Where do first NBA win totals project Nets to finish next season?

Key veterans, such as Dennis Schroder, Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith, fueled Brooklyn’s early success in 2024-25. The Nets posted a 9-11 record before they traded Schroder. They were 26-30 when Johnson played (38-win pace) and 9-17 when Finney-Smith was available (28-win pace).

That veteran trio was traded and replaced with Michael Porter Jr. and Terance Mann this offseason. While Porter Jr. and Mann have had successful NBA careers, neither is a high-level ball-handler, which will force the Nets to lean on younger players for shot creation.

Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton’s health will play a significant role in Brooklyn’s ability to compete, provided both are on the roster to start the season. Thomas, the team’s leading scorer, played just 25 games last season while suffering three separate injuries to the same hamstring. Meanwhile, Claxton battled a back ailment throughout the year, which he said still bothered him after the season ended.

Day’Ron Sharpe and Noah Clowney will provide backcourt depth behind Claxton.

Beyond their proven commodities, the Nets have an NBA-record five rookie first-round picks entering the fold. With Schroder and D’Angelo Russell departing, Egor Demin and Nolan Traore should see significant minutes as lead ball-handlers. While both boast intriguing potential, rookie point guards often struggle with the transition to the speed and physicality of the NBA.

Drake Powell, Ben Saraf, and Danny Wolf should all see playing time throughout the year in reserve roles.

Ultimately, a 20.5-win projection feels fair given Brooklyn’s rebuilding situation. It represents a slight adjustment following the sportsbook’s miscalculation last season, while taking into account the team’s veteran departures and influx of youth.