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.

Cam Thomas is Brooklyn's likely 2025-26 shooting-guard starter, carrying a heavy scoring load after a $6 million QO. He averaged 24.0 PPG last season and could add playmaking as younger teammates ramp up.

Depth behind him includes Dariq Whitehead, Terance Mann and Kobe Bufkin. Bufkin may slide to shooting guard if he shoots well; Whitehead battles for a roster spot amid injuries. Preseason will reveal how coach Jordi Fernández assigns guard minutes and handles roster cuts.

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.