Brooklyn's grueling schedule tests a revamped roster as veteran Julius Randle and a high-energy youth core aim to reverse last season’s dismal record in back-to-back matchups.
The Brooklyn Nets' youth will be tested next season, as the team is tied with the New Orleans Pelicans for the most back-to-backs with 16.
Back-to-backs are one of the most grueling parts of the 82-game season. Teams often strategically plan to sit their stars out of the tougher matchup and play them in the easier one.
Brooklyn hasn't been in a position to enact these strategies over the last several seasons, but can do so now. General manager Sean Marks added experienced veteran talent in the offseason to supplement the youth core and win games.
Julius Randle headlines the new group of veterans. Acquired in a four-team trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets and Nets, he returns to New York aiming to play a leadership role.
The 6-foot-8 forward can create his own shot while fighting through contact, driving to the rim. He's a solid playmaker, too, averaging five assists last season.
Randle could be a veteran who sits in a tough back-to-back. Missing his scoring and playmaking would decrease the Nets' chances of winning, but that's where the youth comes into play.
Egor Dëmin is entering his second season as a much-improved downhill scorer. Marks drafted Mikel Brown Jr. with the sixth overall pick, and he responded to his coach's challenges in the summer league.
The duo, AKA the "Aura Bros," could fill in for Randle's absence. Dëmin shot 38.5% from three on 6.2 attempts during his rookie campaign, and Brown is a versatile three-level scorer who can be active in the passing lanes to generate steals.
That's an underrated strength of Brooklyn's heading into next season. It will be what they rely on to steal wins against tough teams like the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs.
The Nets were 2-20 in 11 back-to-backs last season. That record must improve next season, as the Houston Rockets own their 2027 first-round pick swap and the new lottery reform.
They finished with the third-worst record (20-62) last season and had a 14.1% chance of winning the No. 1 overall pick. The new lottery reform would lower their percentage to 5.1% and the number of lottery balls they would have if they finished with one of the three worst records.
That alone gives them incentive to win enough games to be above that threshold. However, with Houston owning its swap, the best-case scenario is for Brooklyn to shoot for the play-in.
Play-in teams have lowered lottery odds as well, likely preventing the Rockets from swapping into the high teens or into the top 10.
Marks equipped his team with the talent to win games and the youth to push through back-to-backs. Brooklyn has five more than last season, and starts its first series against the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers on Oct. 24 and 25.
