The Brooklyn Nets can't seem to figure out the New York Knicks. Even when leading by four points on Monday night at Madison Square Garden, Brooklyn felt the fatigue and effects of playing on back-to-back nights after earning their first win in Indiana on Sunday. 

The Nets were outscored 28-11, with head coach Jordi Fernandez reluctant to go deeper into his rotations with this starting five and first guys off the bench clearly gassed.

Rookie Mikel Brown Jr. shot 5-of-13 from the field and 1-of-8 from 3-point range in 27 minutes of action. Julius Randle was a putrid 5-of-16 for 21 points with 11 of those coming at the charity stripe. 

Second year guard Nolan Traore shined with 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting with four assists 

The Nets suffered yet another double-digit loss to the Knicks as the losing streak reached 15-games. 

Brooklyn (1-6) takes on the Hornets (3-5) on Wednesday night in Charlotte with the possibility to Kon Knueppel could return for the home team. 


 


On the latest episode of Nets Fans You Know, I broke down a report from Brian Lewis of the New York Post revealing that the Brooklyn Nets rejected the opportunity to trade for former Finals MVP Jaylen Brown in the offseason, and why the organization's reasoning raises some serious questions.

According to Lewis, the Boston Celtics were looking for as many as four first-round picks in exchange for Brown, who was reportedly willing to play in Brooklyn. However, the Nets weren't interested in even discussing a deal, largely because they wanted to avoid another situation like the one they experienced with Kyrie Irving.

So did the Nets make the right decision?

I’ll explain in the episode I believe that they did, but not necessarily for the right reasons.

However, what concerns me was the organization's reluctance to even entertain trade talk with the Celtics. Whenever an All-NBA type player is on the market, you have to at least entertain the idea of making a deal.

After everything that happened with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden, it feels like the Nets have swung too far in the opposite direction, prioritizing character and avoiding potential controversy over acquiring talent. Think about their draft picks of Mikel Brown Jr and Egor Demin. In each’s respective post-draft press conference the team constantly repeated how much character is an important virtue to them.

Building a strong culture is important, but talent ultimately wins basketball games. The Nets can't allow the failures of the Big Three era to dictate every decision moving forward.

Passing on Jaylen Brown was probably the right move, but the reasoning behind it might be a bigger problem than the decision itself.

Watch the latest episode of Nets Fans You Know for the full breakdown.





 The Oklahoma City Thunder's title chances just took a major hit. 

After Jalen Williams suffered a gruesome ankle injury and leg injury, and Cason Wallace sustained a serious shoulder injury, it's very likely that both players could be lost for the season.

 

The Thunder are coming off a Western Conference Finals loss to the San Antonio Spurs where J. Williams was hobbled and missed four games in the series. 

It's clear that in order to defeat the defending conference champions, Oklahoma City is going to need reinforcements. 

The Nets have a dead-end vet that can provide the scoring punch and sniper shooting ability to put the Thunder back in the championship conversation. 

Michael Porter Jr would be the perfect addition and adding Terence Mann as a rotational defensive – minded piece off the bench would help the team's depth. 

Assuming that future draft compensation is added, this is a deal that makes sense for both clubs. 




On the latest episode of Nets Fans You Know, sports writer and NetsInsider.com editor Rick Laughland joins Pete to discuss Mikel Brown Jr.’s development, his early-season role off the bench, and what Brooklyn Nets fans should expect from the sixth overall pick during his rookie season.

Despite the excitement surrounding Mikel Brown Jr.’s arrival in Brooklyn, his role coming off the bench has raised questions about how the Nets plan to develop the 6th overall pick of this year's NBA Draft.

After missing three of the Nets’ four preseason games with an ankle injury, Brown played 18 minutes of the preseason finale, giving hope to Nets fans that he would be in the starting 5 come opening night.

Not only did he not start, but head coach Jordi Fernandez would goto confirm that the team would take a cautious approach to his minutes restriction in addition to keeping him out of back-to-back games. Something we have already seen as Brown sat for the 2nd game of this weekend's back-to-back vs the Cavs.

In the episode I brake down the possible benefits of Mikel Brown Jr coming off the bench and why Nets fans need to continue being patient. In particular, I think we need to remember that he not only missed the entirety of training camp, but has only played in 21 NCAA, 4 summer league, and 1 preseason game before his NBA debut.

Given those circumstances, easing Brown into the rotation could be the right move for both his short-term health and long-term development.

Make no mistake, Brown will have plenty of opportunities to earn a starting role this season, and Nets fans should eventually get to see him share the court with fellow young guard Egor Dëmin.

The question isn't if Brown will become a starter, but when.

In this episode Rick and I expand on this, predict when he could enter the starting lineup, and share our expectations for his rookie-season.


If you haven't, you can check out the full episode here: Nets Fans You Know Ep 135 

 



The Long Island Nets are preparing for the 2026-27 NBA G League season, officially announcing their training camp roster as the organization begins assembling the group that will represent the Brooklyn Nets’ G League affiliate in the months ahead.

The Long Island Nets, the NBA G League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets, have completed their training camp roster of 17 players.

This roster includes seven returning rights players, three affiliate players, three players signed to a two-way contract with the Brooklyn Nets, one NBA G League International Draft selection, and three local tryout participants.

The roster features a combination of returning talent, developing players, and new opportunities for individuals looking to establish themselves in the professional ranks. With 18 players listed, including a designated two-way player, Long Island will have several names to evaluate as training camp gets underway and the team works toward determining its final roster for the upcoming campaign.

Tyler Bilodeau, Dion Brown, Jeriah Coleman, Dain Dainja, Tidjiane Dioumassi, Jordan Dingle, Ben Humrichous, Chaney Johnson, Cedric Mbiaba, Dwight Murray Jr., Grant Nelson, Jonathan Pierre, Wooga Poplar, Nick Pringle, DJ Rodman, Aaron Scott and Isaiah Wong make up the 2026-27 Long Island training camp roster.

The training camp roster provides an early look at the talent Long Island will evaluate as it prepares for another season of player development and competition. With the NBA G League serving as an important pathway for players pursuing NBA opportunities, the coming weeks will be crucial for those hoping to earn a place on the team's final roster.

Three Two-Way Players Lead the Way

One of the most notable aspects of Long Island's roster is the presence of three players on two-way contracts with Brooklyn: Tyler Bilodeau, Chaney Johnson, and Grant Nelson. All three will have opportunities to continue their development with the Long Island organization while working toward additional NBA opportunities.

Bilodeau, a forward selected by Brooklyn in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft, enters his first professional season after playing college basketball at UCLA. His addition gives Long Island a young frontcourt option with the potential to contribute to the organization's long-term plans.

Johnson and Nelson, meanwhile, bring familiarity with the organization after gaining NBA experience during the previous season. Nelson also made an impression with Long Island, averaging 11.1 points and 5.9 rebounds across 23 G League appearances. His combination of size and offensive versatility makes him an intriguing player to watch as the new season approaches.

A Mix of Familiar Faces and New Opportunities

Beyond the three two-way players, the training camp roster includes several players who have been involved with the Nets organization during the offseason.

Nick Pringle, who signed an Exhibit 10 contract, will look to turn his opportunity into a place on the Long Island roster. The former Alabama and Arkansas big man adds another option to the team's frontcourt rotation as the Nets evaluate their available size and physicality.

Dain Dainja and Ben Humrichous also enter camp looking to build on their involvement with Brooklyn during Summer League and the offseason. Both players have an opportunity to demonstrate what they can bring to the G League level as they pursue professional opportunities.

The roster also features several guards and wings with different paths into the organization. Dwight Murray Jr. and Isaiah Wong are among the players who will look to provide backcourt production, while Jordan Dingle, Dion Brown, DJ Rodman and Aaron Scott add further competition for perimeter roles.

Wooga Poplar and Jonathan Pierre are also names to watch as Long Island evaluates its wing depth. Pierre's returning-player rights were acquired by the Nets in October, while the organization also acquired Poplar's returning-player rights that month. Their inclusion in training camp gives both players an opportunity to continue pursuing roles with the organization.

Other players on the roster include Jeriah Coleman, Dain Dainja, Tidjiane Dioumassi, Jordan Dingle, Ben Humrichous, Cedric Mbiaba, Aaron Scott and Isaiah Wong. Each will have an opportunity to make an impression as the coaching staff evaluates the group's overall fit.

With a combination of young prospects, players with previous professional experience, and individuals seeking to establish themselves, training camp will be an important evaluation period. Competition for roster spots will give players an opportunity to demonstrate their strengths while the organization determines which combinations can best serve the team.

Looking Ahead to the 2026-27 Season

The Long Island Nets will enter the upcoming season with an important role in Brooklyn's broader player-development system. The G League offers players an opportunity to gain meaningful playing time, sharpen their skills, and work toward potential NBA opportunities.

Long Island is scheduled to open its 2026-27 campaign on November 6 against the Greensboro Swarm. The team's home opener at Nassau Coliseum is scheduled for November 13 against the College Park Skyhawks. The 50-game schedule also includes four games in Laval, Quebec, continuing the organization's efforts to bring professional basketball to Canadian fans.

Before the regular season begins, the training camp roster will provide the coaching staff with an opportunity to evaluate the available talent and determine how the pieces fit together. For players looking to earn a spot, every practice and scrimmage represents a chance to stand out.

The announcement marks another step toward the start of the season for Long Island. With several players pursuing NBA opportunities and others looking to establish themselves in the professional ranks, the Nets will have plenty to evaluate as they prepare for another year of G League basketball.

The LI Nets will tip off the 2026-27 season on Friday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. against the Greensboro Swarm before hosting the College Park Skyhawks in the home opener on Friday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. at Nassau Coliseum.


 

Mikel Brown Jr is starting the season with a minutes restriction and coming off the bench for the Brooklyn Nets. 

The rookie tweaked his ankle during the summer, and Brooklyn's training staff is taking a conservative approach. 



The Nets Insider team debates whether the rookie coming off the bench is a long-term play by the organization, or just temporary until he's nursed back to full health. 

 




The Brooklyn Nets and New York Yankees have more similarities than you think. 

The obvious one that comes immediately to mind is that their games are carried by the YES Network and streamed on DAZN. 

Peel back the layers and you'll see each team with an owner and general manager joined at the hip. 

Brian Cashman joined the Yankees organization in 1995 and has served as the GM since 1998. 

He first served under George Steinbrenner and is now reporting to the late owner's son, Hal. 

The Bronx Bombers currently have a 26-year championship drought. 

That dryspell has spanned three managers: Joe Torre, Joe Girardi, and now Aaron Boone.

During New York's post mortem press conference, Hal reinforced his belief in the GM and in fact doubled down with an extension. 

The Yankees are a perennial playoff team with lofty expectations from a fan base that expects a championship or bust mentality. 

The Brooklyn Nets, on the other hand, are an organization that is constantly searching for an identity and stability. When Sean Marks took over the franchise's front office in 2016, the organization was bereft of draft picks and in payroll hell. 

Marks was able to through some creative maneuvering to purchase draft picks, and build a culture that ultimately attracted superstars Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and James Harden to the borough. 

That superstar era fizzed out before even realizing the benefits as the team failed to advance beyond the second round of the playoffs. 

Aside from Pat Riley with the Miami Heat, and Sam Presti with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Marks is the next longest-tenured GM. 

The other front office executives have decorated careers, while Marks has yet to prove his philosophy and team building will result in championships. 

Joe Tsai inked Marks to an extension in 2022, despite a superstar era falling apart at his feet. The terms of the extension were not made publicly available, but it doesn't appear that he is on hot seat, despite no playoff appearances since 2023 and a largely failed tanking attempt the past two seasons. 

So while organizational stability is what created some of the best dynasties of the last hundred years, one has to wonder what kind of blind trust Yankee and Net ownership has in GMs that are flat out not getting the job done.