Nets Summer League preview: Schedule, roster, players to watch

Yahoo

10-07-2025

The Nets' historic rookie class debuts Thursday night as Brooklyn takes on the Oklahoma City Thunder in their opening game of the NBA 2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas.
All but Drake Powell, the No. 22 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, who reportedly suffered a knee injury during the pre-draft process and will sit out as a precaution.
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The Nets consider Powell's injury minor. The 6-5 forward averaged 7.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.0 assist last season at North Carolina, where he earned the program's Defensive Player of the Year award as a freshman.
Nets assistant coach Steve Hetzel will lead the team as Summer League head coach for the second straight year. After Thursday's game, Brooklyn will face the Washington Wizards on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET at the Thomas & Mack Center, followed by matchups against the Knicks on Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET and the Orlando Magic on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET, both at Cox Pavilion.
All 30 NBA teams will play at least five games in Vegas, with the first four games scheduled from July 10-17. After these four games, the top four teams, based on winning percentage, will advance to the playoffs, competing in the semifinals on July 19. The two semifinal winners will face off in the championship game on July 20.
The 26 teams that don't qualify for the four-team playoff will play a fifth game on July 18, 19 or 20. Last year under Hetzel, the Nets posted a 3-1 record, missed the playoffs, and finished 3-2 after falling to the Charlotte Hornets in their fifth consolation game.
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ROSTER
Guards: Egor Dëmin, Nolan Traoré, Ben Saraf, TJ Bamba, Caleb Daniels, Tyson Etienne, Quincy Olivari, Terry Roberts
Forwards: D'Andre Davis, Tosan Evbuomwan, Grant Nelson, Tyrese Samuel, Drew Timme, Danny Wolf
Center: Justyn Hamilton
NOTABLE ABSENCES
Dariq Whitehead: Although Whitehead is entering his third NBA season, his absence from the Nets' roster is notable. Injuries have hindered his development, and among third-year players listed, he could have benefited most from additional Summer League experience. The 20-year-old appeared in only 20 games for Brooklyn last season, averaging 5.7 points and 1.5 rebounds per game.
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Jalen Wilson: Wilson still has much to prove at the NBA level after an inconsistent second season in which he shot just 39.7% from the field and 33.7% from 3-point range in 79 games. However, he dominated last year's Summer League, earning MVP honors with averages of 21.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 0.6 steals while shooting 47.3% from the field and 55% from deep over five games. Following that standout performance, Wilson has earned a well-deserved break this summer.
Noah Clowney: Could Clowney benefit from more Summer League experience? Absolutely. However, given his recent injury history, playing this summer may not be in his best interest. Prioritizing a full recovery for the 2025-26 regular season is the smartest approach. The 20-year-old averaged 9.1 points and 3.9 rebounds across 46 appearances last season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Dëmin: All eyes are on the No. 8 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft; a selection many experts considered a reach. While Summer League offers limited insights, Dëmin has an opportunity to shift perceptions with a strong performance in Vegas. The 6-8 guard enters his rookie season as one of the top playmakers in his class. His outside shooting, offensive aggressiveness and defensive versatility will be key areas to watch.
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Traoré: Once projected as a Top 5 pick, Traoré slipped to 19th overall, fueling his motivation for Summer League. The 19-year-old, known for his blazing speed and acrobatic finishes, aims to prove he deserved a higher selection. How he complements the Nets' other young guards will shape his role in Brooklyn's rotation next season. Elite perimeter defense and dynamic shot creation could set him apart.
Saraf: Brooklyn selected two point guards before Saraf in the 2025 NBA Draft. How will the 19-year-old Israeli floor general respond? Lacking the length and athleticism of Dëmin and Traoré, Saraf excels as a high-IQ playmaker who knows how to get his teammates involved. As a ball-dominant creator overseas, adapting to an off-ball role with the Nets will enhance his value.
Wolf: The 6-11 forward is among the most intriguing prospects in Summer League because of his offensive versatility. His playmaking, both in the post and on the perimeter, will be a focal point. Wolf must prove himself defensively and demonstrate physicality and effectiveness regardless of his matchup. As a turnover-prone player in college, he must prove he can reduce giveaways in Summer League as well.