Nets 2026-27 training camp breakdown: Roster battles, newcomers and storylines to watch

The Post’s Brian Lewis breaks down the Nets’ top storylines heading into training camp.

Best battle

Brooklyn’s starting five is set before camp even starts, while Mo Wagner, Keon Ellis and a backup point guard all have to play. But the forward fight between Noah Clowney, Josh Minott, Danny Wolf and Joshua Jefferson will be interesting.

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Story to watch develop

Veteran Michael Porter Jr. is on an expiring $40.8 million deal and has been extension-eligible. His agent Mark Bartelstein said in July he planned to talk with GM Sean Marks “in the days ahead.” Since then? Crickets. Will the Nets extend him? Trade him? Do the former now and the latter next summer? No story will be more watched.

Brooklyn’s Michael Porter Jr. is seen on the bench during the first half of the Nets’ loss to the Knicks on March 20, 2026 at Barclays Center. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST

Coach’s toughest challenge

Spending camp and preseason crafting an attack around Porter and Julius Randle. The Nets were last in Offensive Rating, and Randle pounds the rock. But Porter moves, cuts and gets off the ball quickly. They can work well, now coach Jordi Fernández has to turn that theory into practice.

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Most intriguing rookie

Mikel Brown Jr. comes into camp as the Nets’ highest-drafted player in 16 years, a rare combination of passing, deep range and downhill juice. The task is getting him to pack on pounds, rein in his risk-taking and learn to run an NBA team.

Most intriguing newcomer

It’s Randle. Brown might become the Nets’ most important player someday, but Randle is their best today. Their only All-Star, he’s averaged 21.7 points and 8.9 boards over the past eight years. He’s a floor-raiser and their only proven on-ball scorer.

Julius Randle, now with the Nets, goes up for a shot as Mitchell Robinson defends during the Timberwolves’ blowout loss to the Knicks on Nov. 5, 2025 at Madison Square Garden. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Most notable absence

Nic Claxton is gone after seven years in Brooklyn, along with his rim protection and vertical lob threat. Brooklyn has no replacement for either, and must find a No. 3 center…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nets-2026-27-training-camp-004355295.html

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Publish date : 2026-09-27 00:43:00

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