The Brooklyn Nets possess some of the most enticing young talent in the NBA. Two of the team's longest-tenured players, Nic Claxton and Cam Thomas are bracing to make more promising improvements during the 2024-25 season. However, Brooklyn's 19.5 win projection might have some second-guessing the young squad's potential.
The Nets set off a domino effect when they traded former building block Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks. In addition to getting several first-round picks, the move signaled Brooklyn's emphasis on developing their young talent. Bridges was arguably the team's most coveted player, but he was not the only one with star potential.
Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton are the Nets' top two players, but despite their growth and abilities, neither Thomas, Claxton, or any other Nets made ESPN's top 100 player rankings for 2024-25.
Brooklyn has lower expectations going into the season, but the jumps that both Thomas and Claxton could make in 2024-25 make their omission from the top player list shocking. Claxton has been a fringe All-Defensive-caliber player for two years, and Jordi Fernandez believes he can be in the running for Defensive Player of the Year.
Meanwhile, after averaging 22.5 points per game in his third year with the Nets, some analysts predict Thomas could reach the towering height of leading the league in scoring during the season.
Nevertheless, until Thomas and Claxton get closer to actualizing their potential, they might continue to be left off the high list of player rankings.
Could another Nets player evolve into a star in 2024-25?
Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton are the obvious players with high potential on Brooklyn's squad, but they are not the only ones. Do not forget that Brooklyn still retains the services of three-time All-Star and two-time All-Defensive honoree Ben Simmons.
Simmons has had trouble staying healthy, but he is a force on both ends of the court when ailment-free. The star forward amassed 11 points, five rebounds, and two assists in 13 minutes during the Nets' second preseason game against the Washington Wizards.
Former Memphis Grizzlies forward and 2021 lottery pick Ziaire Williams is another player to keep an eye on. His 10 points and three steals in 22 minutes highlighted Brooklyn's preseason debut against the Los Angeles Clippers. Williams might finally break through and become a coveted wing weapon for the Nets in 2024-25.
Rankings exist for a reason, and if the Nets want to prove their low standings are wrong, they need to start the 2024-25 season with a hunger for success.