Brooklyn Nets open camp with Ben Saraf and Terance Mann in the starting five alongside Cam Thomas, Michael Porter Jr., and Nic Claxton, signaling a blend of youth and veteran scoring around Claxton as Egor Demin deals with a plantar fascia injury that muddies early rotation. The preseason test against Hapoel Jerusalem offered a first look at minutes and fit, with camp battles shaping up for the guard and power-forward spots.

Nets preseason vibes: a fresh, youth-forward energy took over Potomac Playground as Brooklyn welcomed all five rookies alongside Terance Mann and Michael Porter Jr. Coogi uniforms returned with fanfare, and the event underscored a community-first rebuild. Attendance felt down from last year, but the atmosphere suggested excitement around the Flatbush Five and a hopeful 2025-26 trajectory.

The day highlighted team cohesion, autograph moments, and a roster still defining roles. International buzz around Cui Yongxi and Ben Simmons added global flavor, while limited practice for Dëmin and Powell muted on-court drama. Brooklyn signaled a transition with style and optimism, not perfection.

Porter Jr. arrives in Brooklyn with championship seasoning and a clear mandate to lead a young Nets core. He talks about adapting to a new role under Jordi Fernandez, embracing a more flexible offensive path without Jokic and Murray, and mentoring Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton as Brooklyn builds toward its ceiling.

Last season Porter posted 18.2 PPG, 7.0 RPG and 2.1 APG with 50.4% FG and 39.5% from deep. The Nets’ trade for Cam Johnson pairs Porter with a rising group, offering fantasy managers a path to meaningful scoring, improved efficiency and multi-category value in 2024-25.