The Brooklyn Nets' start to the 2024-25 season is almost here. The Nets begin their training camp on Oct. 1 in Brooklyn and will move to San Diego just before playing the Los Angeles Clippers in their first preseason game. The Nets have many promising players returning, some of which should be locked for starting positions. It is a bit too early to tell who will lead Brooklyn's unit since training camp has not started, but here is what their starting five could look like.
Point guard (PG): Dennis Schroder
Dennis Schroder joined the Nets at the 2024 trade deadline as part of Brooklyn's deal that sent Spencer Dinwiddie to the Toronto Raptors. In his first 29 games with the Nets, the veteran averaged 14.6 points, 6.0 assists, and shot a career-high 41.2 percent on three-pointers. During the 2024 offseason, Schroder got clear on his future with the Nets, saying he wants to stay long-term and mentor the team's young players. His experience and stout floor general skills make him a good fit for Brookyln's starting point guard position.
Shooting guard (SG): Cam Thomas
This projection is a no-brainer. Cam Thomas overtook Mikal Bridges as the Nets' leading scorer during the 2023-24 season, averaging a career-high 22.5 points. Thomas is motivated to make another jump in 2024-25, and with the Nets in a clear rebuild, he could reach heights the borough has never seen before.
Small forward (SF): Jalen Wilson
This small forward prediction may surprise some Nets fans, given that Cameron Johnson remains on the roster. However, Jalen Wilson is proving that he might be the borough's next big thing. Wilson averaged 19.0 points and 7.5 rebounds in 11 appearances with the Long Island Nets during his rookie year in 2023-24. He took his game to the next level during the 2024 NBA Summer League. Wilson averaged 21.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and shot a blazing 55.0 percent on his three-pointers, earning the league's MVP award. Expect him to have a larger role with the Nets in 2024-25 to show more of what he can do.
Power forward (PF): Noah Clowney
Putting Noah Clowney at the starting power forward position may be another shock for fans with a veteran like Dorian Finney-Smith still on the roster. However, Clowney showed glimpses during the 2023-24 season that really lit the Nets' eyes up. During Brooklyn's 106-102 April 11. Toronto Raptors win, Clowney amassed 10 points, seven rebounds, and an incredible seven blocks. He was one swat away from tying the Nets' franchise record for most blocks in a game by a rookie. If he carries the momentum of his rim-protecting and offensive versatility into training camp, Brooklyn would be crazy not to give him an increased opportunity.
Center (C): Nic Claxton
Nic Claxton is the other no-brainer starting lock for the Nets. The rising sixth-year center has ranked top 10 in the NBA's stocks (steals plus blocks) stat for the last two years. He possesses Defensive Player of the Year potential in addition to his growing offensive game and stout rebounding. Jordi Fernandez and the Nets expect Claxton to take a big leap in 2024-25.
Wild card: Ben Simmons
It is unclear what Ben Simmons' role with the Nets will be during the 2024-25 season. Injury woes have limited his time on the court with Brooklyn. Yet, the former All-Star and All-Defensive player is healthy again and can help the Nets achieve their goals of playing up-tempo. If Simmons has a good training camp showing, the Nets' coaching staff could put him in the starting lineup, likely in place of Dennis Schroder at point guard.