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.

Jordi Fernandez enters his second Nets season balancing accountability with opportunity as three rookie point guards—Egor Demin, Nolan Traore, and Ben Saraf from the 2025 Draft—compete for minutes. Brooklyn also eyeing Kobe Bufkin as a potential contributor, while Fernandez leans on development to accelerate young players. The camp battle will shape Brooklyn’s guard future and testing ground for the coaching staff’s growth-first philosophy.

Past success under Fernandez is highlighted by Keon Johnson, Noah Clowney, and Tyrese Martin posting career-best seasons, a sign that his approach to player development can unlock elevated performance. The Nets’ path hinges on identifying a lead guard from camp and building around him as they press toward playoff contention.