanigans), while Terance Mann was out with a right hip contusion.

Jordi Fernández did expand on Egor Dëmin, out with lower back soreness: “It’s been throughout the games, and obviously me playing him more minutes and making sure that he can continue to play. So, that’s something that popped up, but we believe he’ll be fine soon. He’ll be supporting his teammates and ready for the next one.”

The Nets have had five back-to-backs this season; Dëmin and Porter Jr. have been fully healthy in just two of them. However, Fernández isn’t worried about their future availability, pointing out the uneven schedule that’s had Brooklyn play the fewest games in the league to this point. He believes a more consistent schedule will benefit them: “Now, we’ll play four games a week for five straight weeks. I have very good people preparing for that and looking at the data at how much I play them.”

Kevin Durant on Cam Thomas​

Kevin Durant spoke about his buddy Cam Thomas once again postgame, and swiped ever-so-slightly at the Brooklyn Nets, implying that Thomas’ current team doesn’t particularly value his skillset: “I feel like Cam has a bright future. It just takes somebody to believe in his talent and his skill. Scorers and guys that score the basketball at a high rate, they get taken for granted in this league a bit … hopefully a team puts some trust in him.”

Here are his full comments, courtesy of Erik Slater:

Kevin Durant on Cam Thomas’ future in the NBA:

“I feel like Cam has a bright future. It just takes somebody to believe in his talent and his skill. Scorers and guys that score the basketball at a high rate, they get taken for granted in this league a bit. We’re so used to loving… pic.twitter.com/7EEze5Qdd5

— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) January 2, 2026

Next Up​

The Nets will play a fellow bottom-feeder on the second half of a back-to-back, traveling to face the Washington Wizards. It would be one hell of a surprising choice to keep three starters, including MPJ, out for a game against the Rockets, only to turn around and play them against Washington. Keep an eye out for the injury report on Friday morning, with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-scores-results/103853/nets-vs-rockets-120-96-cam-thomas-kevin-durant

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Fischer: Are Nets planning on being aggressive this summer?

In a lengthy discussion of the Nets immediate future — particularly which teams might be interested in Michael Porter Jr., Jake Fischer of The Steinline also writes that Brooklyn’s timeframe for contention could very well depend on how well they do in this year’s NBA Draft where they currently have a lottery pick. Indeed, he writes that league sources expect Brooklyn to start being aggressive after the Draft, whether they move MPJ or not.

Numerous NBA figures who know the Nets well believe Brooklyn will be aggressive in trying to add to its roster this summer should it come away with a top pick in the June draft. Re-tradable salary and a future first-round pick, as a result, might not be enough to pry Porter from Brooklyn midstream.

Fischer does not provide details on who the Nets might be targeting or how high a pick in the 2026 draft would trigger such thinking but what he suggests is that Sean Marks & co. might be thinking that they could accelerate things. Most fans have resigned themselves to a longer rebuild with the 2026-27 season part of the process. Of course indeed any such acceleration from rebuild to contention would be dependent on a number of other issues, like how much progress the six Nets players on rookie deals — the Flatbush Five as well as Noah Clowney — can make.

No one in the Nets front office has put a time frame on any aspect of the rebuild. Both publicly and privately, they talk about “flexibility,” being able to move when opportunity arises, in whatever form. Success in the 2025 and 2026 could be an advantage in acquiring a star or superstar. That said, established NBA players are not often moved by tales of potential. They want to join teams with ready-made cores.

The Nets do have a great deal of flexibility. In addition to being the NBA’s youngest team by a fair margin, they currently have the most draft picks, 32 including 13 firsts, all but one unprotected; about $15.5 million in cap space now as much as $50 million by the summer. Trading Porter would add to those assets, but as Fischer admits, there’s a lot of smoke about his rising value but not a lot of fire.

MPJ’s trade value has been a topic of conversation throughout the NBA, including on these pages. But while Fischer lists a number of teams that could have interest in Porter, having a career year at 27, he also is quite clear that nothing much is going on and that the Nets may just wait till the summer to get real about Porter if they feel it will

Fischer writes about teams “evaluating” or “monitoring” Porter or having “internal discussions” about him or are candidates to be a “team to consider” or one to “keep our antennae up.“ The team Fischer puts at the top of his speculative list is the Bucks who are certainly interested in improving their roster in hopes of hanging on to Giannis Antetokounmpo. There too nothing seems close to fruition. Fischer writes:

It should come as no surprise that Milwaukee, league sources say, is evaluating Porter on top of the targets we’ve previously reported whose contracts are actually pricier: Sacramento’s Zach LaVine and Portland’s Jerami Grant.

Among the players referenced in this section, Porter might have the highest ceiling of them all. He has still yet to enter his prime and provides floor spacing Milwaukee badly needs to open up space for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s bulldozing drives.

He also prominently mentions Detroit as possibility. Although Fischer doesn’t mention it, the Pistons have a big advantage: they have all their first round picks available. He likes the fit.

With Porter, there is no heavy long-term financial commitment. And it’s not that difficult to envision the Pistons packaging a few veteran salaries, plus one first-round pick, to get the Nets’ attention.

To be clear: The Pistons, I’m told, have not called on Porter — yet. If they do, Brooklyn could rationalize such a move as only expanding upon its initial return for Johnson with more future assets.

There’s speculation about Golden State but an admission that the Nets have had ample opportunity to discuss Jonathan Kuminga and have passed on the 23-year-old who is in Steve Kerr’s dog house for most of the season.

Chicago too, makes Fischer’s list but again what’s the deal? He notes that the Bulls have had interest in Porter in the past but they have signaled they are unlikely to make any big decisions till nearer the trade deadline on February 5.

Finally, Fischer admits that the Nets don’t appear to be any hurry to engage any of the prospective suitors.

We should, however, note: The Nets, to this point, are best characterized as listening to offers for Porter rather than actively shopping him. It could also be argued that it might behoove Brooklyn to wait until the offseason before any MPJ move to enable the Nets to use his contract as outgoing salary in any aggressive offseason splurge of their own.

Porter has said all the right things about the Nets and their young coach, Jordi Fernandez. There’s no indication he wants to move on. But he is a hot property.

[A] front office executive, when contemplating where Porter ranks on this Trade Season’s proverbial biggest-names-who-could-actually-change-teams list, went so far as saying:

“Who couldn’t use an MPJ?”

He’s been that damn good. Pouring in a career-high 25.8 points per game, on top of career-bests in rebounds (7.5 RPG) and assists (3.3 APG) while absolutely sniping at better than 40% from long distance

Assuming the Nets want to move up their timeframe, would they see Porter (and Nic Claxton with his declining contract) as pieces for their contending team rather than just trade assets? We won’t know that for a while, but don’t expect Marks to give any hint. He likes to keep things tight until the very last moment.

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-rumo...nets-planning-on-being-aggressive-this-summer

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

LIVE DISCUSSION: Brooklyn Nets at Washington Wizards, 7:00 PM ET

The Nets opened the New Year looking more like the team we’ve grown used to in recent seasons, rather than the version we watched throughout December. They’ll be shorthanded once again… but this time the matchup is far more forgiving.

On the bright side, four out of five rookies are active tonight. Enjoy!

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KEY INFO​

Brooklyn Nets (10-21) @ Washington Wizards (8-24)

7:00 PM ET
Capital One Arena – Washington, DC
YES Network

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Nets Injury Report​

• Thomas: OUT – Left Hamstring Injury Management
• Claxton: OUT – Personal Reasons
• Porter Jr.: OUT – Illness
• Highsmith: OUT – Right Knee Surgery, Injury Recovery
• Etienne: OUT – G League Two Way
• Johnson: OUT – G League Two Way
• Saraf: OUT –G League Assignment

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Join the Discussion​

Share thoughts and react, but please be respectful. NetsDaily prides itself on being a safe space for Nets and basketball fans alike to have healthy conversation. Reach out to Anthony Puccio or Net Income with any issues.

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-disc...brooklyn-nets-at-washington-wizards-700-pm-et

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Tyson Etienne’s 35, Chaney Johnson double-double not enough as Long Island falls

Two of the Brooklyn Nets three two-ways donned Long Island Nets gear in Cleveland Friday to take on the Cleveland Charge and although the Nets G Leaguers lost in an overtime thriller, 131-126, both Tyson Etienne and newly signed Chaney Johnson played well, Johnson in his debut with the organization.

Etienne played one of his best games of the season in this one and was on fire from beyond the arc. The 6’0” 26-year-old finished the game connecting on 13 of his 28 shots, including going eight for 20 from three-point land to finish with 35 points on the night. This was Etienne’s second-best shooting game of the season, behind his career-high 10 three-pointer game he had a few weeks back.

Season-high 35 points for Tyson Etienne tonight including 17 in the fourth quarter at @ChargeCLE pic.twitter.com/YKsGuHkXUb

— Long Island Nets (@LongIslandNets) January 3, 2026

Meanwhile, Johnson who the Nets signed off the Charge roster last week, had an auspicious start to his Nets career. The 6’7” 23-year-old wing from Auburn had a double-double with 11 points and 11 boards to go along with four assists, three blocks and two steals. His shooting left something to be desired — going 3-of-10 overall and 0-of-2 from three — but his defense is a big reason Sean Marks & co. signed him.

Double-Double debut for Chaney Johnson pic.twitter.com/peK3pIyK5Y

— Long Island Nets (@LongIslandNets) January 3, 2026

After only having eight points in the first half, Etienne went into another gear and became the guy for Long Island to lean on. He even hit a 3-pointer with eight seconds left to tie the game and force overtime, giving him 17 points in the fourth quarter. But it wasn’t enough as the Charge took the game in an Elam Ending…

the shot that did it. #ChargeOn pic.twitter.com/N4HEleKFy5

— Cleveland Charge (@ChargeCLE) January 3, 2026

Etienne’s impressive day doesn’t end with his scoring. He also hauled in six rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Unfortunately, Etienne and Johnson were two of Long Island’s very few bright spots in this game, as rookie Ben Saraf had yet another down game.

After scoring 40 points in the G League Showcase’s final game, Ben Saraf has up and down. He picked up 21 points in Long Island’s last game against College Park, but in this one failed to get into the double-digits as he finished the game with only four points, connecting on just two of his eight shots, including missing all three from deep.

To his credit, Saraf did register five assists, and one steal. He did a good job of getting his teammates involved. However, one of the biggest downsides of his game in this one, other than shooting, was the ball protection department. Saraf finished this one with four turnovers, which has been trending in the wrong direction. Still, in the last four games, the 6’7” wing has averaged 18.0 points on 42/47/83 splits. He’s also recorded 4.3 assists, 3.8 boards and 2.5 steals.

Something about Saraf is that when he’s on his game, he’s one of the best on the team, and it’s not close. His 40-point performance showed that perfectly. The inconsistencies he has when it comes to scoring have to be sorted out first in the G League. The Nets see Saraf’s potential as high with his biggest booster, Jordi Fernandez promising last week that he can be a “great NBA player.” He’ll need to become a more consistent shooter to get there however.

Chaney Johnson, making his debut with Long Island. wasted very little time endearing himself to the Long Island fans, as he finished this one with a double-double. Johnson picked up 11 points and 11 rebounds. Despite not having the best shooting game, Johnson showed a good touch from the foul line (3-for-3).

On top of his double-double, the third Brooklyn two-way led the game in offensive boards with eight, missed tips contributing to his shooting woes. Like Saraf, he too had issues in the turnover department, with five.

Trevon Scott, Long Island’s 6’8” 28-year-old power forward, had another solid game, picking up 22 points and stealing the ball six times, which led the team. All six of Scott’s steals came in the first half, which was a new franchise record for Long Island for steals in a single half. As for Nate Williams, he finished with 11 points. Williams whiffed on all five of his shots from beyond the arc.

As for the Long Island Nets bench, they looked great in this one. The bench as a whole finished with 43 points, with Malachi Smith shining the most, picking up 15 points. Smith also had five steals in this one.

The Nets’ old friend, Killian Hayes, reminded them of what he did for them last season. Hayes led the team for the Charge, racking up 28 points and flirting with a triple-double. He also had nine rebounds, 10 assists, three steals, and one block. While he’s no longer on the Nets, more performances like this, and Hayes, still only 24, will find himself back in the NBA.

Next Up​

The Long Island Nets (2-2) return to the court on Sunday, January 4th, as they return to the Nassau Coliseum for a showdown with the San Diego Clippers. This Clippers team is riding high, as they just defeated the Toronto Raptors 905, to hand Toronto their first loss since last season. The game tips off at 3:00 p.m. EST and can be viewed on the NBA G League website and the Gotham Sports App.

• Boxscore: Cleveland Charge 131, Long Island Nets 126 – G League
• Game Highlights: Cleveland Charge 131, Long Island Nets (Video) – G League

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/longislan...double-double-not-enough-as-long-island-falls

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Short-Handed Nets fall 119–99 to Wizards

Sometimes the schedule hands you a game that feels less like a test and more like a setup.

With their best three players all sidelined on the second night of a back-to-back, it didn’t take a genius to predict how Friday night’s game was going to turn out.

While losing 119–99 to the Washington Wizards, the Brooklyn Nets shot 40% from the field and just 21% from beyond the arc while being out-rebounded 51 to 33.

According to Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez, Brooklyn’s young players have the chance to turn tonight’s loss into a valuable learning experience.

“There was a couple of guys out, and that’s good because these new experiences are very good for everybody,” Fernandez said. “There are a lot of things that can be cleaned up and then we will have the chance to win games like this.”

While all but one starter reached double figures, the Nets didn’t have a single player score more than 15 points (but had four score 14.)

Brooklyn handled this same Washington team easily back in November, but they were simply depleted tonight and lacked both the offensive firepower and any real paint presence put up much of a fight.

Two Main Struggles Persist​

The Nets rank among the league’s bottom ten in turnovers per game and 3-point shooting percentage, which provides a pretty straightforward explanation for why nights like this keep happening.

Brooklyn shot just 21% from beyond the arc compared to Washington’s 38, while also finishing above the league average with 16 turnovers.

Fernandez mentioned that while the 3-point numbers were rough, it could also be a sign of missed opportunities.

“A lot of people think ‘well you’re not making them’, but a lot of times I think maybe we’re not shooting enough,” Fernandez said. “If we shot between 35 to 38 [3-point attempts], I think we would’ve had a chance. Once you see one go in, it’s easier.”

He also pointed out that many of those turnovers came in transition, which kills momentum and puts the team in a poor position to get back on defense.

“You miss on an opportunity that you should have a higher expected point per possession,” Fernandez said. “I think those swings were big. That comes with experience.”

Noah Clowney had one of the toughest outings of his season and career, shooting just 15% percent from the field (2-13) including 0-8 from three. (Those are not good numbers.)

Clowney, along with two other starters, finished with multiple turnovers, which prevented Brooklyn from finding any offensive rhythm.

Solid Nights From the Rookies​

Nolan Traore turned in the best performance of his short career, leading all players with a career-high five assists while scoring 12 points and shooting 57.1% from the field. He made all four of his free throws but didn’t attempt a three. He also showed off his speed…

NT with a tough drive and finish pic.twitter.com/J1pQwkhwOa

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 3, 2026

“I want him to take the right shot and make the right plays, he had a very good and efficient ratio,” Fernandez said. “I like the aggressiveness, he made winning plays at the rim defensively.”

Some of his weaknesses were still visible. His defensive struggles were on full display when Bub Carrington shook him off the dribble and knocked down a step-back three late in the third quarter.

However, one of Traore’s earliest concerns once arriving in the NBA was turnovers, and he finished with just two on the night.

Among the rookies, the 19-year-old point guard has arguably left the most to be desired this season, making tonight a meaningful step toward finding more comfort and consistency.

He wasn’t the only newcomer to step up.

Drake Powell also delivered one of his best games of the season, finishing with 14 points while shooting a very efficient 5-of-6 — 83.3% — from the field, including 1-of-2 from deep.

The North Carolina product showcased his athleticism after Jalen Wilson forced a steal and he finished with a nice dunk in transition.

Jalen Wilson forces the steal and Drake Powell finishes with a nice dunk in transition.@NetsDaily pic.twitter.com/smI0qxqrWE

— Tyler Carmona (@TylerCarmona) January 3, 2026

Sharpe Steps Up​

With Nic Claxton out for the game, backup center Day’Ron Sharpe stepped up in his first start of the season.

The fifth-year center finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. In games that Sharpe has played more than 20 minutes this season, he is averaging 10.4 points, 9.4 rebounds and three assists per game.

“I really liked how hard he played and how engaged he was,” Fernandez said.

Final Score: Washington Wizards 119, Brooklyn Nets 99.

Injury Report​

Michael Porter Jr. was unavailable due to an undisclosed illness.

Nic Claxton missed the game due to personal reasons.

Cam Thomas did not play as part of the injury management program — aka a medically mandated back-to-back absence — for his left hamstring.

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Milestone Watch​

• Nolan Traore finished with a career-high five assists while logging 26 minutes, the most of his NBA career.
• Egor Demin is currently on pace to finish with 170 three-pointers this season, which would surpass the Nets’ rookie single-season record set by Kerry Kittles, who made 158 during the 1996-1997 season.

With tonight’s loss, Brooklyn has moved up in lottery odds. The Nets are now only a game and a half out of fourth in the lottery standings. The lottery is five months away.

---

Up Next​

On Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET, the Nets will welcome the Denver Nuggets, who are also dealing with injuries to key players, including Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, Jonas Valanciunas and Cam Johnson.

While the Nuggets’ are missing all those starters, Jamal Murray will be active. Murray is currently 18th in the NBA with 25.1 points per game while averaging 6.9 assists and 4.5 rebounds. The others will be in street clothes.

• Boxscore: Washington Wizards 119, Brooklyn Nets 99 – NBA.com
• Game Highlights: Washington Wizards 119, Brooklyn Nets 99 (Video) – NBA.com
• Jordi Fernández Postgame Press Conference vs Washington (Video) – Brooklyn Nets
• Champagnie scores season-high 20 points to lead the Wizards to a 119-99 win over the Nets – Ian Nicholas Quillen – AP
• Nets crushed by Wizards for third straight loss that comes with tanking silver lining – Brian Lewis – New York Post
• Shorthanded Nets drop third straight, fall to Wizards 119-99 ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Jordi Fernández explains his message to Nolan Traoré after Nets loss to Rockets: ‘That’s the definition of insanity’ ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Jordi Fernandez still likes Nets’ fight despite loss to Wizards – Yasmin Edañol – Clutch Points
• Nets’ Michael Porter Jr. missing Wizards tilt with illness – Malik Brown – Clutch Points
• Nets player grades: Day’Ron Sharpe drops 14 in 119-99 loss at Wizards – Sharif Phillips-Keaton – USA TODAY

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-scores-results/103906/short-handed-nets-fall-119-99-to-wizards

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Nets vs. Wizards preview: Friday night in DC

2026 is here and the Brooklyn Nets are looking to get back in the winner’s circle. They were shorthanded in last night’s matchup against the Houston Rockets and old friend Kevin Durant, and predictably got demolished by 24 points. It was their worst loss in a while, but fortunately they’re right back on the court so they can wash that L away.

The opponent tonight is looking ahead to its future. The Washington Wizards beat the Milwaukee Bucks on New Year’s Eve. Tonight is the first night of a three game homestand that will also see them take on the Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic.

Where to follow the game​

YES Network on TV. WFAN on radio. Gotham Sports on streaming. Tip after 7 PM.

Injuries​

The Brooklyn Nets were without Michael Porter Jr, Egor Dёmin, and Terrance Mann last night. Dёmin is good to go as well as Terrance Mann. The following are out:

• Nic Claxton
• Michael Porter Jr
• Cam Thomas
• Haywood Highsmith

No Cam Whitmore, Kyshawn George, or Corey Kispert for the Wizards.

The game​

Brooklyn won the first meeting in November.

The Wizards are in an interesting spot. Their pick is top eight protected, and if the team is too “good,” that pick goes to the New York Knicks. Naturally, there’s concern that another team will cash in on your misery, but as Greg Finberg of Bullets Forever notes, there’s still plenty to gain from the team’s recent success:

“I understand the logic behind the concerns of those worried fans. In a year equipped with what is considered the best draft class in decades, the Wizards need to keep their pick. But should they do so at the expense of developing their young core and teaching them how to win? I don’t think so, especially when these wins have the team nowhere close to climbing out of the league’s bottom four.“

That’s the tough question a lot of rebuilding teams always have to answer. You want to make sure you have the best draft position imaginable, but you want to instill good habits in your youngsters early so that when you’re back in contention, they’re ready to hit the ground running.

Cam Thomas is back, and it looks like the Nets will have him come off the bench as he regains his rhythm. Naturally Thomas wants to start and contribute, but for now being the super scorer off the bench will help him get back to speed. Jordi Fernandez is still seeking better defense and playmaking from the young guard, so he’s still got a ways to go before he’s where the team wants him to be.

We mentioned the Wizards’ young talent earlier, and they’ve quietly been putting a good group together. With Bilal Coulibaly, Tre Johnson, and Bub Carrington, they’ve got a promising young nucleus developing. One more good pick, and maybe they’ll be back in business sooner than we know it.

Player to watch: Alexandre Sarr​

The Wizards have some building blocks, and Sarr is one of the biggest. The second year center has been much improved compared to his rookie year and has seen his numbers increase across the board. He’s finishing a lot better at the rim and has cut down on his three point attempts as the Wizards have found him a lot more shots on the inside. Sarr is second in the NBA in blocks per game, so it will take a great effort by the Nets on the inside if they want to have success in the paint.

Nic Claxton will be tasked with battling Sarr on the inside. The Rockets dominated the boards last night even as they were shorthanded. The Wizards have been one of the weaker rebounding teams in the league this season, so the Nets hope Clax and Day’ron Sharpe can control the interior and help the team get out on the run going the other way. Although it’s the second leg of a back-2-back, the travel was relatively short compared to other b2bs. We’ll see if that helps the Nets find some extra energy late if this game is close.

From the Vault​

Ones in the air for Isiah Whitlock Jr.

More reading: Bullets Forever, SB Nation NBA, New York Post, New York Daily News, Clutch Points, Nets Wire, Steve’s Newsletter, City of Nets

• Brooklyn Nets Game Notes – Brooklyn Nets
• Washington Wizards Game Notes – Washington Wizards
• Washington hosts Brooklyn in conference matchup – AP
• Nolan Traore becomes latest Nets rookie to get some tough love from Jordi Fernandez – Brian Lewis – New York Post
• 5 things Nets fans should be grateful for entering 2026 ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Fernandez Misses Opportunities In Two Very Different Nets Defeats ($) – Steve Lichtenstein – Steve’s Newsletter

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-game-previews/103778/nets-vs-wizards-preview-friday-night-in-dc

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

The Enigma of Egor Dëmin

Progress isn’t always linear, especially when the athlete in question isn’t old enough to buy a drink.

At BYU, Egor Demin was a 6’9” walking mismatch who overwhelmed opponents with his unusual combination of size and coordination as a ball-handler. After all, he was the tallest guard measured at the NBA Combine since the league began publishing measurements in 2000!

The NBA, of course, does not care about your college dominance. There’s a physical specimen around every corner now, and the 19-year-old is still ways away from imposing his will on anyone at this level.

The rookie has been hesitant to attack the basket, taking the lowest percentage of two-point attempts on the team.

In Monday’s loss to the Golden State Warriors, Dëmin didn’t attempt a single shot in the paint and committed two costly turnovers in the fourth quarter.

“He has high expectations for himself and I’m gonna say the same,” said Jordi Fernandez. “I want more paint touches. I want more assists. I want more physicality in both ends. He’s gonna try to do his best. That’s a good thing about our young guys.”

Here’s the strange part. The 19-year-old has struggled in areas where he was expected to thrive while excelling in a spot where the concern was loudest.

All of a sudden, he can shoot. Like, really shoot.

He has made 62 three-pointers up to this point of the season, the second-most among NBA rookies. Demin knocked down seven threes against Golden State, setting a single-game franchise rookie record in the process.

At this pace, he’s on track to make 170 threes this season, which would break the Nets’ rookie record set by Kerry Kittles in 1996–97.

This newfound comfort from beyond the arc has come as a surprise, especially for a player who shot nearly 10 percent lower from three in college. At BYU, he shot 27.1 percent while attempting 4.7 threes per game, compared to 36.5% on 6.1 attempts per game this season.

A plantar fascia injury kept him from doing much of anything this summer, so all he could do was shoot from a chair while working on rhythm, mechanics, and muscle memory. Eventually, that limitation turned into a much-needed reset.

“It comes from the summer work for sure. That was one of my biggest focuses,” Demin said. “People were questioning my 3-point shot a lot, questioning if I would even shoot them. I’m lucky to have a really good coaching staff around me here that wants me to shoot any time I can.”

Now, it’s just a matter of putting it all together.

The rookie point guard has shown a willingness to improve, already packing on over 10 pounds since getting drafted in hopes of smoothing the transition to the physicality of the league.

He’s also exhibited impressive patience and self-awareness along the way, a sign he’s ready to put in the work to fully reach his potential.

“I’m much more comfortable, for sure,” Demin said. “Mentally I’m understanding the game better. And just adjusting to the game, growing the right way. Being able to spend as much time on the court as Jordi’s giving me, it’s an honor.”

After flashing his undeniable potential – and making some typical rookie mistakes – Nets veteran center Nic Claxton offered some words of encouragement to the former No. 8 overall pick after Monday’s game.

“It was a big confidence builder for him,” Nic Claxton said. “He hit some really big shots for us. Obviously, there’s still a lot of errors where he can learn from. But the sky’s the limit for him and he’ll keep getting better.”

There’s no need to rush his development. Out of the 540 players in the NBA, Demin is the eleventh-youngest.

It might take a few off-seasons and some growing pains, but the pieces are there, and the person in charge seems determined to put the puzzle together.

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-features-profiles/103833/the-enigma-of-egor-demin

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

EXCLUSIVE: Nolan Traoré on NBA adjustment, G League, life in Brooklyn

Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)

This story was graciously written for NetsDaily by Elliott Caillot, a French student currently enrolled at Butler University. Though Caillot works for The Playoffs, a French-language sports outlet, he was recently credentialed for a few Brooklyn Nets games and practices during a trip to New York. Caillot also conducted a lengthy interview with rookie Nolan Traore in their native tongue; we will link the full video of their conversation below. You can keep up with Caillot’s work on Twitter, here, or Instagram, here.

The NBA rarely waits. For rookies, the learning curve is immediate and often unforgiving. For Nolan Traore, the transition has been about absorbing pace, physicality, and expectations while staying patient and steadily building confidence.

Still early in his first NBA season — and at just 19 years old — Traore is navigating a demanding schedule, a young locker room, and the delicate balance between development and opportunity. Speaking after practice on December 31, the Nets guard reflected on his physical condition, the value of his G League stint, and what comes next as he works to establish himself in Brooklyn.

“That’s when you realize this is the NBA”​

Physically, Traore says he’s holding up well despite the grind of the NBA schedule: “I feel good. We were on a good run. We lost the last one, but overall the momentum has been positive.”

That rhythm, however, didn’t come automatically. After spending time with Long Island earlier in the season, adjusting back to the NBA cadence required yet another mental and physical shift.

Traore admitted that finding a rhythm amidst the chaos was “difficult, yeah. In the G League, there are fewer games and more practices. I didn’t play the entire first half of the season in Brooklyn.”

Like any rookie, the #19 overall pick has already experienced plenty of moments that put the jump in perspective. When asked if one stood out, however, he didn’t hesitate: “Stephen Curry. In the last game, he really cooked us. That’s when you realize — yeah, this is the NBA.”

There’s another matchup he’s been waiting for, even if it hasn’t happened yet: “Kyrie Irving … but he’s injured right now.”

Beyond the step up in competition, his NBA adjustment has also required adaptation as a playmaker: “I have the ball less because there are other big players. But there’s more space, and guys can really shoot. If they’re open, it’s easier.”

A young locker room, a growing connection​

Inside the Nets’ locker room, youth defines the atmosphere — and the 19-year-old guard has quickly found his place: “I’m closest with the rookies, in general.”

With five rookies on the roster, competition could have complicated the dynamic. Early-season minutes for Ben Saraf and Egor Dëmin meant lesser opportunity for Traore, but he instead describes a supportive environment: “It’s a lot, but it’s good. We’re a young team, good guys, everything’s been smooth.”

Naturally that mindset extends to the competition for minutes: “You just keep playing and showing what you can do. Competition is always there, whether guys are young or not.”

Egor Dëmin, the Nets rookie who has logged the most minutes so far this season, also spoke about his growing relationship with the French guard. “I’ve known Nolan since the youth teams in Europe. At that time, we didn’t really communicate much. Since then, we’ve had time to build a relationship and develop chemistry as teammates.”

“I’m really proud of him,” Dëmin continued. “He came in with confidence and brought his game with him. He’s a pretty unique player because of his physical abilities — his speed, his mindset — and he’s also a smart player.”

The oddest thing about the Nets locker room? Brooklyn has spared its rookies the usual initiation rituals, perhaps because there’s so many of them.

“No rookie duties,” Traore said with a smile. “We don’t really have any vets, and everyone’s chill.”

Outside the locker room, the Créteil native says adapting to New York has been relatively seamless, helped by a familiar support system: “I’m not alone here, my girlfriend is with me. And New York is like Paris. There’s noise, people everywhere — you get used to it quickly.”

Not that Traore is out exploring the town too often. When the schedule allows for downtime, recovery takes priority: “I rest a lot … It takes a lot of energy.”

One aspect of life in the U.S., however, stood out immediately: “The size of the buildings. You look up and it’s crazy.”

From Long Island to Brooklyn​

Professionally, Traore points to his G League assignment as a pivotal moment in his development: “It helped me a lot. I wasn’t playing with the Nets, so it gave me minutes and confidence. I could do what I know how to do.”

During his time with Long Island, the developmental focus was clear for the former Saint-Quentin guard: “My shot, getting rhythm and confidence so I could come back here and do the same thing. Getting a lot of reps changes everything.”

Big time stat line from 2025 NBA first round pick Nolan Traore! The 19-year-old dropped 28-5-9 as the @longislandnets cruised past the the Swarm. pic.twitter.com/OxpgBY6pBw

— NBA G League (@nbagleague) November 23, 2025

“He took full advantage of the opportunities he had with Long Island,” said Head Coach Jordi Fernández. “And when he came back here, he did so with a different spirit and a lot more confidence.”

Beyond production, Fernández has noticed a meaningful shift in his approach, particularly in how he handles adversity: “Early on, he would get stuck on mistakes, even in his body language. Now, when he makes a mistake, he moves on to the next play. That’s a clear sign of growth.”

"Le ciel est la limite. Nous croyons en lui et nous sommes très satisfaits de son développement"

J'ai demandé avant la rencontre hier soir à Jordi Fernandez ce qu'il appreciait de Nolan Traoré depuis son retour de G-League. @NetsFranceMedia pic.twitter.com/mOfoA6XTeN

— Eliott Caillot (@eliott_caillot) December 30, 2025

Traore describes the demanding relationship with his head coach as both natural and motivating: “He believes in me, but he wants more. That’s normal. You always want more. And I’m very demanding with myself too.”

What does Traore’s future hold?​

Looking ahead, Traore’s objectives remain straightforward: “Doing the best I can and earning a solid place on the roster and in the rotation.”

When comparing development paths, he remains appreciative of where he came from: “I don’t know if it’s better than the NCAA, but if you get real minutes in the French league, it’s really good. I also played in a European competition, which helped even more.”

Of course, the NBA remains a work in progress. It will be for a long time. But count Jordi Fernández among the believers: “Sky’s the limit for him. We believe in him — that’s why he’s here — and we’re really happy with the way he’s developed.”

The talent is evident. The foundation has been built. For Nolan Traore, it’s simply about stacking days, earning trust, and turning learning moments into long-term production in Brooklyn.

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-feat...-traore-nba-adjustment-g-league-brooklyn-nets

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Brooklyn’s two-ways erupt for 70 points in Long Island Nets win

The Long Island Nets returned to their home court on Sunday afternoon for a showdown with the San Diego Clippers. Off the backs of the three Brooklyn Nets two-way players – EJ Liddell, Tyson Etienne, and Chaney Johnson – the Nets G League affiliate picked up a hard-fought win, 119-115.

E.J. Liddell, who’s been on a roll lately, led the way in scoring, picking up 26 points and each of the Nets two other two-ways, Tyson Etienne and Chaney Johnson, had 22 each for a total of 70

Liddell had a good game shooting the ball, connecting on seven of his nine shots, including going two-for-three from beyond the arc. He also made every opportunity count from the foul line, hitting seven of his eight foul shots. This marked a season-high for the Brooklyn two-way. In the final quarter of the game, Liddell managed to pick up 16 points, marking the highest-scoring quarter of his NBA G League career.

Liddell spoke to NetsDaily about his impressive performance. “The joy of playing basketball,” Liddell told ND of what has been driving him of late.. “We’ve been doing it since we were kids. Now we get to play for a living and get paid to do this. Just going out there and looking up at the clock and thinking ‘okay, we got some time, but I need to go out there and do something myself.’ My teammates just found me at the right time, right spots, and I was just confident in my game, and I’ve been working on it a lot.”

E.J. Liddell on his performance tonight, signing with Brooklyn, development, and blocking the ball, and his goals.@NetsDaily #StrongIsland #NetsWorld pic.twitter.com/bluBDs0fnp

— Scott Mitchell (@Scott44Mitchell) January 5, 2026

The Nets picked up Liddell in the offseason. He made his way over from the Chicago Bulls organization, where he played a career-high 12 NBA games last season. When asked about what went through his mind when he found he signed a two-way with the Brooklyn Nets, Liddell said, “It’s an opportunity.

“I worked my butt off all summer, changed my body, I worked a lot of stuff in the darkness. I don’t need cameras in front of my face the whole time. When I got the chance to come to Brooklyn, it’s a rebuilding team, a team that wants to win. Being around Jordi, I love the way he says ‘grit’ because I think I’m made of grit and resilience… I’m an underdog in my eyes. Being in Brooklyn, it’s like where the little brothers to everybody right now, but it’s going to change, eventually.”

“I didn’t have many options. That kind of hurt me and drove me a little bit, too,” said Liddell who turned 25 last month. “It was either Brooklyn or I had some other options, elsewhere, but this was the best opportunity for me. They’ve been looking at me since the pre-draft coming out of college, but they didn’t have a pick the year I was coming out in 2022. It was great to be in the gym, great to be around everyone, and it felt like love when I walked into the gym.”

Liddell also flirted with a double-double in this one, picking up eight rebounds, which led the team. Liddell also had three assists and one block to his credit. Liddell has been among the league leaders in the NBA G League in blocks, averaging over two per game. After the game, ND had a chance to speak with Liddell on how important the block aspect of the game of basketball is to his personal game.

“It’s a God-given gift,” Liddell tells ND. “The timing, the patience, I think it’s just me blocking out negativity. That’s how I look at it when I’m blocking shots. Blocking out bad vibes. That’s just a gift I’ve always had.”

Looking ahead for Liddell, his goals are pretty simple for the remainder of the season, whether in Brooklyn or on Long Island. “No matter where I’m at, I want to commit to winning,” Liddell tells ND. “I want to commit to the people around me. It’s not all about me. It’s about the units. It’s about being in the present moment. No matter where I’m at. I don’t want to be on Long Island and think about being in Brooklyn, and I don’t want to be in Brooklyn thinking about being on Long Island. It’s just, if I’m here the rest of the year, I want to go win a championship, simple as that. Every single minute I step out there. If I’m in Brooklyn, I want to help us get to a play-in or play-off game. No matter where I’m at, I’m going to be me and play my hardest.”

Chaney Johnson, signed last month to the third and final two-way deal last week, made his Long Island home debut in this one and wasted little time endearing himself to the fans. The 6’7” 3-and-D candidate connected on eight of his 10 shots, including a surprising 3-of-4 beyond the arc. The effort tied a career-high in points for Johnson in the G League…

CHANEY WITH AUTHORITY pic.twitter.com/QNnDhiRSEA

— Long Island Nets (@LongIslandNets) January 4, 2026

“We came off a hard loss, he said referring to Friday’s overtime loss to Cleveland and I’m kind of a little hard on myself. I’ve been trying to get out of that mindset. We play so many games so if you have a game you don’t perform as good as you can, just put it behind you, so my main goal coming into this game was I’m heavy spiritual-wise, so just continue to pray to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to give me the confidence to go out there and hoop and have the next play mentality. That’s pretty much how I played. I give a lot of energy… I just have to go out there and play hard and play confident.”

When asked about how he found out he was headed to the NBA, Johnson told ND, “The thing is, it was the 21st of December, and I was calling all my coaches. We just got back from the Showcase not long ago, and I called the Coach from Auburn, and he thought I was calling because Brooklyn called him. I’m like, ‘Brooklyn? What are you talking about?’ and he told me they were interested in offering me a two-way. Then I found out officially on the 26th that they signed me. So, I was ecstatic. That was the best Christmas present ever. I was really happy.”

Like Liddell, Johnson admitted he was primarily concerned with the most basic aspect of pro sports, moving up. His elevation move from a G League roster spot in Cleveland to a two-way, in Brooklyn, was the big deal but also added that Long Island Nets coach Mfon Udofia, now in his fourth year, has good reputation,

“Honestly, when I got the call that I got a two-way, I didn’t care about any of that,” Johnson tells ND. “It was a two-way. I signed a standard G League contract for training camp coming out of college. So, it was just like two-way? I’ll just focus on the two-way. The head coach is one of the best coaches to play for. He lets you play. When we make mistakes, he’ll come to you and let you know what you did to get better. It’s always uplifting and nothing negative.”

Johnson said his goals are pretty simple for the remainder of the season: “My main goal is to win,” Johnson says. “Especially whenever I’m with the Long Island Nets, or the Brooklyn Nets. But, just to continue to get better. Just to win and continue to progress in my ability.”

The third Brooklyn two-way player, Tyson Etienne, matched Johnson’s numbers in this one in the point category. Etienne had 22 points of his own, connecting on seven of his 13 shots, hitting six-for-11 from beyond the arc. After having a terrific shooting performance in the last game on Friday against Cleveland, things tend to be trending in the right direction for Etienne.

Etienne was also credited with two rebounds and six assists. This may have been Etienne’s best game yet as a Net. He took smart shots throughout the game and got his teammates involved when nothing was available for him. Things are trending in a very positive way for Etienne in just about every category. Including the other two-way players, there’s a lot that fans can be happy about. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about rookie Ben Saraf.

Saraf, who had a 40-point game at the end of December at the G League Winter Showcase then another 21-pointer, has been trending in the wrong direction since then. Saraf had a just downright bad day shooting the ball, connecting on just three of his 10 shots, including missing both shots he took from three-point land. Saraf finished with just six points, the lowest of the five starters for Long Island.

However, putting aside his shooting, Saraf’s had a solid game. He finished with seven assists, three rebounds, three steals, and one block. So, what wasn’t working for him shooting the ball worked for him in other aspects of his game. Saraf also led the game in turnovers with three. Long Island only turned the ball over eight times, the lowest of the season. Saraf was credited with three of the eight.

Nate Williams finished with 20 points in a return to form as of late, connecting on eight of his 15 shot attempts. Williams was also credited with seven rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block. This looked much more like the Williams that we were endeared to in the beginning of the season.

The Long Island Nets were once again without Grant Nelson, who remained out due to a left knee soreness which the team hasn’t detailed. When asked about Nelson before the game, head coach Mfon Udofia said, “he’s been great,” Udofia added to ND. “He’s got an injury right now. He’s progressing well. We’re starting with some non-contact stuff right now, but he’s progressing the right way. He’s working hard each and every day. So, he can’t wait to get back on the floor.”

Next Up​

The Long Island Nets (3-2) return to the court on Tuesday night for a rematch with the San Diego Clippers, in what is anticipated to be yet another very close game between these two evenly matched teams. The game tips off at 7:00 p.m. EST and can be watched on ESPN+ and the Gotham Sports App.

• Boxscore: Long Island Nets 119, San Diego Clippers 115 – G League
• Game Highlights: Long Island Nets 119, San Diego Clippers 115 (Video) – G League

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/longislan...s-erupt-for-70-points-in-long-island-nets-win

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Brooklyn Nets blow past Denver Nuggets, win 127-115

Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Though Cam Johnson, dealing with a knee injury, could not make his return to Barclays Center on Sunday afternoon, the Brooklyn Nets and Denver Nuggets still had much catching up to do before the matinee contest.

Bruce Brown reunited with Mr. Whammy, and Nuggets Head Coach David Adelman shared his admiration for Michael Porter Jr., both on and, yes, off the court: “I miss the conversation. I think a lot of people are scared to be themselves nowadays. Mike is not. People scoff at that sometimes because maybe they’re scared to say what they actually think. Mike’s gonna say it, whether you agree with him or not.”

Likewise, Jordi Fernández was full of compliments for Jamal Murray, whom he coached in both Denver and for Canada’s national team. With Nikola Jokić on the shelf, the pregame talk centered on Murray, averaging 28/5/7 over his last ten games: “I know they have some guys out, but we’re gonna have to focus on the gameplan, especially — it starts with Jamal Murray, who is a very, very good player.”

On the very first possession of the game, the switch-heavy Nets sprung a surprise trap on Murray to force a turnover, a sign of things to come. In the first half, Murray managed just five points on five shots, and though he had eight assists, Brooklyn’s defensive pressure forced him into four turnovers…

Day'Ron steal MPJ slam pic.twitter.com/lQ2WgH3v9E

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 4, 2026

Day’Ron Sharpe, in his second straight start, continued to impress. He jumped passing lanes, hit cutters, and finished with a robust 17/6/4/3/1 line.

“He did great things on both ends,” said Jordi Fernández. “He was the anchor defensively today, from the beginning with those blitzes with Jamal. He was awesome.”

The offensive anchor, then, would have been Michael Porter Jr., who scored 16 of his 27 points in the first half. Denver attempted to apply the same level of pressure to him that Jamal Murray was facing, but found much less success. The Nets turned it over just five times the first half, and though MPJ didn’t find a shot attempt for a few minutes, you knew that wouldn’t last long…

MPJ's shotmaking remains ridiculous and hilarious. pic.twitter.com/PortO9oK77

— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) January 4, 2026

David Adelman’s comments soon proved true. Postgame, MPJ was an open book: “I think I mentioned in the summertime at some point that I was excited for that first matchup against them, really, since I’ve been traded and just how that whole thing kind of went down … I probably felt a little bit more nervous for this one than a lot of other games, so it was fun.”

Brooklyn took a 59-52 lead into halftime despite Ziaire Williams hitting a 65-foot chuck that was waved off…

it didn't count, but you gotta see @Ziaire's heave at the buzzer pic.twitter.com/krn0de3au2

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 4, 2026

…but that swish kickstarted momentum. The Nets shot 8-of-15 from three in the second half, as MPJ’s teammates all got in on the action.

Egor Demin hit three triples to finish with 13/4/4, Noah Clowney went 4-of-6 from range to score 20 points, and Ziaire Williams finished with 13 points, his third straight game in double figures. The final score was inflated by some late-game fouling and pressing from Denver, but make no mistake: This offense steamrolled.

Fernández agreed: “I think we spaced the floor well, that’s good to see … It’s good to have different guys scoring, because that tells you that you’re hard to guard. So, great for our guys trying to make that simple play. We shot 15 corner threes, which is a lot of them, and that’s a good sign.”

Cam Thomas showed off the full deck on Sunday. In 11 first half minutes, Denver blitzed him out of the game; he put up 0/0/0 with one shot attempt. Thomas, though, scored 17 after the break, shooting 5-of-9. Was he proving a point that Jordi Fernández and the Nets do, in fact, need him to score?

Fernández didn’t see it that way postgame: “I thought those two halves were like — he needed to. He did the right thing for the team in the first half, passing the ball on the blitzes. He was aggressive and scored in the second. So, it’s a perfect balance.”

Though missing Nikola Jokić, Cam Johnson, and backup center Jonas Valančiūnas, the Nuggets provided impressive individual performances. Jamal Murray would finish with an impressive, odd-looking 27/6/16 stat line; he didn’t turn it over in the first half. Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun finally returned from medium-term injury absences. Peyton Watson scored 23 points, and Tim Hardaway Jr. added 26 off the bench. But they were never the more impressive team.

The injured Nuggets were on the fifth game of a grueling seven-game road trip. Brooklyn isn’t going anywhere this season. Even the rookies outside of Dëmin didn’t do much (Wolf, Powell and Traore combined for 12 points). And yet, Jordi Fernández’s followed up their tank-off in Washington with another convincing win. The Nets have a winning record since the start of December.

“We got a young a lot of young players that are shooting the ball well, playing well, and that comes from a coach instilling confidence, and I think Jordi and whole Nets organization does a great job instilling confidence in players.”

Maybe we don’t have to squint too hard to see the vision. Maybe we can just look.

Final Score: Brooklyn Nets 127, Denver Nuggets 115

Injury Report​

The injury report was much lighter than it was when the Brooklyn Nets took on the Washington Wizards in their last game. Wonder why!

Nic Claxton missed his second straight game with personal reasons, but Jordi Fernández said it won’t be a long-term absence: “We expect for him to be back probably tomorrow.”

Milestone Watch​

• Day’Ron Sharpe tied his season high with 17 points today against Denver to go with six rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. It is his fourth career game with at least 15 points and four assists and his first of those with at least three steals.
• Michael Porter Jr. ended today’s game against Denver with 27 points on a perfect 9-9 from the line, adding 11 rebounds, five assists and one block. It was his third career game with at least 25 points, 10 boards and 5 assists and second of the season. It his 20th career 25-point double-double and fourth of the season.
• Brooklyn has six players with at least 13 points in tonight’s game (Porter Jr., Clowney, Sharpe, Thomas, Dëmin, Williams), which is their most in a game this season. The previous high was five such players, accomplished three times and most recently on November 5 at Indiana.
• Noah Clowney has 22 points on 6-of-10 overall, 4-of-6 on threes and 6-of-7 from the stripe with six rebounds, two assists and a +18 plus/minus. It is his fifth 20-point game of the season and ninth of his career.

Next Up​

The Brooklyn Nets will stay at home and even get a practice in before they take on the Orlando Magic on Wednesday evening. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

• Boxscore: Brooklyn Nets 127, Denver Nuggets 115 – NBA
• Game Highlights: Brooklyn Nets 127, Denver Nuggets 115 (Video) – NBA
• Michael Porter Jr. PostGame Interview (Video) – YES Network
• Jordi Fernandez PostGame Interview (Video) – YES Network
• David Adelman PostGame Interview (Video) – Altitude
• Michael Porter Jr PostGame Interview (Video) – YES Network
• Day’ron Sharpe PostGame Interview (Video) – YES Network
• Michael Porter Jr. scores 27 points against his old team as the Nets beat the Nuggets 127-115 – Brian Mahoney – AP
• Nets’ Michael Porter Jr. shines in payback victory over Nuggets after offseason trade – Brian Lewis – New York Post
• Against his former team, Michael Porter Jr. powers Nets past Nuggets 127-115 ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Under Jordi Fernández, Michael Porter Jr.’s reunion with Denver hits different ($) – C.J. Holmes
• Nets player grades: Michael Porter Jr. drops 27 in win over Nuggets – Sharif Phillips-Keaton – USA TODAY

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-scor...s-nuggets-127-115-michael-porter-jamal-murray

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Michael Porter Jr. understands best ability is availability

Michael Porter Jr. joked recently that he’s become an NBA ironman, but it’s not really a joke. In the last two and a third year, MPJ has missed a total of 12 games, six this season, five last season and one the year before that. Not all of have been due to injuries like the one he missed earlier this season to personal reasons.

What’s not spoken about so much is what it takes for the 27-year-old to get ready for each and every game he does play in … and excel! On Tuesday, Brian Lewis put it this way:

The Nets forward isn’t surprised with what he’s doing. Only how.

Doing it in the wake of potentially debilitating back woes and multiple surgeries, the same injuries and operations that ruined Ben Simmons. Doing it with foot drop, playing in the same brace that stroke victims wear to re-learn how to walk.

So far, so good. Porter is averaging career highs in scoring (25.9) rebounding (7.6) and passing (3.4) whileshocking most pundits, fans, teammates and his head coach with his shot-making.

“He makes open shots, he makes contested shots, and he makes impossible shots,” said Jordi Fernández, who was with Porter for four years in Denver as an assistant.

However, Porter is not surprised. He remembers how he was the top high school player in the U.S. his junior and senior before he had three back surgeries.

“I mean, my expectation when I got drafted — I didn’t really know much about the injuries and how they would have affected my body — was to be the best player in the NBA,” Porter said with his customary frankness. “And injuries had its way with me. But I think determination and resilience has allowed me to be able to still carve out a pretty valuable space in the NBA and play a lot of years.

“But I think that that was my expectation because I knew what I was capable of, and I played against really good players my whole life. So what I’m doing now, it’s not a shock to me. I think that doing it in the way that I’m doing it post-injury, I think that’s a little bit more what I’m proud of, than just what I’m doing, because it’s not a surprise.“

While it may not be a surprise to MPJ, the Denver Nuggets head coach — and former assistant — David Adelman said Monday that the big advantage Porter brings to Brooklyn is that he’s available.

“Michael, we know how talented he is. I think the thing that he doesn’t have enough credit for — I said it in the playoffs — is he plays,” Adelman said.

“With the injuries he’s had, I just don’t think he gets enough credit for how tough he is. It’s not the brand of his game, but it really is to see him day-in, day-out, maintenance himself so he can be available was the most impressive thing for me. Mike has this ability, he always has. But for us, he sacrificed. That’s just the way it was.”

Lewis lays out just what Porter does before each game he suits up from Brooklyn and each game he’s played since his third back surgery in 2021-22.

It left Porter with nerve damage, specifically in his lower spine connected to the peroneal nerve. As a result, Porter still can’t properly lift his left foot. Every single game, he’s had to wear an ankle foot orthosis — or AFO — or risk tripping because the foot doesn’t function properly.

No other player in the NBA wears the AFO.

Of course, there’s always the possibility that MPG will not be a Brooklyn Net a month from now. However, while there have been multiple stories that other teams have expressed interest in Porter, there have been none in which Sean Marks & Co. are quoted as being interested. They are invariably described as “listening.”

In the meantime, Porter is likely to spend his time doing what he has done this year: surprise everyone but himself.

• The toll Michael Porter Jr. has endured to fuel the Nets’ run to respectability ($) – Brian Lewis – New York Post

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-feat...r-jr-understands-best-ability-is-availability

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

EJ Liddell goes down with injury in Long Island loss

The Long Island Nets returned to the court on Tuesday night for a rematch with the San Diego Clippers. The last time these two met was Sunday afternoon when Long Island walked away with a four-point win. Unfortunately, lightning wouldn’t strike twice, as Long Island fell to San Diego, 126-125, at Nassau Coliseum. Now, all eyes turn to Nets two-way E.J. Liddell, who went down with a leg injury in the first quarter and didn’t return.

With just over four minutes remaining in the first quarter, with Brooklyn Nets teammates Jalen Wilson, Terrance Mann, and Haywood Highsmith watching courtside. Liddell went up for a shot, which didn’t look like much, but he had a bit of an awkward landing and immediately fell to the floor. Things didn’t look right for him, and he was taken out of the game immediately. Liddell never returned to the game and is expected to get examined on Wednesday. It remains to be seen how much time, if any, Liddell may miss.

Liddell was in line for a huge game before his injury. He had tallied 10 points, connecting on four of his five shots, including going two-for-three from deep. He was certainly feeling himself in this one. He also had two rebounds and one assist in just half of a quarter. This once again shows the player that the Nets signed to their two-way deal in the offseason and exactly why they liked him. He’s reliable, a good shooter, and above all else, a consistent player.

It was an odd game for Long Island. For the first time in a while, none of the Flatbush Five, the Nets five first round picks were on hand. Along with Liddell, the Nets two other two-ways played.

Tyson Etienne scored 16 points in this one. The 6’0” guard connected on just four of his 15 field goals, including hitting three of his 11 shots from deep. Etienne also picked up five rebounds and flirted with a double-double as he picked up eight assists. He also had two steals. Etienne was, however, one of five players to turn the ball over twice, which was tied for the most turnovers on the team. Overall, not an awful game for Etienne.

The third Brooklyn player in the two-way puzzle, Chaney Johnson, made the most of all his shots, connecting on four of his seven attempts, finishing with 12 points. Scoring in the double-digits has become the norm for the 6’7” Brooklyn two-way signee. Johnson, however, whiffed on both of his shots from deep.

Johnson only had five rebounds, his lowest in this three games with Long Island. The Nets sixth rookie also had three assists and perhaps more impressively, three steals. Johnson, who’s a big in every sense of the word, has served his team a bit as a ball hawk. Johnson tied his career high with three steals for the second consecutive game and has recorded multiple steals in each of his first three games with the Nets.

Watching Johnson on the court, he plays like a typical big man role, but has surprised with his shooting. In three games, he’s shot 56/38/67 while putting up 15.0 points, 7.7 boards, 3.0 assists, 2.7 steals and 1.0 blocks. And in each game, he’s had one of these…

THIS CHANEY JOHNSON SLAM IS TOO COLD @LongIslandNets

ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/E39d0pdtf8

— NBA G League (@nbagleague) January 7, 2026

Nate Williams has played some of his best ball recently after returning from illness. He once again led the team in scoring, picking up 23 points in this one. He finished connecting on eight of his 16 shots, for 50% in the game in shooting. He also managed to hit three of his seven shots from long range and went perfect from the foul line in all three tries. After the game, NetsDaily had a chance to catch up with Williams and talk about him turning his season around after a rocky few games.

Nate Williams on his recent performances, his development, and his goals.@NetsDaily #StrongIsland #NetsWorld pic.twitter.com/j2bIRHL94O

— Scott Mitchell (@Scott44Mitchell) January 7, 2026

“It’s the season,” Williams told ND. “It happens. You have good games, you have bad games, everyone goes through it. You don’t just… I mean, some players do. You go on spurts where you have 10+ games with 20, man it happens. But, it is what it is. I just went back to the drawing board, worked on my game, trust my work, and try to perform.”

Acquired in the trade this past offseason that saw Drew Timme sent to the South Bay Lakers, the Sag Harbor, Long Island product came back to the Island as a player with NBA experience, part of the Nets development plan. He was one of several off-season additions who the organization believed could help the Flatbush Five. He’s previously been part of four NBA organizations, playing in 47 NBA games.

The 6’6” 26-year-old wing has also been developing himself at the G League level. When asked about where he feels he developed the most so far this season, Williams told ND, “Shooting,” Williams says. “I feel like my shot has come a lot further than it was in the past. I’ve been making shots at a high clip this year with a lot of attempts. Shooting for sure, and playmaking. I’ve been passing the ball really well.”

Looking ahead, Williams tells ND that his goals for the season are pretty simple: to win. “Just win,” Williams tells ND. “I don’t really care about self goals. I’m not a selfish guy. I just want to do whatever I can to win games.”

Jay Scrubb played perhaps his best game as a Long Island Net in this one. He finished the game with 15 points, connecting on four of his eight attempts from the field. Scrubb also hit two of his six attempts from deep and went perfect from the foul line, connecting on three of his attempts. After the game, Scrubb had the chance to speak with ND about his performance.

Jay Scrubb on tonight’s performance, his development, playing in Turkey, and his goals.@NetsDaily #StrongIsland #NetsWorld pic.twitter.com/OLZuf5IdxC

— Scott Mitchell (@Scott44Mitchell) January 7, 2026

“Just getting back to my old self,” the 25-year-old wing told ND. “It’s been a slow season, some would say. But these last couple of games, I’m just trying to keep in my head, just be aggressive. I was a guy who ran this league maybe a year or two ago. Just getting back to that old mentality and getting back to myself, I think that’s the biggest thing for me. My teammates have been harping on me, the coaches, to be aggressive. They brought me in here for a reason, I’m just trying to emphasize that now.”

Scrub stands at 6’6” and appeared in 40 G League games for Maine last season. He averaged 14.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 steals in 23.2 minutes per game. Overall, he’s played in 97 G League games, averaging 18.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals in 28.2 minutes per contest. Ironically, he was drafted by the Nets at No. 55 in the 2020 Draft then immediately traded to the Clippers for Reggie Perry who played one year in Brooklyn.

Like Williams, the Louisville, Kentucky native has NBA experience, appearing in 24 career NBA games with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Orlando Magic. At the NBA level, he averaged 4.0 points and 1.5 rebounds in 9.8 minutes per contest.

“Physically,” Scrubb said when asked about what has marked his development in Long Island. “I started, before I came over here to Long Island, I was in Turkey. So, I had to transform my body for that. Then, when I came back over here, I had to get in shape on the fly and change things up. I think that was the biggest thing for me, just improving my body and being more durable and being more available.”

When Scrubb was in Turkey, he learned how to “play fast,” he tells ND. “That’s the biggest thing overseas. The ball over here gets stuck in a guy’s hands. Over there, it’s constant movement and things like that. That’s one thing I took away from that game over there, just playing fast and getting to the next action.”

Next Up​

The Long Island Nets (3-3) return to the court on Thursday, January 8th, kicking off their first of four home games at the Place Bell in Laval, Quebec, Canada. They will be playing the Wisconsin Herd in this go-around for two games on back-to-back nights. Thursday’s game tips off at 7:00 p.m. EST, and can be watched on ESPN+ and the Gotham Sports App.

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/longislandnets/104066/ej-liddell-goes-down-with-injury-in-long-island-loss

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

O Canada! Long Island Nets back in Montreal!

We’re trying to be the North!

The Long Island Nets will kick off their second annual homestand in suburban Montreal on Thursday night with a showdown with the Wisconsin Herd. It’s the first of a back-to-back and the first of four games this season at the Place Bell in Laval, Quebec, part of a partnership between Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment and Groupe CH, owners of the Montreal Canadians.

It’s no longer a canard, as the French Canadians might say. BSE, through their G League affiliate team, are trying to build an fan base in French-speaking Canada while Groupe CH is trying to prove that Montreal is an NBA city. So far, so good … very good.

Last season, the Long Island drew nearly 40,000 fans over six games, selling out Place Bell — and all its custom “Les Nets” gear. This year, there’ll be four, and Morgan Taylor, who runs the business side of things for both Long Island and the Liberty, has not ruled out the Quebec trip as a permanent feature of Long Island’s schedule, though BSE is taking it one year at a time. Nor did she rule out Long Island playing elsewhere overseas…

Long Island Nets VP of Business Operations, Morgan Taylor, previews the Canada trip and outlines the organizations goals and plans.@NetsDaily #StrongIsland #NetsWorld pic.twitter.com/GuOizf8IpO

— Scott Mitchell (@Scott44Mitchell) January 7, 2026

“We really want to bounce off of what we did last year,” Taylor told ND exclusively about goals for this year. “Make sure we’re continuing to make it feel like a home game, not only for our players and our staff that are there, but for the CH Groupe, who are our partners in this, and the fans. Last year, we had a record-breaking attendance, with over 7,700 people there. We sold out all of our merchandise with ‘Les Nets,’ and we expect to see people coming back and cheering on our team as if it were a home game.”

As for what kind of numbers she and the organization have in mind, Taylor said they’re “working towards that number” of 7,700 fans per game again. “To kind of meet what we did last year,” Taylor continues. “We are playing on January 8 and 9, which is a Thursday and Friday. Then, we play on Super Bowl Sunday on February 8th. Although that might seem a death sentence for attendance in the U.S., it’s not a big deal in French-speaking Canada.

When asked if it’s a permanent fixture, Taylor told ND the organization is “continuing to take it one year at a time.”

“We’re really excited to be able to expand our game internationally, especially given the diverse roster that we have. It’s really important for us to do so. The G League is very accommodating for teams to be able to play in other arenas, other countries. I’m even hoping we get to play in Mexico City next year. So, we’re taking it one year at a time.”

Taylor said that although there will be two fewer games this season, there will be more community involvement.

“This year, we plan to connect with the community more,” Taylor said when asked what might may be different this year. “We already have another mascot visit to local Laval schools, which we weren’t able to do last year. We’ll also have a clinic during. We did it last year, and we’ll have another clinic this year. The other thing that we’re doing differently is continuing to have fans participate in our fan experiences during the games, the high-five tunnels, and post-game autograph sessions.”

Asked if we might see Canadian citizen Joe Tsai in Montreal, Taylor replied with a smile that “you might not” adding, “We’ll have organizational leaders from Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment in general who will be there. You’ll see other folks there from our team.”

One thing that may be similar — we won’t know till Thursday — is whether the Nets will have a native French speaker player on the court. Last season, it was Killian Hayes, this year it could be Nolan Traore. However, he played Wednesday night in Brooklyn.

Last month. NetsDaily got to speak with Traore, before his call-up, on his potentially playing in French-speaking Canada, whether in January or their second homestand in February.

“It’s great to see them come and support the Long Island Nets,” Traore said on potentially performing in front of his French-speaking crowd. “It’s going to be a good experience for them, and for us too.”

For the Long Island head coach, Mfon Udofia, this will be his second consecutive year coaching in Canada. In December, ND spoke with Udofia about his return to Canada, not only for himself, but also for his team.

“Super excited,” Coach Udofia told ND. “We enjoyed it last year. Just the love and support that we get from the fans. The atmosphere was crazy, electric. It felt like a playoff game every game that we played there. So, we’re super excited, and we’re glad that we’re able to go back there again.”

Long Island Nets head coach, Mfon Udofia, on the upcoming Canada trip.@NetsDaily #StrongIsland #NetsWorld pic.twitter.com/YNdpaJSk6d

— Scott Mitchell (@Scott44Mitchell) January 7, 2026

As for whether he’s looking forward to doing anything new or something he didn’t get to do last year, Udofia tells ND, “getting out a little bit more in the community.” “It was so new to us last year that we were just focused on the game,” Udofia continues. “Now we feel a little more comfortable and familiar there now, that we have a little more to sightsee, and see more.”

Looking at the bigger picture, Tyson Etienne talked about what his mindset is heading into the trip: it’s about the game of basketball and expanding it worldwide, even in places not seen as hoop havens.

“We have a responsibility to continue to expand basketball in that region, in that area. Being someone who loves the game of basketball, I want to represent the game at a high level up there, and I want to represent our organization at a high level up there. It’s a great partnership. The energy up there, you can tell they really want basketball up there. Every time we were up there, it was a home game for us. We play some of our best basketball up there, and the fans and the environment had a lot to do with that. But, we’re just very excited to go back.

“To me, it’s one of the main motivations and reasons why I play the game,” Etienne told ND. “I’ve been playing the game my whole life. The game has brought me relationships, experiences, and new places that I couldn’t have dreamed of going to. It’s a part of my responsibility, and all hoopers to leave the game better than they found it. I just want to continue to contribute my art to it. Whatever I can bring to the game and bring to the fans, I want to leave it better than I found it.”

Brooklyn Nets two way player, Tyson Etienne, previews the Canada trip, and his goals for the season.@NetsDaily #StrongIsland #NetsWorld pic.twitter.com/pXg9YGVXn7

— Scott Mitchell (@Scott44Mitchell) January 7, 2026

The big picture with the Canada partnership is not necessarily growing the Nets brand; that’s just a huge plus. It’s to grow the game of basketball, and no NBA organization has been as internationally focused as Brooklyn, its last two owners being Russian and Chinese, both the first of their heritage to own an NBA team. The Nets franchise, dating back to its New Jersey days, has played 25 games overseas, more than any other NBA team.

Now, the G League affiliate is doing the same, believing it can develop a fan base 370 miles from Brooklyn …. and 335 miles from Toronto. Groupe CH, Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment’s partner, is trying to demonstrate to the NBA that Montreal is ready for an NBA franchise. Groupe CH, the owner of the Canadiens as well as Place Bell and Bell Center, an NBA-sized arena, would presumably have a role in any NBA franchise in Quebec.

Whether they succeed or not, Groupe CH and Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment will have proven that Montreal is yet another basketball-loving city, which, as Etienne said, is what the games are all about.

Both games start at 7:00 p.m. ET and can be found on the Gotham Sports App. Thursday’s game will also be shown on ESPN+, while Friday’s can be found on the G League’s official website.

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/longislandnets/104087/o-canada-long-island-nets-back-in-montreal

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Brooklyn Nets lose thriller vs Orlando Magic 104-103 despite Demin heroics

Jordi Fernández began his postgame presser tonight dispelling the notion that this contest was a “rollercoaster” game.

“I don’t think it was a rollercoaster for us,” he said. “It was 14-to-29 for us; we won by 15 points in the fourth. So, it was an amazing effort to come back, to try to do the right thing and to play with urgency.”

While all else is true, my stomach begs to differ on the coaster categorization. I’d bet anyone watching on behalf of the visiting Orlando Magic would agree as well. And anyone from Egor Dëmin’s family probably felt the same way. The 19-year-old Russian had his best game, at least from the final moments in regulation till three seconds left in OT. Take a look…

the rookie stepping up when it matters.@whoisegor3 | #NetsWorld https://t.co/qeoNrkUsit pic.twitter.com/BaTtivoxwd

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 8, 2026

More on all that later.

Whatever you want to call tonight’s ride for Brooklyn, it started slow. The Net defense looked rather lethargic to begin game no. 34. Service Steel Warehouse says in some cases, it can take as little as three days for iron to oxidize beyond repair, and the Nets supported that claim early on. Their otherwise ferric defense, which we haven’t seen since Sunday, looked quite rusty to begin the game. Day’Ron Sharpe got lost a few times after switches. The Nets also gave up nine first quarter offensive rebounds, pulling down just seven themselves at the defensive end.

However, and miraculously, the Nets still outscored the Magic in second chance points that period. Even with those extra opportunities to score, Orlando shot just 36.4% in the first. Their poor shooting would set a standard for the first half that could make even a 90s basketball nostalgist quease.

Alas, Michael Porter Jr. was a proud nonconformist once more. During and beyond the opening frame, he continued to hit greens like Tiger Woods at Augusta National in ’97. He poured in 12 first period points while shooting 5-9 from the field. He scored or assisted on 15 of Brooklyn’s first 19 points to begin the evening.

12 first-quarter points for MPJ!

votes count triple ️ https://t.co/2uadYF7hez pic.twitter.com/xJgQKPFBvg

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 8, 2026

Our other known bucket-getter, Cam Thomas, didn’t come off the bench until the the 3:48 point of the first. He was part of a hockey line-like change that saw Nic Claxton, Danny Wolf, Nolan Traore, and Drake Powell join him in the first. In his return, Claxton put in seven points on 3-4 shooting in 23 minutes played. He also grabbed six boards, dished four dimes, and blocked two shots.

CT, however, didn’t get his first points until the waining seconds of the first, where he ran down the clock, rocked, an rolled the ball just over a soaring Wendell Carter Jr. to keep Brooklyn within a bucket ahead the second. Thomas remained a non-factor when things sped up in the fourth, finishing with just 10 points while shooting 3-11 from the field.

The Nets seized a brief lead to begin period two, but you wouldn’t have remembered with how the rest of the frame played out. The Magic show in the second was far better than the first, as Orlando managed to shoot 8-19 from the field while the Brooklyn defense continued to look a step behind on its rotations.

Even with Orlando’s offensive resurgence, both teams shot a combined 38.6% form the field and 24.9% from deep. It was a rock fight by all accounts, and the Nets ended up under more of the rubble, behind the Magic at the break by a 48-43 score.

Absent from the first half, and eventually the entire game, was Terance Mann. Every night, there’s a veteran victimized by Brooklyn’s desire to give out development minutes, and this evening, Mann pulled the short stick.

“Yeah, it’s just a matter of having a lot of a lot of players performing well, giving looks at different roles for different players, and he’ll be back,” Fernández said. “So, it’s just a matter of me just seeing those roles and seeing those minutes. That’s pretty much it.”

Now, if Brooklyn really wanted to focus on the rebuild, they’d put Porter Jr. in that position for a night, or even on another team. He made that abundantly clear in the third, reprising his role as Brooklyn’s lone offensive option in, scoring eight of Brooklyn’s first 10 points to start the quarter.

MPJ – "Mean Pull-up Jumper"

Watch #NETSonYES LIVE on YES & The @gothamsports App: https://t.co/sWMqNZ0hci pic.twitter.com/o2KWli7fef

— YES Network (@YESNetwork) January 8, 2026

However, Orlando went on a 21-4 run in the latter part of the period, and quickly shifted the offensive embarrassment solely onto Brooklyn’s side. Had they a few extra seconds to play with, it could have been even worse too…

Yeah…not Brooklyn's night tonight.

(this didn't count but still) pic.twitter.com/tX6EcP5KTT

— Collin Helwig (@collinhelwig) January 8, 2026

Brooklyn’s 15-point deficit to being the fourth set the stage for a period free of competitive pressure and ideal for player development, and the Nets seemed to take advantage, giving Powell, Wolf, and Traore some extended run alongside Claxton and Thomas.

Then, Jordi Fernández did the unthinkable among tank commanders, putting Porter Jr. and the original starting lineup back in the game with a little over five minutes to play. MPJ promptly hit two threes in about thirty seconds to make it an eight point game with 4:56 to go. That helped him get his 10th 30-point game of the season. He had that same amount of 30-pieces in all four of his prior seasons combined.

Two minutes later, Dëmin found Clowney cutting along the baseline for an easy finish that made it a six point game. Dëmin followed that with a three and then Clowney slipped in a fadeaway that made it a one point game. The Nets were on a 17-4 run, and grinding their way to another improbable comeback.

The next time down the floor, Clowney the ball through the hoop, but didn’t score…

There was one square foot in the entire building where Day’Ron Sharpe needed to keep his hand away from to have Brooklyn go ahead, but he stuck it there anyway. As Clowney’s next shot fell into the net, he got caught with his hand in the basket, and tagged with a basket interference violation. That kept things at 91-90 with 1:03 to play.

Noah Clowney scored to give the Nets the lead with 23 seconds remaining but Day’Ron Sharpe touches the ball as it goes through the net.

Offensive basket interference. Shot is no good.

Magic basketball. pic.twitter.com/EUK0lVUgLR

— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) January 8, 2026

But the madness was just beginning. Out of a subsequent Orlando timeout, Tristan da Silva got free for a dunk that put the Magic up three with 16 seconds to play.

Then, the Winter Soldier activated. Dëmin, who’s already made clutch scoring a habit, hit a triple after a Kryptonian rebound from a redemptive Sharpe. Before that, Dëmin hadn’t scored until there were around three minutes left in regulation, but game’s dwindling minutes again called the stone cold Russian into action. He wanted overtime, and got it.

EGOR DËMIN. STONE COLD. pic.twitter.com/VLWoiqgj6x

— Collin Helwig (@collinhelwig) January 8, 2026

Egor had more to say in the extra period, but wouldn’t get the last laugh. After both teams went back and forth for a bit to open the extra frame before Dëmin nailed an even deeper tre after a jump ball to give the Nets their first lead since the 44 second mark of the first quarter. Orlando responded with another dunk, which Dëmin again traded for a three, this one more otherworldly than the rest…

… pic.twitter.com/qxujvRbfFr

— Collin Helwig (@collinhelwig) January 8, 2026

“It was amazing,” Dëmin said of the crowd after his shots. “I thought it was awesome. I think it helped us a lot.”

With all the momentum in the world, that rocking crowd behind him, and a lead that felt twice its size given the game’s nature, Brooklyn looked certain to complete the comeback this time. But the wacky game needed an ending of the same nature. So, Paolo called bank(ero)…

PAOLO BANCHERO CALLS GAME pic.twitter.com/qJjl8vDlA6

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) January 8, 2026

That shot finally brought us to our finish after all those twists, turns, and full-on loops. Brooklyn had lost, and Fernández and Dëmin knew it, but they also acknowledged the positives postgame.

“I actually just was thinking about it, like, that was one of those moments when in high school, when I was a kid, I was shooting alone in the gym and thinking about moments like this, and kind of going through things,” he said. “Like, ‘okay, I’m hitting the shot, the game winning shot, and you know, five threes in a row,’ or whatever it is. And this was one of those, the moments that I was kind of manifesting when I was a kid…So it was — it felt really, really good. But again, we didn’t get a win, so it doesn’t really matter anymore, and we’re going into the next one.”

“Give credit to Paolo, amazing player, and amazing players make amazing shots,” Fernández said. “I also think our guys made amazing shots. Proud of all of them. You know, towards the end, Noah, Egor, and Mike scored throughout the whole game. It was really good to see, and it was good to see the defense in the fourth.”

For a year and a half now, the Nets have had an odd objective of playing winning basketball without actually winning games. It’s an an infinitesimal target, nearly impossible to see, and equally as difficult to hit, but they did so tonight. Who cares if no one called bank?

Final: Orlando Magic 104, Brooklyn Nets 103

Trade Talk​

Trae Young trade buzz hovered over almost every NBA game tonight, ours included. That said, Jake Fischer and Brett Siegel did their best to end any speculation of Ice Trae coming to the Big Apple. In his substack with Marc Stein, Fischer noted that while Young expressed an interest in Brooklyn and Minnesota as destinations, neither team reciprocates that feeling. Siegel published a similar report.

All checked out, as Shams Charania reported a few minutes before the end of tonight’s contest that the Washington Wizards won the Young “sweepstakes” if you can even still call them that. For the Nets, at least that means one less tank competitor.

BREAKING: The Atlanta Hawks are trading four-time NBA All-Star Trae Young to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/WIf8rhrRFu

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 8, 2026

Contract News​

In other news, Mike Scotto of HoopsHype reported Wednesday morning that the Nets planned to fully guarantee both Jalen Wilson and Tyrese Martin’s contracts for the rest of the season. They had until 5 p.m. on Wednesday to either cut or keep both players. Each will now finish what’ll be their third seasons as NBA pros in Brooklyn.

The Brooklyn Nets will fully guarantee the contracts of Jalen Wilson and Tyrese Martin for the rest of the season, league sources told @hoopshype. Wilson has averaged 7.4 points through three seasons with the Nets. Martin has averaged 8.3 points through two seasons with Brooklyn.

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) January 7, 2026

Milestone Watch​

• Michael Porter Jr. has tied his career high with eight 3-pointers tonight against Orlando (8-for-14), originally accomplished on 4/24/21 with Denver vs. Houston.
• Dëmin made two 3-pointers in the final 30 seconds of the fourth + OT to tie or to take the lead. He’s the second rookie ever to do so (Kevin Durant on 4/6/2008).

Next Up​

Brooklyn stays home on Friday to host the Los Angeles Clipper for the first time this season. LA beat the Nets both times last year by a combined 91 points (yikes!). That said, hard times have since fallen upon James Harden and company. The Clippers resemble on of the league’s messiest disappointments this year. Despite having won seven of their last 10, they’re still 14-23 and currently outside the Play-In looking in. The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. EST.

• Boxscore: Orlando Magic 104, Brooklyn Nets 103 (OT) – NBA
• Game Highlights: Orlando Magic 104, Brooklyn Nets 103 (Video) – NBA
• Insane OT Ending in Brooklyn (Video) – NBA
• Paolo Banchero comes up clutch (Video) – NBA
• Jordi Fernandez PostGame Interview (Video) – NBA
• Egor Demin PostGame Interview (Video) – YES Network
• Banchero banks in 3-pointer at OT buzzer to lift Magic past Nets, 104-103 – AP
• Nets waste Egor Demin’s late heroics in heartbreaking OT loss to Magic at buzzer – Brian Lewis – New York Post
• Trae Young’s Nets interest before trade auspicious sign for Brooklyn rebuild – Brian Lewis – New York Post
• Michael Porter Jr. shines, Egor Dëmin delivers, but Paolo Banchero has final say in Nets’ OT loss to Magic ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Nic Claxton back, Day’Ron Sharpe rolling as Nets weigh frontcourt minutes ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Magic with savage clap-back to Nets fans salty over Paolo Banchero’s game-winner – Josh Davis – Clutch Points
• Nets player grades: Michael Porter Jr. drops 34 in OT loss to Magic – Sharif Phillips-Keaton – USA TODAY

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-scores-results/104090/nets-vs-magic-104-103-paolo-banchero-egor-demin

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

LIVE DISCUSSION: Orlando Magic at Brooklyn Nets, 7:30 PM ET

The Nets are coming off a 12-point win against the Jokic-less Nuggets, Michael Porter Jr. is still hot, and suddenly your favorite team from Brooklyn is only a half-game out of a play-in spot. We’ll see which route the faulty tank takes tonight.

---

KEY INFO​

Brooklyn Nets (11-22) vs. Orlando Magic (20-17)
7:30 PM ET: Barclays Center – Brooklyn, NY
YES Network

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INJURY REPORT​

Ben Saraf is dealing with left knee soreness but is with Brooklyn. The four other members of the Flatbush Five are as well for the first time in a long time, while the three two-ways remain with Long Island. Nic Claxton will return and Brian Lewis reports that both Jalen Wilson and Tyrese Martin are getting their contracts guaranteed for the season.

For the Magic, Jalen Suggs (knee), Franz and Mortiz Wagner (sprained left ankle, knee) will not be available tonight.

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JOIN THE DISCUSSION​

We encourage you to share your thoughts, insights, and reactions as this one unfolds, but keep it respectful. NetsDaily is a community where basketball fans can debate and enjoy the game without the noise.

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-disc...sion-orlando-magic-at-brooklyn-nets-730-pm-et

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Long Island Nets return to Canada, but result and attendance disappoint

The Long Island Nets returned to their home-away-from-home court on Thursday night for a showdown with the Wisconsin Herd. However, while it was officially the Nets’ home court, it wasn’t their “home” court in Uniondale, Long Island, but a court nearly 400 miles to the north, Place Bell in Laval, Quebec, Canada a northern suburb of Montreal.

It was the first of a back-to-back for “Les Nets,“ in the second year of an annual promotion shared by Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, the Nets, Liberty parent company, and Groupe CH, which owns the Montreal Canadians and two arenas in Quebec. BSE is trying to create a new fan base in French-speaking Canada while Groupe CH is playing a longer game, hoping to draw an NBA franchise to Canada’s second biggest city.

While Long Island lost this one 108-101 — and had none of the Flatbush Five on hand, the big story was the attendance. After sell-outs last season, only 5,193 fans showed up Thursday.

Last season, Long Island drew nearly 40,000 fans over six games, selling out Place Bell — and all its custom “Les Nets” gear. As for what kind of numbers the organization had in mind, Morgan Taylor, who runs Long Island’s busines operations, told NetsDaily last week that they were “working towards that number” of 7,000-plus fans again. While they were more than a bit off that mark in this one, there are still three more chances starting with Friday night’s back end of the back-to-back. Long Island plays two more games next month in Laval.

No word yet as to why the drop-off. Still the Nets who are trying to build a fan base in French-speaking Canada had to feel positive about the reception provided by those on hand…

The Canadian crowd is hot for Long Island tonight. Like Etienne told me, growing the game of basketball is what's most important.

This crowd wants basketball in Montreal! Cheering on every dunk, shot, block, and steal from Long Island.@NetsDaily #StrongIsland #NetsWorld

— Scott Mitchell (@Scott44Mitchell) January 9, 2026

Long Island was short-handed Thursday without any of the Flatbush 5, including French-speaking Nolan Traore, as two-way player E.J. Liddell, both suffering from ankle woes. Long Island’s associate head coach, a native of Ottawa, Shawn Swords, was given the honor of welcoming the crowd.

The Nets were also without Jay Scrubb, who played his best game with Long Island on Tuesday, then took an opportunity to play overseas for presumably more money. Yuri Collins who had been Long Island’s starting point guard, left the team last week for Nes-Ziona in Israel. Collins replacement, Jamal Mashburn Jr. played only a minute after joining the club from the Westchester Knicks.

So, Long Island was left with only nine players including Mashburn. Two of the Brooklyn two-way players were in action – Tyson Etienne and Chaney Johnson – as well as Nate Williams, who has emerged as one of Long Island’s most reliable players.

The Nets got off to a strong start, scoring the first eight points of the game and shooting 55% from the field in the opening quarter. Long Island outscored the Herd 12-4 in the paint during the first period and led by as many as 14 points before ending the first with a 29-21 advantage. But Wisconsin went on a 16-0 run from 7:05 to 2:29 in the second quarter before the Nets closed the quarter on a 7-2 run to tie the game at 52 going into the break.

Wisconsin went on a 14-0 spurt in the third but Long Island fought back to cut the deficit to a single possession entering the final frame, 78-75. After a tightly contested fourth quarter, Wisconsin held on for a 108-101 victory despite all five of Long Island’s starters scoring at least 15 points.

Etienne continued his hot shooting, connecting on seven of his 13 shots, including going 5-of-9 from deep, finishing the game second in scoring with 22 points. Watching Etienne play this year has been a treat. His shot selection is top-tier. Etienne was credited with four rebounds, three assists, and one steal.

Johnson, playing his fourth game for Long Island after being signed to the third two-way slot last week, finished this game with 15 points, his season average with the Nets affiliate, connecting on four of his 13 shots, but 1-fo-5 from three-point land. He also had eight rebounds, three steals, and one block.

Johnson plays hard and with a lot of heart. However, there are certain aspects of his game he’ll have to improve before he steps on the court at Barclays Center. The first and most important part is his shot selection. He tries to play “hero” ball quite often. Sometimes this works out, and the fans love him for it; other times, he takes up a shot in traffic with three people on him and two wide-open teammates and completely whiffs.

Williams once again led Long Island with 23 points. The veteran of 47 NBA games, Williams connected on nine of his 16 shot attempts, but only went one-of-five from beyond the arc. He also had six rebounds, one assist, and one block. However, there was very glaring downside of his game: ball protection. Williams turned the ball over four times in this one, which led the team. With that said, he still remains arguably the best playmaker and the best ball hawk on the team. Williams also had a team-best and a game-best five steals.

Trevon Scott, Long Island’s 6’8” 28-year-old big, finished with 17 points, eight rebounds, six assists, a steal, and a block to his credit after having a quiet few games. Also, in his second start with the Long Island team, Malachi Smith continued to shine. Smith finished with 19 points, two rebounds, nine assists, and three steals.

NBA veteran Victor Oladipo, trying to make a comeback after a series of devastating injuries, led the Herd, the Bucks G League affiliate, with 25 points to go along with six assists, four rebounds and two steals in 33 minutes off the bench.

Next Up​

The Long Island Nets (3-4) return to the court on Friday in a rematch with the Herd. The game tips off at 7:00 p.m. ET and can be watched on the NBA G League site, as well as the Gotham Sports app.

• Boxscore: Wisconsin Herd 108, Long Island Nets 101 – G League
• Game Highlights: Wisconsin Herd 108, Long Island Nets 101 (Video) – G League

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/longislan...-to-canada-but-game-and-attendance-disappoint

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Brooklyn Nets throttled by Los Angeles Clippers, lose 121-105

Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Midway through the second quarter of the Brooklyn Nets’ Friday night duel with the Los Angeles Clippers, Brook Lopez tipped a pass intended for Nic Claxton at the top of the key. Lopez tracked down the ball in stride and, mining every ounce of energy in his 37-year-old body, took it coast-to-coast for a layup over Claxton. Plus the foul. Lopez and his teammates could only chortle at the scene…

Brook Lopez with the steal, bucket AND ONE! pic.twitter.com/9N1BQu2li5

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) January 10, 2026

Brooklyn is the NBA’s youngest team, Los Angeles the NBA’s oldest. Every once in a while, the Clippers’ interest level would wane, and they’d look their age. They opened the second half turning the ball over with the alertness of a texting driver. Brooklyn grabbed 19 offensive rebounds on the night, the Clippers just six. The other hustle stats were about even: deflections, steals, blocks, fast-break points.

So Lopez did sip from the fountain of youth, while James Harden (31/4/6) and Kawhi Leonard (26/5/5) were drunk off it, but the Clippers didn’t run the Nets out of the gym. They just didn’t need to.

The Clippers scored on autopilot. Harden did most of his damage in the first half; Leonard did most of his in the second. In an attempt to stop the two future Hall-of-Famers, Jordi Fernández sent plenty of early double-teams and outright traps at them; his players were not up to the challenge…

JOHN COLLINS DUNKS! pic.twitter.com/AWHREERVTW

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) January 10, 2026

John Collins shot 7-of-9 with three or four highlight dunks, Jordan Miller nearly matched his career-high with 21 points, and the Clippers as a whole shot 60% from two, 58% from three, and 90% from the line. Leonard and Harden made some All-NBA shots, but this was the fate the Nets deserved.

When asked if the team’s defensive effort was up to his standards, Jordi Fernández said: “At times it was ,at times it wasn’t. Especially in the first half, getting out of the of the doubles, we were very slow. And when you’re slow, then you get wide open shots. And even though you rather have other guys shooting instead of Kawhi and James, they still very good NBA players, and they shoot wide open shots and then make them.”

Fernández’s team may have been able to keep up had they shot better than 32% from deep. Michael Porter Jr. could not get it going, shooting 7-of-20 and 0-of-9 from deep, but he was far from the only culprit for the poor offensive night.

“I’m not worried about it,” said Fernández. “This is a game that some of those shots go in, and we are — I think we fought all the way through — but we could have been closer, and that’s sometimes part of the game, right?”

He also added that it’ll be another “five years” before MPJ has another 0-of-9 night from three.

The only starter who scored halfway effectively was the near-hero of Wednesday’s loss, Egor Dëmin. Continuing his Klay Thompson impression, he led the Nets in scoring with 19/3/3 on 5-of-10 from three…

3gorrrrrr

multiple 3s in five straight games for the rook! pic.twitter.com/EZOrZqkopp

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 10, 2026

Danny Wolf also shot 3-of-5 from deep to score 11 points, though some of it came in garbage time, where Nolan Traore also made a couple nice plays. It’s tough to blame them (and the scoreless Drake Powell) for not producing more as a part of a Cam Thomas-led second unit, though.

Fernández didn’t take the bait postgame, complimenting the second unit and even praising Thomas (13/1/1, four turnovers) on his playmaking ability. But at some point…

what are these three rookies gaining out of this pic.twitter.com/RUEuV5aboU

— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) January 10, 2026

The Nets were going to lose this one no matter how often Thomas passed the ball, but as the trade deadline looms, his time in Brooklyn feels done. The situation isn’t untenable, exactly; it’s just not beneficial for anybody involved.

And so, another game come and gone. The fans at Barclays Center largely got what they came for, ooh-ing and aah-ing at increasingly impressive Kawhi buckets and even standing up for a Dëmin dunk attempt that he was fouled on. But a thrilling ending for the second game in a row?

Yeah, that wasn’t in the cards.

Final Score: Los Angeles Clippers 121, Brooklyn Nets 105

Milestone Watch​

• Egor Dëmin became the first rookie in Nets history to make five 3-pointers in back-to-back games, and the 28th rookie in NBA history to do so.
• Dëmin now has 19 games this season with multiple 3-pointers. The all-time Nets rookie leaders are Kerry Kittles (50) and Bojan Bogdanović (24).

Demin now has more 3-pointers (76) and a higher percentage (39.0%) than Cooper Flagg, V.J. Edgecombe, Dylan Harper, Jeremiah Fears, Derik Queen and Cedric Coward. Tre Johnson is shooting a slightly higher percentage at 39.7% but 18 fewer made threes. Demin is second to Kon Knueppel in made threes, 127-76, but in January, he and Knueppel both have 15 threes but the Nets guard is shooting 55.6% while the Hornets guard is hitting 39.5%.

Okay, this one isn’t really a milestone, but Dëmin tried to put someone on a true poster for the first time in the NBA. It was the Nets all-time leading scorer, the seven-footer Brook Lopez…

Egor Demin just tried to put Brook Lopez on a poster. pic.twitter.com/zahBHjKam6

— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) January 10, 2026

“It was scary. He’s a really big man,” laughed Dëmin. “I mean, there was supposed to be a time when I’m gonna start doing that, right? So it’s better to start earlier than later.”

Quite easy to root for the kid.

MPJ All-Star push heats up​

We are just one month away from NBA All-Star Weekend, two results of fan voting in. Currently, Michael Porter Jr. sits in ninth-place among Eastern Conference vote-getters, though he is a ways away from moving up and in danger of falling down the ladder…

Second returns of the 2025-26 NBA All-Star game fan voting: pic.twitter.com/Z3An1c0ShH

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 6, 2026

For all the silliness of the All-Star Game itself (a round robin Frankenstein with a USA vs. World theme) the process of becoming an All-Star is unchanged: Five starters from each conference will be chosen by a fan vote (50%), the media (25%) and current players (25%), while head coaches will pick seven reserves from each conference regardless of position.

Thus, MPJ’s fate will come down to the head coaches, but if fan voting is any indication, he’s on the right side of the bubble. Said Jordi Fernández pregame: “I mean, he’s an All-Star. He’s played like an All-Star. You just got to watch him play and how much better he’s gotten. He’s been in a different role, he’s proven he can do it. And it’s not just the shot-making, which I think like, if you’re an NBA fan, you just watch Michael take and make shots, right? It’s how he’s been working off the ball to get those shots, also rebounding, career-high rebounding and free-throw attempts and assists.”

He continued: “We’ve competed for a lot of games, he’s a big reason why we’re there. And he’s just doing his job, and it’s not about him, it’s about the group. So if you think about his impact on competitiveness, that’s what All-Stars do, and that’s why Mike should be there.”

Zach Lowe and Rob Mahoney, making their All-Star predictions on Thursday’s episode of Lowe’s podcast, agreed with Fernández, each picking MPJ. Lowe even wondered aloud if he was an “undisputed selection.”

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving were named All-Stars for the Brooklyn Nets in 2023, though the two were ultimately traded before the actual festivities were held. Excluding that year, the Nets have not had an All-Star since Durant’s selection in 2022, and MPJ indeed seems worthy of ending the drought.

Entering Friday’s game:

• MPJ — appearing in 28 of 34 games — had a net rating swing of +14.4, per Cleaning the Glass (a 96th percentile mark, league-wide), including an offensive rating swing of +11.0 (also in the 96th percentile)
• He was 1 of 6 players averaging 26/7/3 (Avdija, Markkanen, Antetokounmpo, Dončić, Jokić)
• Among the 20 players averaging 25 PPG, Porter Jr. had the 8th-highest TS%.

The Brooklyn Nets have put on the full-court press for MPJ to make the All-Star team, frequently posting on social media and running multiple hype videos on the Jumbotron during home games. Despite Porter Jr.‘s struggles on Friday, they have a point.

Next Up​

The Nets hit the road for three games down South. They’ll face the Memphis Grizzlies on the first half of a back-to-back, with tip-off scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon.

• Boxscore: Los Angeles Clippers 121, Brooklyn Nets 105 – NBA
• Game Highlights: Los Angeles Clippers 121, Brooklyn Nets 105 (Video) – NBA
• Jordi Fernandez PostGame Interview (Video) – YES Network
• Harden scores 31, Leonard has 26 and the Clippers beat the Nets 121-105 – Brian Mahoney – AP
• Young Nets bullied by Clippers in loss full of tough lessons – Brian Lewis – New York Post
• Nets’ big man duo could prove to be too much of a good thing – Brian Lewis – New York Post
• Young Nets can’t climb out of early hole in 121-105 loss to veteran Clippers ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Nets Notebook: Michael Porter Jr.’s growth, a veteran’s learning curve and Noah Clowney’s expanding impact ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Nets player grades: Egor Demin drops 19 in 121-105 loss to Clippers – Sharif Phillips-Keaton – USA TODAY

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-scor...hrottled-by-los-angeles-clippers-lose-121-105