Nets Insider Videos


Nets face prospect of disastrous start to season




 One look up and down the Brooklyn Nets early season schedule and it's clear wins may be few and far between for Jordi Fernandez and crew. 


CBSSports.com

Brooklyn will be facing some Eastern Conference heavyweights in the early stretch, followed by a trip to the Lone Star State to round out a grueling 10 game opening schedule. 

Many pundits are expecting the Nets to be in the play-in hunt after tanking the 2025-26 season. 

Ironically, the Eastern Conference is stacked with playoff contenders, and the Nets will have an uphill climb to even crack the top eight teams. 

So while Nets fans are looking forward to a more competitive team, with proven veteran leadership, it may not necessarily translate to many more wins this year. 


About Damn Time Nets honor their history, roots in LI, NJ

 



Brooklyn, Brooklyn, Brooklyn! 


Hello, Brooklyn! 


That's all long-time Nets fans were force-fed when the franchise relocated to Brooklyn ahead of the 2012-13 season.

Founded as charter members of the ABA, the then-New Jersey Americans played their first season at the Teaneck Armory. 

The team then shifted to Long Island and played at three different arenas over eight seasons, playing in three ABA Finals, and winning two championships. 

 Julius Erving served as the poster child for those teams and the ABA. Overall, there were more than a few seminal moments in the franchise's history.




Upon the ABA- NBA merger, the Nets were forced to sell off Erving to offset merger fees and territorial rights fees paid to the Knicks. 

The team spent 35 total seasons in the Garden State, including qualifying for the 2002 and 2003 NBA Finals with Jason Kidd leading the charge.

So while there were more disappointment moments than proud ones to that point in time, upon the team's move to Brooklyn, it was being framed as the start of an entirely new franchise. 

"Established in 2012", was plastered all over the newly minted Brooklyn Nets merchandise. Former Chief Marketing Officer, Brett Yormark, held disdain for New Jersey lawmakers who made things difficult for the final few years in New Jersey, including a 2-year pit stop at the Prudential Center in Newark.   

Yormark's pettiness left a small, but loyal New Jersey Nets fan base in the dust. As soon as team's final game in New Jersey was complete, the staff grabbed all of the team's division, conference, NBA championship banners, along with retired numbers and were off and running to Brooklyn. 

The signature red, white, and blue banners were swapped out with the trendy black and white color scheme to match the Brooklyn branding. 

The Nets tried two failed big-3 eras, and are now left rebuilding and trying to grow the fan base in the shadow of the New York Knicks Championship after 14 years in Brooklyn. 

The Nets were left with no other choice than to go back to their roots and to honor their time in the ABA and in New Jersey. 

The team will be holding several theme nights to honor the different decades of the Nets franchise.

This is a long time coming and a special treat for Nets fans of all ages.

It's a crime that it took this long, but better late than never.  





Michael Porter Jr.'s latest controversial interview last straw for Nets



 The Brooklyn Nets have a problem on their hands.

He wears #17 for the Black and White, but the urgency to trade this player has nothing to do with his on-court performance. 

Michael Porter Jr. hasn't been shy in dabbling in a variety of controversial topics. 

Most recently, Porter publicized a sit-down interview with an adult film star that must have caused angst with the powers that be in Brooklyn. 

Many of the points of discussion are not kid nor family friendly, but a quick search of his media tour of interviews, and it won't take long to come across an eye-popping or mind-numbing discussion. 

The Nets public relations department, according to Porter Jr., has requested that he steer clear of certain polarizing topics that would attract negative attention to him and to the team for the wrong reasons.

For a brief time last year, he complied with those wishes.

All that went out the window this offseason with an unfiltered Porter Jr. openly discussing sensitive political, social and even sexual topics on several occasions. 

Brooklyn failed to reach an extension with the dead-end vet and his off-the-rails discourse is making it seem even more apparent that he'll likely be playing elsewhere as soon as February's trade deadline. 

Nets to hold free fan fest on Oct. 4




The Brooklyn Nets are making a concerted effort to honor their history and to reach out to their fans. That's what happens when you spend the better part of the last two seasons tanking.


 In fact, with the Knicks raising the Larry O'Brien trophy, the Nets of becoming afterthought in their own market.

 Now, not by choice, but by circumstance, the Nets are holding theme nights to honor their ABA Roots, two ABA Title teams, as well as legendary runs as the New Jersey Nets to the NBA finals. The franchise is taking it a step further by holding a Nets fest event that will be free for fans.


 



 



Now the question remains, will the Nets still hold their Practice in the Park event? 


For the time being, the team is doing damage control for a fan base that has been through the ringer the past few years. It will take a bit more than free merch and a pep really to get Brooklyn Nets fans truly excited. 

NBA 2K27 reveals special treat for Nets fans

 



NBA2K27 is chock-full of goodies for fans of all 30 NBA teams. From MyCAREER to MyTEAM to My NBA, there isn't a shortage of features and in-depth game modes. 

For Nets fans, a first look at rookie Mikel Brown Jr. will likely make any Brooklynite giddy. The Louisville product's smooth release and lightning quick speed are apparent from the get-go. 


Those looking for a touch of nostalgia can toy around with the 2001-02 New Jersey Nets. Yes, Jason Kidd's first season with the franchise was a storybook tale. 

The game isn't without its shortcomings and while the overall visuals are impressive, the pregame presentation is laughably bad in some regards. (Yes, we're talking about this rendition of the National Anthem). 


These two Nets vets have no future in Bklyn



By enlarged, Sean Marks has built a roster full of promising, young talent with a keen eye on building for a sustainable future. 

Between a backcourt of Egor Demin and Mikel Brown, a talented backup guard in Nolan Traore and intriguing but raw bigs in Joshua Jefferson and Danny Wolf, things are looking on the way back up in the borough. 

Ironically, two of the most experienced and talented players are playing for future contracts likely somewhere else. 

Enter Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr.

Both guys are walking buckets, but they're also highly inefficient scorers. 

They will likely command a big extension that neither fits the timeline or ideal cap situation that Marks is trying to maintain. 

This begs the question, why are they still on the roster?

Porter Jr. hasn't been shy in being outspoken about a number of controversial topics that has his own PR team pulling it's hair out. 

Brooklyn will have acquired Randle as a glorified rental this season. 

With a vastly improved Eastern Conference, the Nets likely have a hard ceiling of the play-in, even with this veteran dynamic duo playing at the top of their game. 

Brooklyn's GM has to be honest about his roster. 

Despite not holding a first round pick in the 2027 NBA Draft, the time to unload Randle and MPJ is now. 

on September 13, 2026 by -Rick Laughland | Nets Insider  | Leave a comment 

New Jersey's arena operator leaves door open for Nets' return

Photo by Heath BrandonPhoto by Heath Brandon |Wiki Commons 

 The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) released a statement exclusively to Nets Insider about the feasibility of the Meadowlands Arena hosting a basketball game now or in the future. 


Reading between the lines, it appears as though the building is still capable of hosting a professional team, but does that mean the Nets could potentially move back to New Jersey? 


The Nets have routinely sold out Barclays Center with tourists, NBA casuals and a smattering of true Nets fans during the last two tanking years. 


Now with the Knicks turning New York City orange and blue, including hosting watching parties a stone's throw away from Barclays Center, rumblings of the Nets return to the Garden State are louder and more pervasive than ever. 

It seems as though NJSEA has opened Pandora's box, and this won't be the last we hear about this story. 

A History of the Nets Audiobook available now!


A History of the Nets from Teaneck to Brooklyn now has an audiobook!
Click on the link below for this exciting title that has been updated for the 2025-26 season!

Narrated by the author and jam-packed with nearly 9 hours of Nets content and history, start listening today as we bring the story of the franchise to life!


 A History of the Nets: From Teaneck to Brooklyn Audiobook HERE






Nets Rookie Report Card Grades are in

Pajicz| WikiCommons 

 The Brooklyn Nets drafted a quintet of rookies to usher in a full rebuild. 

So far the losses have piled up, but the development of the youngsters since the start of the season has been noticeable. 


Here are the best and worst from the rookie class. 



For those like Saraf, who is underwhelming, it's a learning experience, but he'll need to start showing improvement fast to stay in the organisation's long-term plans.
on March 02, 2026 by -Rick Laughland | Nets Insider  | Leave a comment 

Would Nets ever return to New Jersey, Long Island for preseason games?

WikiCommons


 The Nets have called the borough of Brooklyn home for 14-years now. 

The former home of the Nets, IZOD Center, closed its doors in March of 2015. 

So would the Nets return to their New Jersey stomping grounds? 

How about Nassau Coliseum in Long Island where the Nets won two ABA titles and clinched a berth in a third?

It provoked a lot of discussion on Nets Twitter/X.



The Nets are a nomadic franchise.


So never, say never. 


 

on March 01, 2026 by -Rick Laughland | Nets Insider  | Leave a comment 

Nets Summer of Discontent: Nets book launch


Nets Insider looks back at what was the beginning of the end for the Big Three in Brooklyn that coincided with the book tour for: A History of the Nets-From Teaneck to Brooklyn 




 




on February 24, 2026 by -Rick Laughland | Nets Insider  | Leave a comment 

Nets drop ninth straight to Boston as game slips away in the fourth




 The Brooklyn Nets have now lost nine straight contests to the Boston Celtics after falling 113-99.

Michael Porter Jr. led the way for Brooklyn with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. 





Egor Demin tallied 12 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds in 23 minutes but did not play during clutch time if the fourth quarter.

The Nets dropped to 2-12 with a home and home at Boston on Thursday. 



on November 19, 2025 by -Rick Laughland | Nets Insider  | Leave a comment 

Even when Nets win, they can't win

 




 The Brooklyn Nets won their second game of the season on Sunday night over the Washington Wizards, but even with the team getting in the win column, the fan base cannot even be satisfied. 





In what can only be described as a tankathon, Nets fans took to social media to complain about Brooklyn earning the early season win.  


Nic Claxton and Michael Porter Jr played otherworldly, while Tyrese Martin rebounded from a rough outing against Orlando Friday night. 

While fans will moan and groan that veterans are playing over rookies, the Thanksgiving holiday is not even here yet. It's clear that the Nets, when all is said and done, will be towards the bottom of the NBA standings. 

Where they'll fall in the NBA draft lottery is anybody's best guess. But crying over wins in December is a senseless exercise. 


Nets analyst reveals keys for success to the 2025-26 season


Brooklyn Nets analyst Rick Laughland joins host Josh Woolever on The Brooklyn Boys Show to break down the keys to success for the 2025–26 NBA season. 


From Michael Porter Jr's role to the team’s new rookie core, they analyze what Brooklyn must do to return to playoff contention.

 Tune in for insight, bold predictions, and everything Nets fans need to...more

on October 22, 2025 by -Rick Laughland | Nets Insider  | Leave a comment 

Durant shares heartwarming moment with Nets' superfan

 



Kevin Durant is notoriously good at trash talking. Whether it's directed at opposing fans, players, coaches or former players, he holds no punches. 


But when it comes to sentimental moments, those are usually few and far between. Maybe his 2014 NBA MVP award acceptance speech when he famously said about his mom, Wanda, "You the real MVP."



So in the second season of Netflix's docuseries Starting 5, Durant had another tear jerking moment with Bruce Reznick, aka Nets super fan, Mr. Whammy. 







These are the moments that transcend sports and a side of Durant that he rarely shows. 



on October 21, 2025 by -Rick Laughland | Nets Insider  | Leave a comment 

Nets' playmaking rookie showcases flashes of Spurs' HOFer

 

NBA.com

The Nets knocked off the Suns in the second game of the China Games in Macao, 111-109.

Cam Thomas led all scorers with 16 points in 26 minutes, but that was hardly the story of the contest. 

Brooklyn may have selected five rookies in the first round of the 2025 NBA draft, but an unlikely candidate has emerged as potentially the most impactful of them all. 

This 19-year-old has a wealth of experience playing professionally in the Israeli league. He also dons Luka Doncic's No. 77 as he aims to emulate the Slovenian-born great. 

Ben Saraf, who was a polarizing pick among the Nets fan base, is showing major signs of emulating another European-born great, Manu Ginobili. 

The left-handed combo guard plays with great pace, and court vision. His 11 assists led all players on Sunday.  

At 6-foot-6, his length is a major advantage in the paint against smaller guards. While Saraf finished with just four points on 2-of-5 shooting, his selfishness in finding the open man is eye-opening. 

It might be premature to compare this teenager to a Hall of Fame. Argentinian-born great, but he certainly impressed in his young Nets career. 


Nets' Owner, Coach, send mixed messages on tanking plans

NBA.com


 Any organization needs full alignment and a shared vision starting at the top of the organization on down to the players. 

It should comes as no surprise that a rudderless organization for the better part of its existence is having trouble getting on the same page. 

Speaking with Brian Lewis of the New York Post, Nets owner Joe Tsai shared a few concise, but direct thoughts on the upcoming season. 


 After a 2024-25 campaign where the Nets did not truly tank and drew the eight spot in the NBA Draft Lottery, it seems that the plan is clear. 

Well, maybe to everyone but head coach, Jordi Fernandez. 


 The Nets overachieved under Fernandez last season until ill-fated injuries became just too much to overcome. 

Brooklyn is expected to be among the NBA's bottom feeders, but an interesting dynamic will play out between the culture building and compete to the last whistle Fernandez, and the star-starved owner and front office that wants that next marquee young player to land in Brooklyn. 

While Tsai is not alone by declaring his team's intention to have one eye on the NBA Draft Lottery and tank,  his comments are likely fine-worthy as it flies in the face of the competitive landscape Adam Silver is trying to create. 

Perhaps Fernandez is trying to cover for his owner, but it's also possible the young coach loves taking on an immense challenge of taking a roster bereft of top tier talent and playoff experience into league relevance. 

Even large portions of the Nets fan base will root for losses to endure short-term pain for long-term gain. What Tsai and Marks may have overlooked is that folding is not in Fernandez's DNA. 

Good luck tanking with a coach that doesn't seem to be fully onboard with the marching orders from up top. 

Cam Thomas sends early message to Nets front office

 



Cam Thomas bet on himself this off-season and early returns are promising. 

The Nets young shooting guard, who was in a contract standoff with the Nets front office, made a major statement during the NBA's China games in Macao. 

Thomas started the game 6-6 with 14 points in the first quarter. He finished with 22 points on 7-12 from the field and led the team in assists with six in just 24 minutes. 

Jordi Fernandez wanted to see more playmaking and sharing the ball from the pure scorer and his preseason debut far exceeded those expectations.  

If Thomas keeps this type of performance up throughout the season, he'll likely go to the highest bidder. Beyond improving his passing and defense, Thomas will need to prove that he can stay healthy and on the court night in and night out.

If Thomas can check all those boxes, it might really be his Last Dance here in Brooklyn. 


The Nets were defeated by the Suns in OT, 132-127. 

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