Day 3: Brooklyn Nets – Season of Transition
The Brooklyn Nets ended the 2024–25 season with a 26–56 record, placing 12th in the Eastern Conference and missing the playoffs. It marked a clear transition year as the franchise began reshaping its identity following the departure of past stars.
Team Identity & Coaching
In his first year as head coach, Jordi Fernandez emphasized versatility and development, but consistency was hard to find. The Nets ranked 28th in offensive rating (108.5) and 20th in defensive rating (115.8), resulting in a net rating of –7.3 -> among the league’s bottom five.
Standout Contributors
- Cam Thomas: Led the team in scoring with 24.0 PPG before a season-ending hamstring injury limited him to just 25 games.
- Cameron Johnson: Provided 18.8 PPG and showed improved playmaking in a bigger offensive role.
- Dennis Schröder: Before being traded, averaged 18.4 PPG and 6.6 APG in 28 appearances.
- Nicolas Claxton: Anchored the defense with 7.4 RPG and 1.4 BPG, often cleaning up mistakes at the rim.
Season Narrative
Brooklyn struggled to find rhythm, never winning more than three games in a row. After being mathematically eliminated from playoff contention in March, the team turned to its younger players. Drew Timme and Tyson Etienne made their NBA debuts, with Timme logging a double-double in his first game - offering a glimpse of future potential.
Our Analysis
Without a clear offensive identity or a strong interior presence beyond Claxton, the Nets often found themselves overwhelmed by deeper, more structured teams. Injuries and constant lineup changes further complicated chemistry and growth.
Fan Sentiment & Direction
Fans entered the season with modest expectations, and by year’s end, many saw 2024–25 as a necessary step in a larger rebuild. With no major star on the roster, the focus now shifts to draft capital, internal development, and identifying future cornerstone players.
Looking Ahead
- Can Cam Thomas stay healthy and build on his breakout scoring potential?
- Will the Nets leverage their draft picks and cap flexibility wisely?
- Which young players, like Timme or Etienne, can earn a long-term role?
Final Thoughts
It wasn’t a winning season, but for Brooklyn, that wasn’t the goal. The Nets used 2024–25 to reset, test lineups, and experiment under new leadership. The next step will depend on their ability to draft well, make savvy moves, and finally define their post-superstar identity.