5 Reasons Why the Brooklyn Nets Can Make the Playoffs (2025–26)

5 Reasons Why the Brooklyn Nets Can Make the Playoffs (2025–26)

After a disappointing 26–56 season, the Brooklyn Nets are entering 2025–26 with cautious optimism. The team underwent an offseason makeover, adding talent and depth while keeping some core pieces.

Read: NBA Most Improved Player Odds

Related: NBA Rookie of the Year Odds

Skeptics may scoff at the notion, but there’s a case to be made that the Brooklyn Nets can and will contend for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Here are five reasons why.

1. Michael Porter Jr.

The headline move this offseason was acquiring Michael Porter Jr. from the Nuggets. Porter Jr. has been one of the league’s most efficient scorers, and now he has the chance to be the undisputed #1 option for the first time in his career. If MPJ can carry the offensive load while maintaining his elite shooting efficiency, he could elevate Brooklyn from one of the league’s lowest-scoring teams into legitimate playoff contention.

2. Egor Demin

With Cam Johnson traded to Denver, the Nets are turning to their 2025 first-round pick, Egor Demin, to fill a key scoring and wing role. Demin, the #8 overall pick, had an impressive college career, averaging 18.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game in his final season at BYU. While he’s a rookie, his skill set addresses one of Brooklyn’s biggest needs: a versatile wing who can both create his own shot and space the floor for others.

3. Jordi Fernández

Entering his second year as head coach, Jordi Fernández earned rave reviews in his first season, despite only winning 26 games. Fernández spent six years as an assistant for Mike Malone in Denver (2016–2022) for a winning franchise. That Nuggets pedigree bodes well for the Nets, especially with Michael Porter Jr. coming over from Denver this offseason.

4. Good Defense

Brooklyn’s defense was a bright spot last year, ranking 12th in the NBA in points per game allowed. Their defense was definitely good enough for them to be a playoff team. The problem was the offense, which ranked 28th in points per game. If the offense can move closer to middle-of-the-pack and the defense holds steady, the Nets will have a real shot.

5. Eastern Conference

The Eastern Conference is wide open outside the top four to six teams. There’s always room for surprise playoff teams — just look at the Detroit Pistons last season, who went 44-38 and earned the 6th seed in the playoffs after going 14-68 in 2023-24. If Brooklyn can improve offensively, they can take advantage of a chaotic conference and secure a play-in spot.

Offseason Moves

Here’s a rundown of how the Nets reshaped their roster this offseason:

Re-signings:

• Day’Ron Sharpe (2-year deal)

• Cam Thomas (1-year deal)

• Ziaire Williams (2-year deal)

Key Additions:

• Michael Porter Jr. (trade with Nuggets)

• Terance Mann (3-team trade)

• Haywood Highsmith (trade with Heat)

• Egor Demin (8th overall pick)

Key Departures:

• D’Angelo Russell (free agency, Mavericks)

• Cam Johnson (trade with Nuggets)

Conclusion

The Brooklyn Nets are far from a lock to make the playoffs, but the pieces are in place to contend for a 6-10 seed in the Eastern Conference. If Michael Porter Jr. takes the next step in his career, Egor Demin contributes as a scoring wing, Fernández’s system clicks, and the defense holds steady, Brooklyn could find itself back in the postseason in 2025–26.