The Brooklyn Nets enter training camp with their starting lineup set, but several rotation questions remain. Noah Clowney, Josh Minott, Danny Wolf and Joshua Jefferson will compete for opportunities at forward.
Michael Porter Jr.’s future is one of the biggest storylines. He is entering the final year of his $40.8 million contract and remains extension-eligible.
His agent, Mark Bartelstein, said in July that he planned to speak with general manager Sean Marks “in the days ahead,” but no agreement has followed.
Coach Jordi Fernández also must improve an offense that finished last in Offensive Rating. Julius Randle gives Brooklyn an established on-ball scorer, while Porter’s movement and shooting could complement his style.
Rookie Mikel Brown Jr., Brooklyn’s highest-drafted player in 16 years, will also be closely watched as he adjusts to running an NBA offense.
Randle, meanwhile, arrives as the team’s only All-Star after averaging 21.7 points and 8.9 rebounds over the past eight seasons.
Nic Claxton’s departure leaves a hole in Brooklyn’s rim protection and center depth behind Day’Ron Sharpe and Mo Wagner.
Egor Dëmin’s health will also be monitored following his non-surgical procedure for plantar fasciitis.
With Brooklyn focused on winning, Fernández could face difficult choices between relying on experienced veterans and giving significant minutes to developing players such as Ben Saraf and Drake Powell.
