Bleacher Report Ranks Two Nets Stars in NBA's Top 70

The Brooklyn Nets have two players earning recognition among the NBA's best heading into the 2026-27 season. Michael Porter Jr. and Julius Randle both made Bleacher Report's annual ranking of the league's top 99 players, with Porter coming in at No. 51 and Randle following at No. 67.

Having two players ranked among the top 70 in the league is a positive sign for Brooklyn heading into the new season. Both forwards bring different strengths to the table, and their ability to produce offensively could play a big role in how the Nets perform this year.

Porter received the higher ranking after averaging 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 52 games during the 2025-26 season. The 28-year-old took on a much larger offensive role last year, and while his shooting percentages dipped, he showed that he could do more than simply knock down shots from the perimeter.

Bleacher Report pointed out that Porter's usage rate jumped from 21.3 over his first six seasons to 30.5 last year. He also more than doubled his career assist percentage, showing that he can create opportunities for his teammates when defenses focus on stopping his scoring.

That added dimension makes Porter an intriguing player to watch in Brooklyn. He's already one of the NBA's best catch-and-shoot threats, but his ability to create his own shot and make plays for others gives the Nets another option when their offense needs a spark.

Bleacher Report gave Porter an overall rating of 84.9, including a 90.0 rating for shooting. The biggest question heading into this season is whether he can get his three-point percentage back to its previous level. He shot 40.6 percent from beyond the arc during his time in Denver, and getting back to that mark would make him an even bigger threat.

With more playmakers around him in Brooklyn, Porter should have opportunities to get open looks without having to shoulder as much of the offensive burden himself.

Randle came in at No. 67 with an overall rating of 82.6. The 31-year-old averaged 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 79 games last season, continuing to show why he's been one of the more productive forwards in the league.

Bleacher Report highlighted Randle's ability to use his strength to get into the paint and create opportunities for teammates. He's averaged 22.1 points and 5.0 assists over the past six seasons while earning two All-NBA selections, giving Brooklyn an experienced player who can score and facilitate.

Randle's playmaking could be especially useful for a Nets team with several young guards looking to develop. However, his role will be worth watching as the season gets underway. Players like Egor Dëmin need opportunities to handle the ball and learn how to run an NBA offense, so finding a balance between Randle's strengths and the development of Brooklyn's younger players will be important.

Bleacher Report raised a similar point in its evaluation, suggesting that Randle could benefit from playing more off the ball, cutting to the basket and becoming a catch-and-shoot threat. Making those adjustments could help him fit alongside the Nets' other offensive options without taking away from what makes him effective.

Neither ranking is particularly surprising, and both feel reasonable based on what the players have accomplished. Porter has the shooting ability to make a major impact on the offensive end, while Randle brings a proven combination of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking.

Of course, individual rankings don't guarantee team success. The Nets still have plenty to figure out, particularly when it comes to developing their young talent and finding the right roles for everyone on the roster.

Still, having two players ranked among the NBA's top 70 is something Brooklyn can feel good about heading into 2026-27. Porter and Randle give the Nets two established offensive options, and how well they play together could go a long way toward determining what kind of season the team has.

Now it's a matter of seeing whether they can live up to those rankings once the games start counting.