Michael Porter Jr. believes the Brooklyn Nets can win more than 50 games during the 2026-27 season, pointing to the continued development of the team’s young players and the importance of building chemistry.
“If we get that chemistry right… all of our young guys from last year who got so much better now… we’re going to definitely surpass [expectations],” Porter told N3on.
Porter’s projection represents a significant shift in expectations for a Nets team that finished 20-62 last season and suffered its third consecutive campaign with at least 50 losses.
The Nets, however, have undergone substantial changes since then. Brooklyn added Julius Randle in a four-team trade and selected Mikel Brown Jr. with the No. 6 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, giving the franchise a new young cornerstone to develop alongside Porter.
Brown Jr. averaged 18.2 points and 4.7 assists at Louisville and is expected to take on a significant role immediately. The 20-year-old guard was Brooklyn’s highest draft selection in 16 years.
Porter is also coming off a strong individual season after arriving in Brooklyn. He averaged 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 52 games, shooting 46.3% from the field and 36.3% from three-point range.
The 28-year-old forward also provided efficient scoring from the free-throw line, converting 85.9% of his attempts. His 3.4 made three-pointers per game were easily the highest mark among Nets players last season.
Randle gives Brooklyn another established scoring option. He is expected to operate alongside Porter and Brown Jr. after averaging 23.3 points per game during his most recent full season, while Joshua Jefferson gives the Nets another young forward after being selected No. 28 overall.
Brooklyn also retained Day’Ron Sharpe on a two-year, $20 million contract and added Moritz Wagner and Keon Ellis in free agency. Josh Minott was re-signed on a two-year, $9 million deal.
The Nets still have several young players who Porter referenced when discussing the team’s potential. Noah Clowney averaged 12.3 points and 4.1 rebounds last season, while Egor Demin posted 10.3 points and 3.3 assists in his rookie campaign.
Nolan Traore averaged 8.9 points and 3.8 assists, while Danny Wolf contributed 8.9 points and 4.9 rebounds. Ben Saraf, meanwhile, averaged 7.5 points and 3.3 assists.
Brooklyn’s decision to move forward with a younger core has also left the franchise with considerable financial flexibility and a significant collection of future first-round picks.
Porter himself remains an important part of that long-term plan. He is eligible for a contract extension through June 30, 2027, and GM Sean Marks has indicated there is no immediate rush to reach an agreement.
